Southern Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Get ready to experience pure dessert bliss with our Southern Pecan Praline Poke Cake! This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of butter pecan cake, creamy coconut pecan frosting, and a luscious pecan praline topping. Each bite is an explosion of sweet, nutty goodness that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the South. Discover why this cake has become a beloved classic, perfect for any occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Picture this: it’s a warm Sunday afternoon, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked Southern Pecan Praline Poke Cake fills our cozy kitchen. The memories flood back as I remember the first time I made this cake for my little family. My husband’s eyes widened with excitement as I sliced into the cake, revealing its moist, pecan-speckled layers. The first bite was pure magic—a symphony of flavors and textures that left us speechless. From that moment on, this cake became a symbol of love, joy, and togetherness in our household. It’s a dessert that never fails to put smiles on our faces and create cherished moments around the table.
Why This Cake Will Steal Your Heart?
- Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Indulge in the harmonious combination of butter pecan cake, coconut pecan frosting, and a decadent pecan praline topping. This cake is an explosion of sweet and nutty flavors that will leave you craving for more.
- Ease of Preparation: With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this delectable cake in no time. Impress your family and friends with a homemade treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The moistness of the cake, thanks to the addition of eggs, oil, and water, ensures a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth. The roasted pecans add a delightful crunch, taking this cake to the next level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz.) butter pecan cake mix
- 1 tub (15 oz.) coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup roasted pecans, chopped
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup roasted pecans, chopped
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water. Use a handheld or stand mixer to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. Add the chopped pecans and mix again.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the dish. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out clean.
Allow the cake to cool on a wire cooling rack, giving it time to settle and develop its flavors.
Pecan Praline Topping Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is well blended.
Add the chopped pecans to the saucepan and mix well, ensuring that the pecans are evenly distributed in the praline mixture.
Once the cake has completely cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke several holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the praline topping to seep into the cake, infusing it with even more flavor.
Pour the pecan praline mixture over the cake, making sure it fills the holes and covers the entire surface.
Slice, serve, and prepare yourself for a slice of Southern heaven!
Notes:
- If you don’t have a butter pecan cake mix, you can substitute it with a yellow cake mix and add 1 teaspoon of butter extract and ½ cup of chopped pecans to the batter for that signature flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts in the praline topping, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- To enhance the flavor, you can toast the pecans before adding them to the batter and praline topping. Simply place the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly golden.
The Southern Pecan Praline Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern charm and a testament to the joy of indulgence. With its delectable blend of butter pecan cake, coconut pecan frosting, and a heavenly pecan praline topping, this cake has the power to bring smiles, create lasting memories, and evoke a sense of comfort and togetherness. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment of self-indulgence, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, treat yourself to a taste of the South, and let this irresistible cake become a centerpiece of your sweet moments. It’s time to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, if you don’t have butter pecan cake mix on hand, you can substitute it with a yellow cake mix and add butter extract and chopped pecans to recreate the unique flavor of this recipe.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
While the coconut pecan frosting complements the flavors of this cake perfectly, you can experiment with other frostings like cream cheese or vanilla. However, keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste and texture of the dessert.
How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Southern Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box 15.25 oz. butter pecan cake mix
- 1 tub 15 oz. coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup roasted pecans chopped
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 can 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup roasted pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and water. Use a handheld or stand mixer to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. Add the chopped pecans and mix again.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the dish. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire cooling rack, giving it time to settle and develop its flavors.
Pecan Praline Topping Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is well blended.
- Add the chopped pecans to the saucepan and mix well, ensuring that the pecans are evenly distributed in the praline mixture.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke several holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the praline topping to seep into the cake, infusing it with even more flavor.
- Pour the pecan praline mixture over the cake, making sure it fills the holes and covers the entire surface.
- Slice, serve, and prepare yourself for a slice of Southern heaven!
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