If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, you have to try this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe. It’s a luscious butter cake studded with toasted pecans, soaked in sweetened condensed milk and butterscotch caramel, then topped with fluffy whipped topping and a sprinkle of more nuts and caramel chips. Each bite melts with rich buttery flavor and nutty crunch, making it the perfect treat for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a bit of Southern comfort on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this dreamy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe, you’ll rely on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and indulgent flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the moist butter cake base to the toasted pecans that add that signature Southern crunch and the butterscotch topping that brings everything to a sweet, buttery finish.
- Butter cake mix: This forms the soft and fluffy base of the cake, delivering classic buttery flavor and an irresistible crumb.
- Chopped pecans: Adding plenty of crunch and a toasted nutty note essential for that Southern praline feel.
- Butter: Used both in the batter and to toast the pecans, it infuses a rich, velvety taste.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Perfect for soaking into the cake holes and creating a sweet, gooey texture that keeps every bite moist.
- Butterscotch caramel topping: This sticky, buttery caramel layers over the cake, enhancing its Southern charm and adding decadence.
- Whipped topping: Light and airy, this balances the richness of the cake and caramel, creating a creamy finish.
- Extra pecans and butterscotch chips: Garnishes that bring a beautiful texture contrast and a pop of flavorful sweetness.
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly — this will ensure your cake slides out easily after baking and won’t stick to the sides.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter with Pecans
Prepare the butter cake mix as directed on the package, but here’s the fun part: fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans right into your batter. This will infuse every bite with that delightful crunch and signature butter pecan flavor true to this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pour your batter into the greased pan and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden-brown surface and a toothpick that comes out clean, which signals your cake is perfectly cooked and ready for the next step.
Step 4: Toast the Remaining Pecans
While your cake is baking, gently melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat, then toss in the remaining chopped pecans. Stir frequently and toast them just until they’re fragrant and golden. This simple step elevates the nuttiness and is a must for the authentic praline flavor.
Step 5: Poke the Cake and Pour the Sweet Milky Goodness
Once the cake is fresh out of the oven and still warm, take the back of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top. This is what makes it a true poke cake — those holes soak up the condensed milk and caramel so every bite is moist and sweet. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk slowly over the cake, making sure it settles into the holes.
Step 6: Add Butterscotch Caramel Topping
Next, drizzle or spread the jar of butterscotch caramel topping evenly over the surface of the cake. The rich caramel brings the recipe’s deep buttery sweetness front and center, perfectly blending with the pecans and condensed milk.
Step 7: Chill and Spread Whipped Topping
Allow the cake to cool completely; this is important so the whipped topping doesn’t melt when spread. Once cooled, spread all 8 oz of the whipped topping in a thick, even layer over the cake’s surface — this airy topping contrasts beautifully with the dense, gooey layers beneath.
Step 8: Garnish and Refrigerate
Finish your masterpiece with a generous sprinkle of toasted pecans and butterscotch chips on top. The garnishes add a crunchy, sweet pop of texture that makes this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe look as incredible as it tastes. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour to let all the flavors marry together before serving.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake already comes adorned with pecans and butterscotch chips, feel free to get creative! A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on each slice makes for an even more indulgent presentation. For special occasions, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert holds its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or a tangy berry compote that cuts through the richness. If you want to turn your dessert into an elegant Southern spread, serve it alongside hot brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the buttery, nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, try serving slices of this poke cake in individual glass trifle dishes layered with pecan praline sauce or some extra chopped pecans. You can also turn it into cupcakes by baking smaller portions and following the same poke and topping method. This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors and to keep the whipped topping fresh and fluffy.
Freezing
You can freeze the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe if needed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It’s best frozen without the whipped topping, so add that fresh after thawing. Frozen cake will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert with whipped topping, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow the cake to thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving. This keeps the texture and flavors intact for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade butter cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer baking from scratch, a homemade butter cake will work perfectly with this recipe and might add an extra touch of personal flair to your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe.
What can I substitute for butterscotch caramel topping?
If you don’t have butterscotch caramel, a good-quality caramel sauce or dulce de leche will work wonderfully. They’ll give you a similar rich, buttery sweetness that complements the pecans and condensed milk.
Can I skip the pecans if I have allergies?
While pecans are a key flavor in this dessert, you can substitute them with toasted sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely, but consider adding extra texture with crushed cookies or toffee bits to keep that delightful crunch.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
Chilling the cake for at least one hour is ideal. This allows the condensed milk and caramel to soak in fully and the whipped topping to set, making the cake easier to cut and more delicious.
Is this cake very sweet? Can I reduce the sweetness?
This cake is indeed on the sweeter side, as is typical with Southern desserts. If you want to tone it down, you can reduce the amount of butterscotch topping or use a lighter whipped topping. Pairing it with a cup of unsweetened tea can also balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to desserts. The magical combination of moist cake, toasted pecans, caramel sweetness, and fluffy topping is pure Southern bliss in every bite. Trust me, this recipe will shine at your next gathering or Sunday dinner, and you’ll be sharing it again and again. Go ahead and treat yourself to this irresistible, heartwarming cake today!
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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Easy Southern Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Indulge in this classic Southern Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, a delightful layered dessert featuring moist butter cake studded with toasted pecans, sweetened condensed milk poured into tender holes, topped with luscious butterscotch caramel, whipped topping, and finished with crunchy pecans and butterscotch chips. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, this easy-to-make poke cake combines rich flavors and a creamy texture that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- 1 box butter cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (10 oz) butterscotch caramel topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Extra pecans for garnish
- Butterscotch chips for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: Prepare the butter cake mix according to the package instructions. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly to infuse nutty flavor throughout the cake batter. Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is thoroughly cooked.
- Toast Pecans: While the cake bakes, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the remaining pecans and cook until they become toasted and aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside for garnish later.
- Poke Cake Holes: When the cake is done baking and still hot, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top to allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak in.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Caramel: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk slowly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Next, spread the butterscotch caramel topping evenly over the top to add rich, buttery sweetness.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. Then, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top for a creamy finish.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle toasted pecans and butterscotch chips on top for added texture and flavor. Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld and the pudding set.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans and toast them carefully to avoid burning, which enhances their flavor.
- Let the cake cool fully before spreading whipped topping to prevent it from melting.
- Refrigerating the cake helps the poke holes absorb moisture, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.
- You can substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream for a more natural touch.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free butter cake mix.
