Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe


This Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a decadent twist on the classic poke cake, combining the rich flavors of pecan praline with a moist, buttery cake. The caramel-like praline sauce soaks into the cake, creating a luscious, gooey layer, while the whipped topping and crunchy pecans add texture and sweetness. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Decadent: The praline sauce adds a deep, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the cake.
  • Easy to Make: A boxed cake mix cuts down on prep time, while the homemade praline sauce elevates it to gourmet status.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This cake serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
  • Customizable: Add extra toppings like chocolate drizzle or toasted coconut for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
  • Optional: Caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or extra pecans for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box and pour it into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (usually 25–30 minutes). Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

2. Poke the Cake

  1. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to poke all the way through the bottom.

3. Make the Pecan Praline Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.