There’s something irresistibly comforting about a rich, moist cake smothered with creamy frosting, crunchy toasted pecans, and a luscious drizzle of caramel. If you’re looking for a dessert that checks all those boxes, Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is your answer. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for a festive holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to impress.
Inspired by the classic Southern flavors of praline and butter pecan, this cake combines the best of both worlds: a soft, buttery cake soaked in creamy caramel goodness, topped with a velvety cream cheese layer and crunchy pecans. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Plus, this poke cake is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it a must-try for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The buttery flavor of the cake mixed with the rich caramel sauce creates a balanced sweetness that is both indulgent and satisfying. The combination of the creamy cream cheese topping and toasted pecans adds a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. Every bite is a perfect harmony of gooey caramel, fluffy cake, and crunchy pecans.
Simple and Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull off this decadent dessert. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, this poke cake is super easy to make. The cake mix streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on the fun part—topping it off with delicious caramel and cream cheese!
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday feast, or attending a potluck, this cake will be the star of the dessert table. The blend of sweet flavors and the eye-catching presentation will have everyone asking for the recipe. And because it’s served chilled, it’s perfect for warm weather gatherings too!
How to Make Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Butter Pecan Cake
Start by preparing the butter pecan cake according to the instructions on the box. The key to a successful poke cake is a cake that’s moist enough to absorb all the sweet liquids you’ll be pouring over it, and this butter pecan cake mix delivers just that.
Preheat your oven and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Once everything is ready, pour the batter into the dish and bake as directed. The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is warm (but not hot), grab the handle of a wooden spoon or any other similar object and gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure to poke deep enough so that the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce can seep into the cake and infuse it with flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Cake with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Caramel Sauce
After the cake is poked, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the surface, ensuring that it fills all the holes. This step adds sweetness and moisture, making the cake wonderfully rich. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes as well. The combination of the two will create a gooey, flavorful base that takes the cake to another level.
Once you’ve poured both the condensed milk and caramel sauce, let the cake cool completely. This cooling step is essential to ensure the flavors fully soak into the cake.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
While your cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the luscious cream cheese topping. Start by beating the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Once it’s fully blended, add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until it’s fully incorporated. This will give the cream cheese mixture a light and fluffy texture, making it the perfect topping for your cake. The coolness of the whipped topping combined with the tanginess of the cream cheese will balance the richness of the caramel, giving the cake a creamy, dreamy finish.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled and the caramel has soaked in, it’s time to spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring every inch of the cake is covered.
Step 6: Add the Toasted Pecans
After the cream cheese layer is spread, sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the top. The crunch of the toasted nuts adds a satisfying texture to every bite, and their warm, nutty flavor complements the caramel and cream cheese perfectly. If you haven’t toasted your pecans yet, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and golden.
Step 7: Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce
For the final touch, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cake an inviting, glossy finish that will make your guests’ mouths water as soon as they see it.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This will give the cake time to set, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to firm up. After chilling, slice the cake into squares, and you’re ready to serve this incredible dessert!
Tips and Variations
Make It Your Own with Different Cake Mixes
While butter pecan cake mix is the base for this recipe, feel free to get creative with other cake mixes. Vanilla, yellow, or carrot cake would work just as well, creating different flavor profiles while maintaining the indulgence of the caramel and cream cheese topping.
Add More Flavor with a Dash of Bourbon or Vanilla Extract
For a subtle kick, try adding a dash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the cream cheese topping. This will infuse an extra layer of complexity into the flavor, making the cake even more unique and delicious.
Try Different Nuts
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them out for other nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts. Just make sure to toast them before sprinkling them on top for that extra crunch.
Serve with Ice Cream
For an over-the-top dessert experience, serve each slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel swirl ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, caramel-soaked cake.
Why This Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a Must-Try
Perfect for All Occasions
This poke cake is the ideal dessert for every occasion—whether you’re celebrating a special event, enjoying a casual family dinner, or attending a potluck. It’s sure to wow your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of rich flavors and easy preparation makes it a dessert that’s both accessible and extraordinary.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Kids and adults alike will love the gooey, caramel goodness of this poke cake. The familiar flavors of butter pecan, cream cheese, and caramel will appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a universally loved treat.
Make Ahead and Store for Later
Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s also convenient. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. The cake stays moist and flavorful, even after a few days!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both simple and indulgent, this Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake should be at the top of your list. With its perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply treating yourself to something special, this cake will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Try it today, and share it with friends and family—you won’t be disappointed!
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Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
A rich and indulgent dessert that combines the buttery flavor of pecan cake, creamy caramel, and a tangy cream cheese topping, finished off with crunchy toasted pecans. This Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers. Its easy preparation and irresistible flavor will make it a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Cake:
• 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup caramel sauce
Topping:
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the butter pecan cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish according to the package instructions.
- Once baked and still warm, poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top so it seeps down into the holes.
- Generously drizzle caramel sauce across the cake, making sure it gets into the holes. Allow to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add in powdered sugar and blend until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread this cream cheese topping evenly across the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the top with toasted pecans and finish with another drizzle of caramel.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use different cake mixes, like vanilla or yellow, for variety.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, try adding a dash of vanilla extract or bourbon to the cream cheese topping.
- Make sure to toast the pecans before sprinkling them on the cake for extra crunch and flavor.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for optimal flavor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes