Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Here’s a rich and delicious Pecan Praline Poke Cake—a Southern-inspired dessert that combines moist butter-pecan cake, praline-laced sweet sauce, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for potlucks or anytime you want to impress!

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🧁 Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix

• 1 (15 oz) can coconut‑pecan frosting

• 4 large eggs

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup toasted chopped pecans
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Praline Sauce

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ½ cup toasted chopped pecans

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
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Instructions

1. Preheat & Mix
   Preheat oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a large bowl, beat cake mix, frosting, eggs, oil, and milk until smooth. Fold in toasted pecans.
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2. Bake
   Pour into the pan and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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3. Poke Holes
   Right after baking, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake (about halfway down).
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4. Make the Praline Sauce
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and heat until just simmering. Remove from heat, then stir in pecans and vanilla (if using).
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5. Soak & Chill
   Pour the warm sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and drip down the sides.
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   Refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to let flavors meld and texture set.
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6. Serve
   Slice and serve cold or at room temperature. Optional garnish: drizzle caramel or top with whipped cream and extra pecans.
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🌟 Tips for Success

• Toast Your Pecans: Brings out nutty flavor and crunch.
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• Warm Sauce Infusion: Pouring it warm helps it soak deeply into the cake.
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• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep a day ahead—the flavors deepen over time.
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🔄 Variations to Try

• Nut Swaps: Try walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios instead of—or alongside—pecans.
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• Spirited Sauce: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the praline sauce for depth.
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• Ice Cream Lover’s Dream: Top with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce.
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🍴 Why You’ll Love It

• Effortless prep—shortcuts like boxed mix and canned frosting still yield decadent results.
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• Textural delight—moist cake, gooey sauce, and crunchy pecans in every bite.
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• Perfect for gatherings—easy to make ahead and a real crowd-pleaser.
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Would you like help with a gluten-free, mini-trifle, or even a caramel-whipped topping version?