Name: Southern Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 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 and butterscotch chips for garnish

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Introduction

This Southern Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a luscious dessert combining rich butter cake with toasted pecans and gooey butterscotch. The poke technique allows sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping to seep into every bite, creating a moist, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.

The image shows a tall, square slice of layered dessert on a white plate. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly light brown crust. Above it is a creamy, beige layer that looks smooth. Next is a thick white whipped cream layer, soft and fluffy, covered with a sticky caramel sauce dripping down the sides. The top is sprinkled with a mix of whole and chopped pecan nuts, giving a crunchy touch. The background is a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 and butterscotch chips for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare the butter cake mix according to the package instructions. Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans and pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the remaining pecans and cook until toasted, then set aside to cool.
Step 5: When the cake is done and still hot, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.

Step 6: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Then spread the butterscotch caramel topping over it.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely, then carefully spread the thawed whipped topping on top.
Step 8: Garnish with the toasted pecans and butterscotch chips for added texture and flavor.

Step 9: Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the additional pecans lightly in a dry skillet before garnishing.
Swap the whipped topping for freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm spice note.
If butterscotch caramel is unavailable, a drizzle of caramel sauce or dulce de leche works well as a substitute.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the whipped topping’s texture. When ready to serve, you can let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly if preferred.

How to Serve

The image shows a thick slice of a multi-layered dessert on a white plate. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust. Above it, there is a creamy, pale yellow layer. The next layer is a smooth white cream topped with a drizzle of golden caramel sauce dripping down the sides. The top layer is a fluffy white whipped cream, garnished with whole and chopped pecans scattered generously over it. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the glossy texture of the caramel and the creamy layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?

Yes, a homemade butter or yellow cake recipe can be used as a base. Just ensure it bakes in a 9×13 pan and is sturdy enough to hold the fillings when poked.

What can I use if I don’t have butterscotch caramel topping?

You can substitute with caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a homemade butterscotch sauce to achieve a similar flavor and texture.