Description

This Butter Pecan Dulce de Leche Poke Cake combines the rich, nutty flavors of butter pecan cake with the creamy sweetness of dulce de leche. Poke holes in the freshly baked cake allow the luscious caramel sauce to seep in, creating moist, decadent bites. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy pecans and toffee bits, this dessert is the perfect indulgence for any special occasion or casual treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

15.25 ounce butter pecan cake mix (1 box, Betty Crocker recommended)
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup water

Filling and Topping

15 ounce dulce de leche (1 jar)
32 fluid ounce Cool Whip or whipped cream
½ cup pecans, chopped
½ cup toffee bits

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix and Bake the Cake: Prepare the butter pecan cake batter according to the package instructions by combining the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the greased pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke Holes and Add Dulce de Leche: Once the cake is baked, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all across the surface of the warm cake. Microwave the jar of dulce de leche for approximately 30 seconds to make it easier to pour, then stir well. Drizzle the dulce de leche evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes and soak in.
Top with Whipped Cream and Garnishes: Spread Cool Whip or whipped cream evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and toffee bits on top to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares, serve, and enjoy the creamy, buttery, and nutty flavors of this irresistible poke cake.

Notes

For best results, allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes and adding dulce de leche to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
If dulce de leche is not available, you can substitute with caramel sauce, though texture and flavor will vary.
Chilling the cake after assembly can help the flavors meld together and make slicing easier.
To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free butter pecan cake mix.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: butter pecan cake,poke cake,dulce de leche cake,dessert,pecan cake,caramel poke cake,toffee bits cake