1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to serve.

2. Make the Cake Batter: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk.
2. Mix: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the ingredients together on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.

3. Incorporate Pecans: Adding a Nutty Crunch

1. Add Pecans: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans into the cake batter. Mix until they are evenly distributed.

4. Bake the Cake: Achieving a Moist and Tender Crumb

1. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

   • Check for Doneness: The cake is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

5. Poke Holes in the Cake: Preparing for the Sauce

1. Remove from Oven: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven.
2. Poke Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle end of a wooden spoon (or a similar tool) to poke holes all over the top of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

   • Tip: Make sure to poke the holes all the way down to the bottom of the pan. This will allow the praline sauce to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

6. Make the Praline Sauce: A Sweet and Buttery Topping

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter.
2. Add Condensed Milk: Add the can of sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter.
3. Heat Through: Stir the mixture constantly and heat until it’s thoroughly combined and warmed through. Do not boil.
4. Add Pecans: Stir in the ½ cup of chopped pecans.

7. Pour Sauce Over Cake: Infusing with Flavor

1. Drizzle Evenly: Carefully drizzle the warm praline sauce over the warm cake, making sure to fill all the poked holes.

   • Tip: The warm sauce will seep into the holes, infusing the cake with flavor and moisture.

8. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Decadent Creation

1. Cool: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the sauce to soak in and the cake to set slightly.
2. Serve Warm or Chilled: You can serve the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake warm or chilled, depending on your preference.