If you love the warm, buttery flavor of pecans paired with the indulgent sweetness of praline, then this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s an irresistible dessert that brings together a moist, tender butter pecan cake with rich, creamy praline sauce soaked deep into every bite. The combination of textures and flavors makes it feel like a celebration in your mouth, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness that make this dessert unforgettable.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The cake’s base, bringing that signature buttery, nutty flavor and a soft crumb.
- Coconut pecan frosting: Adds a hint of tropical sweetness and an extra layer of pecan goodness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and provide moisture for a tender cake.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the buttery flavor.
- Milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend all ingredients seamlessly.
- Chopped pecans (two times): Offers delightful crunch and enhances the nutty flavor in both the cake and the praline sauce.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Forms the rich, creamy base of the praline sauce that will soak into the cake.
- Butter: Used in the praline sauce, providing that luscious, velvety texture and deep buttery taste.
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick, which will help keep the edges nice and smooth when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, silky batter. Then, gently fold in half of the chopped pecans to distribute nutty bits throughout the cake batter, adding an enticing crunch to each slice.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter into your greased baking dish and level it out gently. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, revealing a perfectly baked cake that is moist and tender.
Step 4: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is fresh out of the oven, let it cool just enough so it’s still warm but not hot. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake — this is what will let the praline sauce seep deep inside, creating a moist, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 5: Prepare the Praline Sauce
In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s smooth and bubbling gently. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, transforming into a rich, creamy sauce. Stir in the remaining chopped pecans for a perfect praline crunch and remove from heat.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Cake
Carefully drizzle the warm praline sauce evenly over the poked cake, letting the sauce pour into every hole you made earlier. This step is where the cake earns its signature indulgent, gooey texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, giving the sauce time to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Once cooled, slice it up and get ready to enjoy one of the best butter pecan desserts you’ve ever made.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with this cake, adding a touch of elegance without taking away from the buttery praline flavor. For extra indulgence, sprinkle on some toasted pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce for an irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a standalone dessert, but if you want to round out your dessert spread, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple fresh fruit salad. The cold creaminess and fresh acidity will balance the buttery richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique touch, serve individual pieces in small mason jars topped with whipped cream and chopped pecans. Or plate slices with a side of caramelized bananas or a warm bourbon sauce drizzle. It’s a showstopper no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and the praline sauce continues to soak into the cake, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor. Just be aware the praline sauce may soften after freezing but will still be delicious.
Reheating
To enjoy this cake warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. The praline sauce softens and melts slightly, creating a delightful, gooey bite that tastes fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While store-bought mixes make this recipe super convenient, a homemade butter pecan cake batter will bring even more depth and a personal touch. Just make sure it has those classic butter and pecan flavors to keep the integrity of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
The star of this particular poke cake is pecans, so removing them will change the flavor significantly. If allergies are a concern, you might try substituting with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower, but be aware it won’t taste quite the same.
What can I use instead of coconut pecan frosting?
If coconut pecan frosting isn’t available, try using regular buttercream with a splash of coconut extract and chopped pecans mixed in. This will help mimic the unique flavor and keep the texture luscious.
Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
Yes, you can adjust to an 8×8-inch pan for a thicker cake, but you may need to increase baking time. Always check doneness with a toothpick, and consider poking more selectively if using a smaller pan to avoid overflow of the sauce.
What’s the best way to chop pecans for the recipe?
To chop pecans without turning them into dust, use a sharp knife and a steady hand to create small, uniform pieces. This ensures you get delightful crunchy bits scattered throughout the cake and the praline sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with a dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent. Its buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet layers come together so seamlessly, it’s like a hug on a plate. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake to bake and share!
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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a luscious dessert combining the rich nutty flavors of butter pecan cake with a sweet coconut pecan frosting and a creamy praline sauce infused with chopped pecans. The cake is baked to perfection, then ‘poked’ to allow the warm praline sauce to seep deep inside, creating a moist and flavorful treat perfect for special occasions or a comforting sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 (15 oz) box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 (16 oz) can coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Praline Sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, canned coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans to add texture and nutty flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool slightly. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake to create channels for the praline sauce to soak in.
- Prepare the Praline Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a sauce consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Add Sauce to Cake: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the entire cake, allowing the sauce to seep into the holes you made, moisten the cake, and infuse it with sweet praline flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely to allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld. Slice into pieces and serve as a delectable dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is not overbaked to keep it moist and perfect for soaking up the praline sauce.
- Use a wooden spoon handle or similar to poke holes gently without breaking the cake apart.
- The praline sauce thickens faster if stirred constantly; keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Chilled cake can be refrigerated and tastes delicious when served slightly cold or at room temperature.
- For added texture, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top after pouring the praline sauce before the cake cools.
