Looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress? This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is your new go-to. Perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or cozy family nights, this easy recipe combines the tender fluffiness of butter pecan cake with a luscious praline sauce that soaks into every bite. Topped with toasted pecans and ideal served warm, it’s one of those classic food ideas that hits the sweet spot between decadent and comforting. Whether you’re exploring breakfast ideas, dessert options, or a holiday baking list, this quick and irresistible cake deserves a spot in your favorites.
With its unique combination of flavors and textures, the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, creating an irresistible base that carries the rich praline sauce. What sets this cake apart is the way the sauce seeps into the holes poked in the cake, infusing each bite with sweet and nutty goodness. The light crunch from the toasted pecans adds a delicious contrast and enhances the overall flavor, making every slice incredibly satisfying.
What’s more, this poke cake is incredibly simple to make. In less than an hour, you can prepare this delightful dessert with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs. It’s a fabulous way to deliver a gourmet feel without the fuss, proving that sometimes the best things in life come from a straightforward approach. Once you have tasted this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of butter pecan and praline makes for a rich, delightful treat that everyone will love.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, this cake can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday celebration, this cake makes a stunning dessert.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings or the sauce to suit your preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful finish topped with pecans will wow your guests!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the recipe, it’s vital to prepare your kitchen and gather your ingredients and tools for a smooth cake-making experience. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly; this step is crucial for easy removal of the cake later.
For this recipe, you’ll need a mixing bowl and a whisk or electric mixer to combine your cake ingredients seamlessly. A wooden spoon or a skewer will be indispensable for poking holes into the baked cake, allowing the praline sauce to penetrate its fluffy layers. Lastly, a saucepan will help you make the sweet praline sauce that coats your cake. Having your ingredients measured and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Optional: extra pecans, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Mix
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking. In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter pecan cake mix, whole milk, large eggs, melted butter, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until the batter is smooth and well blended—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. Ensure no lumps remain, as a smooth batter leads to a fluffy cake.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Once your batter is mixed, pour it into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to spread the batter evenly across the dish for consistent baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven.
Step 3: Poke Holes
After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake. This step is critical, as it allows the warm praline sauce to seep into the cake, enhancing its flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the half cup of unsalted butter for the sauce. Once melted, stir in the packed light brown sugar, letting it cook until fully dissolved. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble—this should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the additional teaspoon of vanilla extract and the toasted pecans.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce
While the sauce is still warm, carefully pour it evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. This last step is where the magic happens, as the cake absorbs the sweet, nutty sauce, resulting in a flavorful explosion with every bite.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Once the sauce has been poured, let the cake cool slightly before serving. To elevate the taste even more, feel free to add extra toasted pecans, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top before serving.
Variations
- Protein: Sliced bananas or caramel sauce can be added for a more unique twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots for an added texture or experiment with other nuts like walnuts.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm twist in flavor.
Cooking Notes
- For the best flavor, always toast your pecans before adding them to the sauce.
- Ensure your praline sauce is poured onto the cake while warm for optimal absorption.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert experience.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Tips
- Experiment with different flavored ice creams as a topping for an interesting twist.
- If you’re short on time, pre-made caramel sauce can be used instead of the homemade praline sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4 grams
- Sodium: 240 mg
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix besides butter pecan?
Absolutely! You can substitute any flavor of cake mix, but vanilla or yellow cake would pair nicely with the praline sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a warm treat.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead and pour the sauce just before serving to keep it moist and fresh.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
Due to its use of cake mix and sweetened condensed milk, this cake is not gluten-free or dairy-free. However, you can look for alternatives if required.
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a dessert that brings happiness with every bite. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a beloved choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a treat by yourself, this cake is bound to impress. Don’t shy away from getting creative with variations, toppings, and sauces; the possibilities are endless! We hope this recipe inspires you to bake, share, and savor every delicious moment of this delightful dessert. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a dessert that brings happiness with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Optional: extra pecans, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking. In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter pecan cake mix, whole milk, large eggs, melted butter, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until the batter is smooth and well blended—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer.
- Once your batter is mixed, pour it into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the half cup of unsalted butter for the sauce. Stir in the packed light brown sugar, and add the sweetened condensed milk.
- While the sauce is still warm, carefully pour it evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes.
- Once the sauce has been poured, let the cake cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, always toast your pecans before adding them to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Protein: 4 g