Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this butter pecan praline poke cake! It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I mean, who can resist a moist cake packed with that rich butter pecan flavor, drenched in sweetened condensed milk and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce? I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone was practically fighting over the last slice! The combination of crunchy pecans and that creamy topping makes every bite feel like a little slice of heaven. You’ll want to make this again and again! Trust me, your friends and family will adore you for it. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (don’t worry about fancy here, just grab your favorite!)
- 1 cup water (room temperature is perfect)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for that lovely moisture)
- 3 large eggs (make sure they’re fresh for the best rise!)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (chop them yourself for a rustic touch!)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (this is the magic ingredient that makes it a poke cake!)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought is fine, but homemade is a game changer!)
- 1 cup whipped topping (light and fluffy, it complements the richness perfectly)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for topping (because you can never have too many pecans!)
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Preparing the Cake Batter
Alright, let’s get that batter ready! In a large mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but you can go old school with a whisk if you prefer! Mix until it’s smooth and no lumps remain. Now, here’s where the magic happens: gently fold in those chopped pecans. This adds that wonderful crunch and flavor that makes this cake special. Take your time with this step; you want to see those pecans evenly distributed throughout the batter!
Baking the Cake
Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go! If it’s still wet with batter, give it a few more minutes.
Creating the Poke Cake Effect
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part! You want it to be cool enough to handle but warm enough to soak up that deliciousness. Grab a fork and poke holes all over the cake—don’t be shy, really go for it! Then, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into those holes. This soaking process is crucial; it’s what makes this cake so moist and flavorful. Just imagine all that creamy goodness infusing into every bite!
Finishing Touches
Now for the grand finale! Drizzle that luscious caramel sauce all over the top of the cake, letting it cascade into the holes. It’s going to look so inviting! Next, spread the whipped topping evenly across the cake. Feel free to be generous here; it adds that fluffy, dreamy texture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top for a nice crunch and presentation. And there you have it—a stunning butter pecan praline poke cake ready to impress!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this scrumptious butter pecan praline poke cake:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose. But hey, who’s counting when it’s this delicious? Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ about Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While I love the classic yellow cake mix, you can try using a butter cake mix or even a spice cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
No worries! In a pinch, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and sugar. Combine 1 cup of milk with about 1/3 cup of sugar, and you’ll get a similar consistency and sweetness. Just remember, sweetened condensed milk adds that extra creaminess!
How long does this cake last?
This butter pecan praline poke cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings!
What’s the best way to serve it?
You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. I love to garnish each slice with extra chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel for that extra wow factor. Trust me, it’ll be the star of your dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- Moist Texture: Every bite of this cake is unbelievably moist, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk soaking in. It’s like a cloud of flavor!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. You’ll impress everyone without the stress!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of buttery pecans and caramel creates a rich, indulgent experience that satisfies your sweet tooth like nothing else.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a casual get-together, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You’ll be the star of the party!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix things up by adding chocolate chips or even a hint of cinnamon for a twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-ahead Friendly: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a fantastic choice for prepping in advance.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your butter pecan praline poke cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate your baking game:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and water are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and promotes even baking. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Use Fresh Pecans: If possible, toast your pecans lightly in a dry skillet before chopping and adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch!
- Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You want it just set, not overbaked!
- Let It Soak: After poking holes in the cake, don’t rush the soaking process. Let the sweetened condensed milk absorb fully for a moist, flavorful cake. Patience is key!
- Experiment with Toppings: While whipped topping is delicious, don’t hesitate to try variations like cream cheese frosting or even a drizzle of chocolate for a unique twist!
- Serve Chilled: This cake is especially delightful when chilled. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’s so refreshing on a warm day!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a show-stopping butter pecan praline poke cake that everyone will rave about. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve created this glorious butter pecan praline poke cake, you’ll want to make sure it stays just as delicious for days to come! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
First off, if you have any leftovers (which is a big if, trust me!), let the cake cool completely before covering it. I like to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps that moisture locked in and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure to check that it’s well-covered to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!
If you’re looking to enjoy your cake later, you can also freeze it! Simply slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Oh, and no need to reheat it if you don’t want to—it’s delicious served cold! But if you prefer it warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a gooey mess!
Following these storage tips will help maintain that incredible flavor and texture, allowing you to savor every last bite of your butter pecan praline poke cake!
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: 7 Irresistible Tips to Love it
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This butter pecan praline poke cake is a moist and flavorful dessert. It features a rich butter pecan flavor topped with praline sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Spread whipped topping over the cake.
- Sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce.
- Use homemade caramel for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: butter pecan praline poke cake, poke cake, praline cake, dessert recipe
