Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Welcome to our decadent dessert recipes section! Today, we’re sharing a rich and indulgent recipe for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. This cake is made with a butter pecan cake mix, filled with a sweet praline sauce, and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any special occasion or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Praline Sauce:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Praline Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
Heat Sauce: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Poke and Fill the Cake

Poke Holes in Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the cooled cake.
Pour Sauce: Pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Spread any remaining sauce evenly over the top of the cake.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely, letting the sauce soak into the cake.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Enjoy the rich, sweet, and nutty flavors!

Cooking Notes and Tips

Cake Mix: Ensure you use a butter pecan cake mix for the best flavor. You can also use a yellow cake mix and add 1 teaspoon of butter flavoring if you can’t find butter pecan.
Pecans: For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the cake and sauce.
Cooling: Letting the cake cool slightly before pouring the sauce helps it absorb better and creates a moister cake.

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Praline Cake

Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolate twist.

Caramel Pecan Poke Cake

Replace the sweetened condensed milk in the praline sauce with caramel sauce for a caramel pecan version.

Coconut Pecan Poke Cake

Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter for a coconut pecan flavor.

Bourbon Pecan Poke Cake

Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the praline sauce for a boozy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake is delicious on its own but pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How can I make the cake healthier?

Use reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk and light coconut pecan frosting to reduce the calorie content. You can also use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist cake, sweet praline sauce, and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious cake with your family and friends!