Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this butter pecan praline poke cake! It’s everything you want in a dessert and more—so moist, rich, and packed with flavor. Seriously, every bite is like a warm hug from your grandma! I’ve made this for family gatherings, birthday parties, and even just because I needed a pick-me-up, and it never fails to impress. The way the creamy filling seeps into the cake and the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping just takes it over the top. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to make everyone smile. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close to your heart!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to create a moist and delicious butter pecan praline poke cake that’s bound to be the star of any gathering!
- 1 box yellow cake mix – This is the base of your cake, providing that lovely sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup water – It’ll help bring the cake mix to life, so don’t skip this!
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – This adds richness and keeps your cake super moist.
- 3 large eggs – These are essential for binding everything together and giving structure to your cake.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk – This is the magic ingredient that makes your cake fabulously creamy and sweet!
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds a rich texture to the filling that you simply can’t resist.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – These will give your cake that amazing crunch and nutty flavor—don’t skimp on these!
- 1 cup brown sugar – This is what will create that luscious caramel flavor in your praline topping.
- 1/2 cup butter – It adds richness to the pecan topping, making it irresistibly gooey and delicious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your cake to bake just right! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. You’ll typically need to combine the mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. It’s super simple, and you’ll want to mix it until it’s just combined—no need to overdo it!
Baking the Cake
Now, pour that lovely batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, so it bakes uniformly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t open the oven door too soon, though; let it do its thing!
Creating the Poke Cake Effect
Once your cake is out, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This is important! You don’t want to pour the filling on a hot cake. After it cools, take a fork and poke holes all over the top—this is where all that creamy goodness will soak in. Trust me, this step is key to making it a true poke cake!
Making the Pecan Praline Topping
In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and that splash of vanilla extract. Heat it gently until it’s warm but not boiling. Then, pour this delicious mixture over the poked cake, letting it seep into those holes. Now, for the pecan topping! In another saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until it’s nice and bubbly. Toss in the chopped pecans and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re all coated and caramelized. Pour this heavenly mix over the cake and let it cool completely before serving. Oh, it’s going to be so hard to wait, but I promise it’s worth it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your butter pecan praline poke cake turns out perfectly, here are my go-to tips! First, use fresh ingredients—especially eggs and baking mix, as they make a big difference in flavor and texture. Don’t skip the cooling time after baking; it’s essential for the cake to absorb that delicious filling properly. If you want an extra flavor boost, consider using toasted pecans instead of raw; it elevates the taste to another level! And if you’re making this ahead of time, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge after it’s cooled completely. Trust me, this cake just gets better with a little time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious butter pecan praline poke cake. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 5g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 25g of sugar and 200mg of sodium in there. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ about Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Got questions about this scrumptious butter pecan praline poke cake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One common question is whether you can substitute ingredients. Absolutely! If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can use a vanilla or even a spice cake mix for a different flavor twist. Want to make it a bit lighter? Try using lighter cream instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.
Now, about storage—this cake is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to 4–5 days, but trust me, it’s usually gone way before then! If you want to make it ahead of time, it’s a great idea! Just prepare it a day before your gathering, and let those flavors meld together. Oh, and if you’re thinking about variations, feel free to experiment! You could add chocolate chips or even some caramel drizzle for an extra layer of indulgence. The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of poke cakes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter pecan praline poke cake is truly a showstopper, and here’s why you’re going to adore making it!
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like a million bucks!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and crunchy pecan topping creates a perfect balance that will leave everyone craving more.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip this up a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and making your life easier!
- Impressive Presentation: It looks gorgeous on any dessert table, and your guests will be wowed by the delicious layers.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) love the fun poked holes filled with creamy goodness—it’s a hit with everyone!
Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your butter pecan praline poke cake, there are so many delightful ways to elevate the experience! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy coldness pairs beautifully with the rich, warm cake. You could also whip up some fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence—just a dollop on top before serving makes it feel so fancy!
If you want to add a touch of fruitiness, slices of fresh strawberries or a berry compote can brighten up the plate. And don’t forget a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra wow factor! Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your butter pecan praline poke cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy it for up to 4–5 days. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can make the cake a day ahead and let those lovely flavors meld together.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend slicing a piece and microwaving it for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up without losing that scrumptious texture. You can also serve it cold if you prefer! Just be sure to add a fresh dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top to bring it back to life. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the day you made it!
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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: 5 Must-Try Tips for Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This butter pecan praline poke cake is a moist and flavorful dessert. It’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Heat until warm.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- In another saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir in chopped pecans and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the cake and let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, use toasted pecans.
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: butter pecan praline poke cake
