Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—a moist, buttery cake infused with sweetened condensed milk and topped with gooey caramel praline sauce and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make Southern dessert is perfect for any occasion, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix – This forms the cake’s base, saving time and ensuring a rich, buttery flavor.
- 3 large eggs – Eggs help bind the cake and provide moisture, keeping it light and fluffy.
- 1 cup water – For added moisture and to help the cake rise.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil – Adds a tender texture to the cake.
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Toppings and Praline Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – This will fill the poked holes, adding an irresistible creaminess to each bite.
- 1 jar (10 oz) butterscotch caramel topping – Adds that gooey, caramel flavor that praline fans adore.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – The star ingredient! Pecans give the cake a delightful crunch and are key to that classic praline taste.
- Optional: Coconut pecan frosting – For those who love an extra touch of texture and flavor, a bit of coconut pecan frosting can be spread on top.
Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, bringing together layers of flavor and texture that make this cake so remarkable. Using both condensed milk and caramel topping in the poke holes makes the cake ultra-moist and sweet, while the pecans give it that essential praline crunch.
Instructions
Let’s break down each step to create this luscious dessert. Follow along, and in no time, you’ll have a perfect Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake ready to impress.
Step 1: Preparing the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This size is ideal for a poke cake, allowing plenty of room for the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed until well-blended, typically for about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Step 2: Making the Praline Sauce
While the cake bakes, you can prepare the ingredients for the delicious praline sauce that will infuse every bite.
- In a small saucepan, warm the butterscotch caramel topping over low heat until it becomes pourable but not too hot. You don’t want it to scald or harden.
- Set aside, as this will be added to the cake once it’s out of the oven.
Step 3: Poking and Filling the Cake
Now comes the fun part! Once the cake has finished baking, let it cool slightly—about 10 minutes—so it’s still warm but not piping hot.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes throughout the cake at about 1-inch intervals. Make sure the holes are deep enough to reach the bottom of the cake for maximum flavor infusion.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. This will create pockets of creamy sweetness.
- Follow up by pouring the warmed caramel topping over the cake, again making sure it fills the holes thoroughly.
Step 4: Adding the Final Toppings
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously across the top of the cake, pressing them down gently to ensure they stick.
- (Optional) Spread a thin layer of coconut pecan frosting on top if you want an extra layer of sweetness and texture. This frosting pairs beautifully with the butter pecan flavor and adds a bit of richness.
And that’s it! You’ve now prepared a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that’s ready to chill and develop its full flavor. You can let it sit at room temperature to cool completely, or, for best results, cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating that signature poke cake texture.
Notes
- Poking the Cake: For best results, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to make large enough holes so the fillings can fully soak into the cake, creating that classic poke cake texture.
- Chilling Time: This cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld. For optimal flavor, let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings! A drizzle of chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dollop of whipped cream can add unique twists to the traditional recipe.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will remain moist and flavorful.
- Making in Advance: This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient dessert for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake,Butter pecan cake recipe,Pecan praline dessert,Southern dessert,Caramel pecan cake