Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is like a party in your mouth, where the flavors of butter and pecan dance with a sweet caramel drizzle. Imagine biting into a moist cake that has soaked up all that sweet goodness, creating a flavor explosion that makes your taste buds do the cha-cha. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, pulling everyone in like they’ve just caught a whiff of freshly baked cookies.
I remember the first time I made this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake for my family gathering. It was an instant hit! Everyone was fighting for the last piece—trust me; it got intense. This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or even when you need a little pick-me-up on a Tuesday. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with crunchy pecans, satisfying every craving
- Its gorgeous appearance is sure to impress at any gathering or celebration
- Versatile enough for any occasion, serve it warm topped with ice cream or chilled as a refreshing dessert
I once served this cake at a family reunion, and you would have thought I won a baking competition by the way everyone raved about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic base for this poke cake provides an easy foundation; no one will know it’s from a box. For more inspiration, check out this easy breakfast ideas recipe.
- Pecans: Opt for toasted pecans to enhance their flavor and add that satisfying crunch we all adore.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the cake’s sweetness while enhancing its rich flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient adds moisture and sweetness; be generous!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the cake for extra decadence; store-bought works just fine for convenience.
- Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy, it complements the richness of the cake beautifully; use homemade if you’re feeling fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Cake Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal later.
Mix and Bake Your Cake: In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix with eggs and water as per package instructions. Stir until smooth and pour into prepared dish.
Bake Until Perfectly Golden: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—no gooey mess here!
Create Those Delicious Holes!: Once cooled for about 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake—this allows those tasty flavors to seep in.
Add Sweetness with Condensed Milk: Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the poked cake. Let it soak in while you whip up your next layer.
Top It Off with Goodness!: Spread whipped topping evenly across the entire surface of the cake. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle toasted pecans on top for that delightful crunch.
Now, grab yourself a slice of that Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake and take a moment to appreciate your culinary art! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake isn’t just delicious; it’s a showstopper
- The sweet aroma of caramelized pecans fills your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere
- It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night, and the gooey texture will have everyone coming back for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions. Once it cools, poke holes and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk for that ultimate moistness.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out pecans for walnuts or adding chocolate chips for extra richness. You can also experiment with flavored extract for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake impresses with its rich flavors and textures
- Use high-quality ingredients like fresh pecans for a noticeable difference in taste
- Let the cake sit overnight so flavors meld beautifully, enhancing every bite you take
Sharing this cake at my cousin’s wedding was unforgettable; it disappeared faster than I could serve it! Their smiles and compliments warmed my heart, proving that desserts really do bring people together. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well if you’re looking for variety.
How long does this cake last?
The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake stays fresh in the fridge for about five days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a day in advance enhances the flavor and texture even more!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a moist yellow cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk, topped with fluffy whipped cream, rich caramel sauce, and crunchy toasted pecans. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings, promising a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing finish, this cake will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups toasted pecans
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with eggs and water until smooth. Pour into prepared dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Once cooled for about 10 minutes, poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake and let it soak in.
- Spread whipped topping over the cake, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle toasted pecans on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For extra richness, consider adding chocolate chips or using flavored extracts like vanilla or almond. - If you prefer different nuts, feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds. - Letting the cake sit overnight enhances the flavors beautifully.