Sweet & Crunchy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

Sweet memories swirl around this butter pecan praline poke cake that promises pure comfort.

Decadent layers of moist goodness invite you to indulge in southern charm.

Nutty pecans and rich caramel create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Smooth praline sauce seeps into tender cake crumbs, creating irresistible pockets of delight.

Each forkful carries whispers of classic southern dessert traditions with a modern twist.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist cutting another slice of this irresistible treat.

Why Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Is a Must-Try Dessert

Savor Southern Comfort: Discover the irresistible charm of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that promises pure delight!

• Bake with Ease: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to seasoned pro.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Rich, nutty flavors and decadent praline sauce guarantee smiles around the dinner table, making it a guaranteed hit for gatherings and potlucks.
• Sweet Southern Tradition: Celebrates classic Southern dessert techniques with a modern twist, bringing nostalgic flavors and comforting textures that transport you to grandma's kitchen.
• Customizable Indulgence: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like whipped cream or extra pecans, allowing personal creativity and flavor exploration.

Essential Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: A convenient mix that provides the primary flavor and texture for the cake.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Adds richness and complements the butter pecan profile.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the cake.
• Milk: Enhances the cake's smoothness and helps blend ingredients.

• Pecans, Chopped: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and textural interest to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Pecans, Chopped: Creates a rich, sweet sauce that soaks into the cake, adding extra moisture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Butter pecan cake mix
• Coconut pecan frosting
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Whole milk

Blend ingredients using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Crunchy Texture

Gently fold chopped pecans into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Create Poke Holes

Remove the cake from the oven.

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create holes across the entire surface of the warm cake.

Step 6: Craft Praline Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.

Add sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously.

Step 7: Finish Praline Sauce

When the mixture starts to simmer, stir in chopped pecans.

Remove from heat.

Step 8: Drench the Cake

Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and covers the entire surface.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely to room temperature. Slice and serve this indulgent dessert that combines rich, buttery flavors with nutty crunch.

Tips for Moist and Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the cake for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the overall texture.
• Replace coconut pecan frosting with homemade caramel sauce for a personalized touch and deeper sweetness.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free condensed milk and a sugar-free cake mix for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Creative Variations on Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Praline Poke Cake: Replace the butter pecan cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, using almond flour or gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pecan Delight: Swap eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of regular milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine for a plant-based adaptation.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Sensation: Utilize a sugar-free cake mix, substitute sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version, and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Pecan Paradise: Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and select a dairy-free cake mix for those with lactose intolerance.

Perfect Pairings for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Smooth bourbon blended with rich caramel syrup perfectly complements the cake's nutty, sweet profile. The alcohol's warmth enhances the pecans' robust flavor.
• Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates delightful temperature contrast against the warm, gooey praline cake. Its pure sweetness balances the cake's intense caramel and pecan notes.
• Dark, intense espresso cuts through the cake's richness, providing a sharp counterpoint to its sweet, dense texture. The coffee's slight bitterness refreshes the palate between decadent bites.

Storage Tips for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add 5-10 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this cake unique?

The butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, and chopped pecans create a rich, nutty flavor profile that sets this dessert apart from traditional cakes.

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

While the butter pecan mix is recommended, you could substitute with a yellow or white cake mix, but it would alter the original flavor and texture of the recipe.

• Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?

No, this cake contains pecans in multiple components, including the cake mix, frosting, and sauce, making it unsafe for individuals with nut allergies.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

This is a relatively easy recipe with straightforward steps, making it suitable for bakers with basic to intermediate skill levels who are comfortable using an electric mixer and following simple cooking techniques.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

This mouthwatering butter pecan praline poke cake showcases Southern dessert charm with rich caramel and nutty layers. Pecan lovers will savor each sweet, indulgent bite of this classic Southern treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15 oz) butter pecan cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (16 oz) coconut pecan frosting
• 1 cup (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup) finely chopped pecans
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (57 g)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent cake from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Blend with an electric mixer until the batter becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold chopped pecans into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure even baking.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
6. Remove cake from the oven and immediately create multiple holes across the entire surface using the handle of a wooden spoon, ensuring deep and consistent punctures.
7. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until it becomes completely liquid and slightly golden.
8. Add sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
9. Incorporate chopped pecans into the sauce, stirring until they are well distributed and the mixture begins to simmer.
10. Remove sauce from heat and carefully pour over the warm cake, ensuring the liquid seeps into the created holes and covers the entire surface.
11. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile to the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter mixing and more even cake texture.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to dry results.
• Consider substituting gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version of this decadent dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg