If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly irresistible, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe may just become your new favorite go-to dessert. Imagine a moist, buttery pecan cake generously infused with sweetened condensed milk and luscious caramel, crowned with a warm, sticky praline topping studded with crunchy pecans. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and sweet that makes this cake both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is bound to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to turning this dessert dream into a reality. These simple yet essential components each play a crucial role in the delightful taste, texture, and look of the cake. From the rich butter pecan cake base to the velvety caramel and crunchy pecan topping, every ingredient shines.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The flavorful base packed with buttery pecan goodness makes baking a breeze.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): Adds rich sweetness and moisture that soaks deep into the cake.
- Caramel ice cream topping (12 oz): Brings gooey caramel richness that melts into the cake’s pockets.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Provides crunch and nutty flavor essential to the praline topping.
- Butter (½ cup): Gives the praline sauce its silky richness and binds ingredients together.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep molasses sweetness for that signature praline taste.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a smooth, luscious texture for the topping.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor complexity with warm, familiar notes.
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your butter pecan cake mix exactly as the box details. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure even thickness and bake until golden and springy to the touch. The cake mix makes this step both simple and foolproof, giving you a moist, nutty foundation that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Poke Holes
Once your cake is fresh out of the oven and still warm, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the surface, about two inches apart. These holes are the secret to turning this cake into a soaked dessert, allowing the sweetened condensed milk and caramel to drip deep into every bite.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake. As it seeps into the holes, it infuses the cake with creamy sweetness and moisture, making the texture incredibly tender and rich.
Step 4: Drizzle Caramel
Next up, drizzle the caramel ice cream topping generously across the top, letting it fill the holes alongside the condensed milk. This step creates those luscious caramel pockets that will melt in your mouth, adding a buttery, caramelized surprise in every forkful.
Step 5: Make the Praline Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter before stirring in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and cook it for two to three minutes until it thickens slightly. This magical mixture will become the sticky praline topping that defines this dessert.
Step 6: Finish the Topping
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor. Then fold in the chopped pecans, which add irresistible crunch and a toasty nuttiness to the sugary praline sauce.
Step 7: Pour Topping
Pour your warm praline mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly so every slice will get a generous amount of those crunchy, caramelized nuts and creamy sauce. This final touch makes the poke cake truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely at room temperature. This waiting game allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the topping to set perfectly before you dig in. Once cooled, your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming touch of elegance. For extra decadence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with something light and refreshing like fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad. These sides help cut through the sweetness and add a pop of color and freshness to your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the poke cake in individual mason jars for a cute, portable treat at parties, or layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a stunning visual. You can also turn leftovers into decadent parfaits by alternating cake cubes with ice cream and praline bits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen over time, making each slice even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but for best texture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The praline topping may soften slightly but the taste remains delicious.
Reheating
If you love your poke cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings out the melty caramel goodness without drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade butter pecan cake instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! While the box mix makes this recipe quick and easy, using a homemade butter pecan cake will add a personal touch and allows you to customize the flavor even more.
What can I substitute for caramel ice cream topping?
If caramel topping isn’t on hand, you can use homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche. Both add rich sweetness and work beautifully with the poke cake technique.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?
Yes, poking holes is what makes this a poke cake! The holes let the sweetened condensed milk and caramel soak deep into the cake, giving you that moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You could, by substituting a gluten-free butter pecan cake mix. Just make sure your other ingredients like caramel topping and praline are also gluten-free for a safe treat.
How long does it take to make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe?
This entire recipe generally takes about one hour from start to finish, including baking and cooling time. It’s perfect for when you want an impressive dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious. This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that brings smiles to the table every single time. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy layers of buttery pecan cake soaked in creamy sweetness and topped with gooey praline magic. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a decadent dessert combining a moist butter pecan cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping, finished with a warm, buttery praline pecan topping. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations, it offers a blend of buttery, nutty, and caramel flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping
Praline Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix box. Prepare the butter pecan cake batter following the package instructions and pour it into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow it to remain warm.
- Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the top of the warm cake to allow the toppings to seep in.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes thoroughly.
- Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the cake surface, allowing it to flow into the holes and meld with the milk.
- Make the Praline Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens.
- Finish the Topping: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans, mixing well.
- Pour Topping: Pour the warm praline pecan mixture evenly over the cake, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature so the toppings can set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a wooden spoon handle or similar to create evenly spaced holes for the best topping absorption.
- Make sure the cake is still warm when pouring the sweetened condensed milk and caramel to ensure better soaking.
- If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
