If you adore rich, comforting desserts that bring a touch of Southern charm to any gathering, the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture a moist butter pecan cake, perfectly tender and studded with buttery pecans, soaked generously with a decadent homemade brown sugar praline sauce, and topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer crowned by crunchy toasted pecans. This dessert effortlessly combines indulgence with nostalgia, making it perfect for holiday celebrations, potlucks, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is a warm hug on a plate that invites smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element from the tender butter pecan cake mix to the luscious praline sauce plays an essential role in making this cake absolutely irresistible.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The base of our dessert, providing that classic nutty sweetness and moist crumb.
- Water: Helps to activate the cake mix and keep it tender.
- Vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake soft.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that seeps into the poked holes, adding creamy sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: For the praline sauce, it adds a silky richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel-like flavor to the sauce.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the sweetness in the praline sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the praline sauce luscious and smooth.
- Whipped topping: Light and airy, it’s the perfect cool contrast to the warm, sticky sauce.
- Chopped pecans: Toasted to add crunch and highlight the buttery pecan notes in the cake.
- Optional caramel drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence and shine on top.
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. In a large bowl, mix the butter pecan cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter is smooth and uniform — usually about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that the cake is done.
Step 2: Poke the Cake and Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface; these holes let the sweetened condensed milk seep deep inside, adding moisture and a rich creamy sweetness that makes every bite tender and flavorful. Slowly pour the condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb into all those little pockets you created.
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Praline Sauce
On the stove, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar. Let this mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling gently — this develops a beautiful caramel flavor. Next, whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Pour the Praline Sauce Over the Cake
Carefully pour the warm praline sauce atop the cake, spreading it evenly so every nook is coated with this gooey, buttery goodness. This layer intensifies the classic Southern flavor that makes this poke cake truly memorable.
Step 5: Chill and Add the Topping
Allow the cake to cool completely, which helps the praline sauce set slightly. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the surface. To finish, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans evenly over the top for an irresistible crunch, and drizzle caramel sauce if you want to take it up a notch.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra chopped toasted pecans or a delicate drizzle of caramel sauce turns your dessert into a showstopper. These garnishes add texture and rich flavor, making the cake look as irresistible as it tastes. You might also try a few flakes of sea salt to balance sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for contrasting temperatures and creaminess. A small bowl of fresh berries can add a bright, slightly tart counterpoint that lifts the overall richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the poke cake into individual portions and serve them in clear glass dishes to show off the layers of luscious sauce and fluffy topping. Alternatively, cut mini squares and serve them as bite-sized treats at parties — they’re perfect for indulging without anything going to waste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the texture, and you’ll find the flavors only deepen as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for later, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain the silky praline sauce and moist cake texture.
Reheating
Generally, this cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheating can change the texture of the whipped topping and praline sauce. If you prefer a warmer dessert, serve a slice with warm vanilla ice cream rather than microwaving the cake.
FAQs
Can I make the praline sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The praline sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply warm it gently before pouring over your cake for the best results.
What type of whipped topping works best?
Use a stable whipped topping like store-bought Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream with a bit of stabilizer to keep the topping fluffy and fresh over time.
Can I use fresh pecans instead of toasted?
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch, but if you’re short on time, fresh pecans will still add that buttery nuttiness important to this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, be sure to check that your whipped topping and other packaged ingredients don’t include gelatin if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
For best flavor and texture, chill the cake for at least 1 hour. This allows the praline sauce to set perfectly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dessert that feels like a warm embrace, and the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe does exactly that with every forkful. Its rich, buttery layers combined with the sweet praline sauce and crunchy pecans will have you coming back for seconds and more. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday table, a potluck, or just craving a classic Southern-inspired treat, this poke cake will quickly become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try — I promise it will make your day a little sweeter!
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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert featuring a moist butter pecan cake soaked with a homemade brown sugar praline sauce and topped with a creamy whipped topping and crunchy toasted pecans. It’s the perfect sweet treat for holidays, potlucks, or any time you’re craving classic Southern flavors in an easy-to-make cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) butter pecan cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
For the Praline Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- Optional caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is perfectly cooked through but still moist.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: While the cake is still hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak in, adding deep moisture and flavor.
- Soak the Cake: Slowly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing the milk to seep into the holes and infuse the cake with sweetness and richness.
- Make the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Praline Sauce: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the soaked cake, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface. This sauce adds a luscious, buttery sweetness with classic Southern praline flavor.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, helping the flavors to set and the cake to firm up.
- Add Topping and Pecans: Once cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Add Optional Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle caramel sauce artistically over the cake topping, if desired.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure it is fully set and chilled, making it ideal for slicing and serving.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting.
- This cake is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance to enhance flavors.
- For added depth of flavor, stir a pinch of cinnamon into the praline sauce before pouring it onto the cake.
