Introduction
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—an irresistible dessert that combines the buttery richness of pecans with a moist yellow cake. This dessert is easy to make and perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. With its creamy topping and gooey layers, every bite is a true delight.
Reasons to Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Simple to Make: Using a box of cake mix, this dessert is quick to prepare, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- Irresistible Flavors: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and pecans creates a delicious praline topping that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly Moist: The poke cake method allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak into the cake, making each bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This cake needs time to chill, making it a great option to prepare ahead of time for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Nuts: You can swap out the pecans for walnuts if preferred.
- Cake Mix: If you want to use a homemade yellow cake recipe, you can skip the cake mix and prepare the batter from scratch.
- Whipped Topping: For a dairy-free version, use a coconut or soy-based whipped topping.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or straw (for poking holes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (optional for cake mix preparation)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. Follow the cake mix package directions and bake the cake. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Praline Topping: In a saucepan, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the warm cake.
- Pour the Topping Over the Cake: Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Spread the praline topping mixture on top.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the cake cool and set.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the chilled cake. Garnish with extra chopped pecans if desired. Slice and serve!
What to Serve with Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. For a more festive touch, serve with fresh berries or caramel sauce.
How to Store Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Resources
How to Make a Perfect Poke Cake Every Time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake without the sweetened condensed milk?
The sweetened condensed milk adds moisture and sweetness to the cake. It’s best not to skip it, but you could substitute it with a homemade caramel sauce or custard.
Can I use salted butter for the topping?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for precise control over the sweetness of the cake. If using salted butter, reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that will quickly become a favorite. With its decadent praline topping and moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy!
See also
Crispy Fried Cauliflower with Herb Yogurt Dip
PrintButter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—an irresistible dessert that combines the buttery richness of pecans with a moist yellow cake. This dessert is easy to make and perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. With its creamy topping and gooey layers, every bite is a true delight.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12-15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake (for chilling)
- Cuisine: American , southern
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake the cake as directed on the box, then remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. - Make the Praline Topping:
In a medium saucepan, combine chopped pecans, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. - Poke the Cake:
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the warm cake, making sure to create even spaces. - Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. - Top the Cake:
Spread the praline topping mixture evenly over the cake. - Chill the Cake:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until it is completely cooled and set. - Frost and Serve:
Spread the thawed whipped topping over the chilled cake. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cake Variations:
If you’d like, you can use a homemade yellow cake recipe instead of a box mix for a more personalized touch. - Nuts:
You can replace the pecans with walnuts or another nut of your choice if you prefer a different flavor or texture. - Make Ahead:
This cake can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy holidays or family gatherings. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. - Chilling Time:
Allowing the cake to chill for at least 1 hour ensures that the flavors fully develop and the cake sets properly, so don’t skip this step. - Storage:
Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12-15 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg