Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a heavenly dessert that combines the buttery richness of pecan cake with the gooey delight of caramel and praline sauce, all topped off with a cloud of whipped cream and toasted pecans. This cake is a celebration of texture and flavor, where moist cake meets luscious, nutty sweetness in every bite. Whether for a family gathering or just because you deserve a special treat, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake plays a starring role to build depth, richness, and that perfect nutty sweetness. You’ll find it’s a simple list of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dessert.

• Butter pecan cake mix: This box mix is the cake’s base, bringing buttery pecan flavor and moistness with minimal effort.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness that soaks into the cake, making it decadently moist.
• Caramel sauce: Provides rich, buttery caramel notes enhancing the overall sweetness.
• Chopped pecans, toasted: Introduces crunch and deep nutty flavor, balancing the soft textures beautifully.
• Heavy whipping cream: Essential for the luscious whipped cream topping and part of the praline sauce.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream gently without graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavors in the whipped cream.
• Brown sugar: Used in the praline sauce to deliver caramelized notes and a lovely gooey texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create that silky praline sauce.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Butter Pecan Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch cake pan with non-stick spray. Baking the cake according to the box instructions gives you a perfectly tender and buttery base that will soak up all the luscious toppings. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly so it’s still warm but not hot enough to melt toppings prematurely.

Step 2: Poke Holes for Maximum Flavor

Grab a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. These holes are the magic portals that allow the sweetened condensed milk to seep deeply into every bite, infusing the cake with creamy, sweet moisture that elevates its texture to next-level moist.

Step 3: Pour and Soak with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour a whole can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it drip into the holes. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness paired with a subtle sugary richness. Allow the cake to cool completely as the milk settles and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce

While the cake chills, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, cooking until the sugar melts and the sauce thickens slightly—about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped pecans and remove from the heat. This homemade praline sauce is what brings that irresistible sticky crunch and nutty sweetness that gives this poke cake its signature personality.

Step 5: Drizzle Half of the Praline Sauce

Pour half of your warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, spreading it to fill the holes and coat the surface. This step allows the flavors to infuse deeply and creates pockets of sticky, nutty richness throughout the cake.

Step 6: Whip and Spread the Creamy Topping

In a bowl, whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until your cream forms stiff peaks. This fluffy, sweet topping provides lightness and balances the richness underneath. Spread it evenly over the cooled cake for that perfect creamy finish.

Step 7: Final Touch with Remaining Praline and Pecans

Drizzle the remaining praline sauce on top of the whipped cream, then sprinkle with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch and eye-catching presentation. The combination of creamy, caramel, and crunchy elements creates a symphony of textures with every forkful.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

Enhance the cake’s nutty, buttery notes by adding a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. For an elegant touch, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice right before serving makes every bite even more decadent and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides that keep the focus on its richness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy complement. Fresh berries can add a refreshing contrast by cutting through the sweetness, brightening the bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake in clear glass dishes or trifle bowls to showcase its layers and textures visually. You can also cut it into mini squares for bite-sized treats at a party or wrap individual pieces in parchment for a charming homemade gift that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps keep the whipped cream topping fresh and the cake moist without drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake but without the whipped cream topping, as it doesn’t freeze well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping with fresh whipped cream and praline sauce.

Reheating

Since this cake shines best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving which can break down the textures. If you prefer a warm treat, reheat a small slice briefly and serve it with cold whipped cream on the side.

FAQs

Can I make the praline sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the praline sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Gently warm it before drizzling over the cake to regain that perfect pourable consistency.

What if I don’t have a butter pecan cake mix?

You can substitute a yellow or vanilla cake mix and add a teaspoon of pecan extract plus chopped pecans into the batter to mimic the flavor closely.

Is it necessary to toast the pecans?

Toasting the pecans intensifies their flavor and adds a nice crunch, essential to balancing the sweet, creamy elements in the poke cake.

Can I use cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Cool Whip can be a convenient substitute, but fresh whipped cream offers superior texture and flavor, especially paired with the praline sauce.

How soon can I serve the cake after assembling?

It’s best to let the cake chill for at least 2 hours after assembly to allow the flavors to meld and the sweetened condensed milk to fully absorb for maximum moistness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that combines rich pecan flavor, gooey caramel, and fluffy whipped cream, the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is calling your name. It’s a showstopper that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Don’t wait—try this delightful cake and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!

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