Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *butter pecan praline poke cake*! It’s one of those desserts that just wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. The rich, buttery flavor of the cake, combined with the gooey sweetness of the praline sauce, is truly something special. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone gathered around, and I could see the delight in their eyes with each forkful. It was gone in no time! I love how this cake not only looks impressive but is also super easy to whip up. The way the sweetened condensed milk seeps into the cake makes it so moist and flavorful—trust me, you won’t want to miss out on making this delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped until stiff peaks form)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor, if you like!)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Prepping the Cake
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your box of butter pecan cake mix, and follow the instructions on the package—add the water, eggs, and mix until it’s all combined. It’s going to smell heavenly! Pour that batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once it’s ready, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is super important, so don’t rush it!
Creating the Poke and Filling
Now comes the fun part! Grab a fork and gently poke holes all over the top of the cake—don’t be shy! This allows the sweetened condensed milk to seep in, creating that signature moistness and flavor explosion. After you’ve poked your cake, pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over it, letting it fill those holes. You’ll see it sink in and transform the cake into a gooey delight that’s just irresistible!
Preparing the Topping
Next, let’s move on to that luscious topping! In a bowl, whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this is where it gets dreamy and fluffy. Spread that whipped cream generously over the top of the cake, smoothing it out like a cloud of sweetness. For the praline sauce, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it’s all combined and bubbly—about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, toss in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract, letting it cook just a bit longer until fragrant. Drizzle this warm praline sauce over the whipped cream layer, and oh my, your cake is about to shine! Chill the whole thing in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, and trust me, patience is key here—it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick and simple to prepare—perfect for those busy days when you still want to impress!
- The rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet praline sauce makes every bite a heavenly experience.
- It’s a fantastic dessert for gatherings, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at parties or family events.
- Chilling the cake enhances the flavors, allowing all those delicious ingredients to meld beautifully.
- The poke cake method ensures every slice is moist and infused with that delightful sweetened condensed milk.
- It looks stunning on any dessert table, making it feel special without the fuss of a complicated recipe.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty the next day, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Tips for Success
Oh, I’ve got some tips up my sleeve to help you nail this butter pecan praline poke cake! First off, when it comes to chilling, don’t skip this step! Letting the cake chill for at least 2 hours really allows those flavors to mingle and deepen. If you can, chill it overnight; it’s even better the next day!
Now, when serving, I love to add a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top for that delightful crunch. You might also consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness. Or how about some chocolate shavings? The possibilities are endless!
And here’s a little secret: if you want to make it even more decadent, try blending in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the whipped cream. It adds a subtle, rich depth that pairs beautifully with the butter pecan flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Lastly, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep that incredible moisture intact. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful butter pecan praline poke cake, based on standard ingredients. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit depending on the brands you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy this cake as a sweet treat, and don’t forget to savor every moment—and every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delicious butter pecan praline poke cake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that come up, along with my best answers.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While the butter pecan cake mix gives it that signature flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste!
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can make a homemade version by mixing regular milk with sugar, or try using evaporated milk with added sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it can work in a pinch!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays deliciously moist for several days! Just make sure to cover it well to keep that cream topping fresh.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You bet! This cake is perfect for making a day ahead. Just prepare it, chill it, and let those flavors meld. It’ll be even better the next day, trust me!
Can I freeze the butter pecan praline poke cake?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cover it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You might want to add fresh whipped cream on top after thawing for that just-made taste!
How can I enhance the flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the praline sauce! It adds a lovely depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness. Just a teaspoon or so will do the trick!
I hope these answers help! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need tips as you whip up this amazing cake. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Oh boy, the *butter pecan praline poke cake* is such a star on its own, but let me tell you, there are some fantastic pairings that can really take your dessert experience to the next level! First off, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream against the warm, gooey cake is just heavenly—trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Another great option is to whip up some fresh whipped cream (like you need an excuse, right?). A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top adds a lightness that perfectly complements the richness of the cake. You could even sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for an extra touch of flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair it with a rich cup of coffee or espresso? The deep, warm flavors of coffee work beautifully with the buttery notes of the cake, creating a lovely balance. It’s the perfect finish to a cozy meal or gathering with friends!
And for those who enjoy a bit of crunch, serve your cake alongside some candied pecans. They add a delightful texture and enhance the nutty flavor that is already present in the cake. Just sprinkle a few on the plate, and you’ve got a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation!
So, whether you go the ice cream route or keep it simple with whipped cream, each bite of this poke cake is sure to be unforgettable. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover *butter pecan praline poke cake* is super easy, and I want to make sure you enjoy every last bite! First, once the cake has fully chilled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep that delicious moisture locked in, and trust me, you don’t want it drying out!
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert option. Just be sure to keep it covered well to maintain that creamy topping! If you happen to have any leftovers after that (which is rare in my house), you can freeze individual slices as well. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and pop them in the freezer. They should stay good for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen slices, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to warm them up a bit before serving, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You don’t want it to get too hot—just warm enough to bring out all those lovely flavors again! And if you’re into it, add a fresh dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm praline sauce on top to make it feel like you just baked it fresh!
With these storage tips, your cake will stay delicious and ready to indulge in whenever the craving hits!
Imprimer
butter pecan praline poke cake: 7 steps to pure bliss
- Temps Total: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious butter pecan praline poke cake topped with a rich praline sauce.
Ingrédients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare cake mix according to package instructions.
- Bake in a 9×13 inch pan for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cake.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together.
- Add chopped pecans and vanilla extract; cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Drizzle praline sauce over the cake.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Can be topped with additional pecans if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 24g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: butter pecan praline poke cake
