Introduction
If you love rich, buttery desserts with a nutty crunch, you’re in for a treat! The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a moist, soft cake with a sweet praline topping and a creamy buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Poke cakes are fun because after baking, you “poke” holes in the cake and pour in a delicious filling, making every bite extra moist and flavorful.
This cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or simply a special treat for yourself. The combination of buttery cake, sweet caramel-like praline, and crunchy pecans creates a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners!
Ingredients – Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Poke Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Pecan Praline Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Extra pecans
Step by Step Process – Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Follow the instructions on your yellow cake mix box. Usually, this involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes go deep but do not cut all the way through. These holes will hold the sweet filling and make the cake extra moist.
Step 5: Add the Sweet Filling
Mix the sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it evenly.
Step 6: Make the Butter Pecan Praline Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 7: Add the Topping to the Cake
Pour the warm praline mixture over the cake. Spread it evenly so every bite gets a taste of sweet, buttery pecan goodness.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pecans. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box | 850 | 12 | 180 | 10 |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup | 1,600 | 181 | 0 | 2 |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup | 650 | 0 | 170 | 0 |
| Milk | 1/4 cup | 30 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can | 1,300 | 33 | 220 | 32 |
| Pecans | 1 cup | 750 | 78 | 14 | 10 |
| Heavy cream | 2 tbsp | 100 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 24 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more after sitting for a few hours.
Q2: Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade yellow or butter cake works perfectly. Just ensure it’s slightly dense to hold the filling.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q4: Can I replace pecans with walnuts or almonds?
Yes, any nut of your choice can be used. Pecans are traditional, but walnuts or almonds give a nice twist.
Q5: Is there a way to make it less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly in the topping or use half-sweetened condensed milk. It will still be delicious but slightly less sugary.
Final Thoughts
The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines soft, moist cake with a creamy, nutty topping. Its sweet, buttery flavor is irresistible, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy weekend treat. The poke cake method is easy to follow and ensures that every slice is flavorful and moist.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this recipe is simple to make and sure to impress family and friends. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Once you try this cake, it will quickly become a favorite in your dessert collection. Enjoy every buttery, pecan-filled bite!
