There’s something magical about a Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that captures the heart and taste buds. Picture this: warm, buttery cake infused with nutty pecan goodness and drizzled with sweet praline sauce, creating an irresistible dessert experience. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, inviting you to indulge in every luscious bite. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
Now, imagine making this delightful treat for a family gathering or a rainy Sunday afternoon. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” With each forkful, you’ll savor the combination of soft cake and crunchy pecans topped with that heavenly drizzle. Trust me; it’s as scrumptious as it sounds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is an easy dessert that combines rich flavors with minimal effort
- Its stunning appearance makes it perfect for any occasion
- The blend of textures keeps each bite exciting, appealing to all ages
- You can easily tweak the ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions
When I first made this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake for my family, they practically begged me for the recipe. Their reactions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the cake’s saltiness; it enhances richness beautifully.
- Cake Mix: A vanilla or yellow cake mix works wonders here; it saves time and still tastes homemade.
- Pecans: Choose fresh pecans for that crunchy texture; toasting them brings out their flavor even more.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and moisture; it’s essential for the poke part of the cake.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds depth of flavor; I prefer dark for its rich caramel notes.
- Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream to create a luscious praline sauce that perfectly complements the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for the best flavor enhancement in desserts. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert options recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Cake Base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix with water, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly!
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked, remove your cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top—this step is crucial for soaking up all that deliciousness!
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into those poked holes. Let it absorb while you prepare your praline topping.
Make Your Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until it reaches a gentle boil; simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Pecans and Vanilla Extract: Remove from heat and stir in toasted pecans and vanilla extract. Pour this glorious mixture over your partially cooled cake, ensuring every corner gets its share!
Let everything chill in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully together.
Now you’ve crafted an impressive Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that’s sure to wow anyone who takes a bite! Enjoy each moist slice filled with layers of flavor that’s worthy of any dessert table!
You Must Know
- This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delicious treat that combines rich flavors with a moist cake
- The aroma of toasted pecans will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
- Don’t be surprised if it becomes the star of your dessert table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake until golden brown, then poke holes and drizzle with caramel while it’s still warm for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts or add a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in your praline sauce
- Always toast nuts before adding them; it enhances their taste and crunch
- To achieve the perfect poke cake texture, let it soak overnight before serving
The first time I made this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, my friends devoured it! They still ask me to bring it to every gathering, which warms my heart.
FAQ
What makes poke cakes so special?
Poke cakes absorb flavors like no other, creating a moist and delightful dessert experience.
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or macadamia nuts can add unique flavors and textures.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 servings 1x
Description
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together a warm, buttery cake and the rich flavors of toasted pecans and sweet praline sauce. This easy-to-make cake offers a unique texture and delicious taste that will impress your family and friends at any gathering. With its inviting aroma and luscious flavor, this poke cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, water, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before poking holes all over the top with a wooden spoon handle.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake to allow it to soak.
- For the praline sauce, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until boiling and simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in toasted pecans and vanilla extract; pour over the cake.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 58mg