If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in sweetness, the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious cake combines the rich, buttery flavors of a classic butter pecan cake with pockets filled by creamy sweetened condensed milk and caramel, topped off with a decadent homemade praline sauce so full of nutty goodness it’s impossible to resist. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering layers of flavor and texture that’ll have you coming back for more. Let me share with you how simple it is to bring this crowd-pleaser to life in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cake looks and tastes like a bakery masterpiece, but you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each brings something unique, whether it’s the moist cake base, the silky caramel infusion, or the crunchy praline topping.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The foundation of this dessert, providing a tender crumb and that signature buttery pecan flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and seeps into the cake to keep every bite moist.
- Caramel ice cream topping: Brings a rich, buttery caramel flavor that blends beautifully with the pecan notes.
- Chopped pecans: For that wonderful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
- Butter: Used in the praline sauce to give it a silky texture and to carry the rich flavor.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes with the butter to make that signature praline flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy praline glaze that brings everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives a warm, aromatic finish.
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix instructions and prepare the butter pecan cake batter. Pour it into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish for the perfect thickness. Baking this cake is a breeze with the mix, yet the flavor you get feels like homemade magic. It’s the golden base that sets everything up wonderfully.
Step 2: Poke the Cake Holes
Once the cake is baked and still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface. This little step is essential—it’s where all the creamy goodness will seep in and infuse every bite. The warm cake soaking up the fillings melts hearts every time.
Step 3: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk
Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the cake, letting it slowly drift into the holes you created. This part makes the cake incredibly moist and adds a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the nutty flavors.
Step 4: Add Caramel Topping
Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping all over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes too. This adds a buttery sweetness and a slightly chewy caramel surprise in each bite, taking the indulgence to the next level.
Step 5: Make the Praline Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it naturally thickens to a luscious glaze. This step is where the praline magic really comes to life.
Step 6: Add Vanilla and Pecans
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract, followed by the chopped pecans. These toasted nuts add fantastic texture and deliver on the nutty promise of the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe.
Step 7: Pour the Praline Glaze
Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, spreading it gently so it coats the entire surface. This glossy topping seals your creation with sweet, buttery goodness and crunchy pecans that shine in every forkful.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the entire cake to cool thoroughly before cutting or serving. This resting time lets all the flavors meld together and the praline topping to set just right, so each slice is perfectly decadent.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe even further, sprinkle some extra toasted pecans on top for added crunch, or add a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. A light dusting of cinnamon can also bring a cozy warmth to the presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an over-the-top indulgence. Fresh berries work as a delightful contrast, offering a pop of color and a hint of tartness against the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert table, consider serving this poke cake in elegant glass trifle bowls to showcase the layers, or cut into petite squares and place on decorative dessert plates. You can also toast the pecans in cinnamon sugar before topping to add an extra festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
If you want to save this treasure for later, freeze the cooled cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain all that buttery, nutty goodness.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warm to revive that freshly baked feel. Be mindful not to overheat or the praline topping may get too soft, but a slight warmness heightens the decadent flavors wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free butter pecan cake mix, or bake your own gluten-free cake base. Just make sure all other ingredients, like the caramel topping, are gluten-free as well.
Is there a way to make the praline sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The flavor will differ slightly but remain wonderfully rich and creamy.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
You certainly can! Homemade caramel adds a personal touch and is delicious, just make sure it’s a pourable consistency to soak nicely into the cake.
How long does the cake stay moist?
Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and caramel soak, the cake stays moist for several days when stored properly in the fridge, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
What are some variations on this poke cake?
You can experiment by adding chocolate chips to the batter, using maple syrup in the praline glaze, or swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds to suit your taste and keep this recipe fresh and exciting.
Final Thoughts
Making the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is like creating a little piece of joy that you get to share with everyone you love. It’s not only a feast for the palate but also a heartwarming experience that brings cozy flavors and sweet memories to your table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A luscious Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake featuring a moist butter pecan cake infused with sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. The cake is finished with a rich praline sauce made from butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and chopped pecans, delivering a delightful combination of creamy, nutty, and caramel flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping
Praline Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix box. Prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Poke holes in the cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This allows the liquids to penetrate deeply for added moisture and flavor.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes created.
- Drizzle caramel topping: Evenly drizzle the jar of caramel ice cream topping over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes alongside the sweetened condensed milk.
- Make the praline sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring frequently.
- Finish praline sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, combining thoroughly.
- Top the cake with praline sauce: Pour the warm praline mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly so every slice has a rich nutty topping.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create uniform holes to allow the toppings to soak in better.
- Ensure the cake is warm (not hot) when adding the sweetened condensed milk and caramel to maximize absorption without making the cake soggy.
- Chopped pecans can be lightly toasted for extra crunch and flavor before adding to the praline sauce.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you want to enhance the dessert further.
