The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a perfect combination of rich flavors and textures. With a moist butter pecan cake, a sweetened condensed milk and butter praline sauce, and a generous topping of pecans, this cake is a delicious crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and irresistible in taste, it’s a great dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or just as a special treat for your family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The butter pecan cake mix paired with a gooey praline glaze creates a decadent flavor profile. The addition of pecans enhances the texture.
- Simple to Prepare: The recipe uses a boxed cake mix and canned frosting, making it quick and easy without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for family dinners or parties, this cake is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Information: Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (15 oz) box of butter pecan cake mix
- 1 (16 oz) can of coconut pecan frosting
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Praline Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans to the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. While it’s still warm, poke holes in the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Prepare the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and chopped pecans. Heat until well combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs, oil, and milk come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Toast the Pecans: Toast the chopped pecans for 5-7 minutes in a skillet to enhance their flavor before adding them to the batter and sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cake a day before and refrigerate it. Add the praline sauce just before serving.
Variations You Can Try
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free butter pecan cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and choose dairy-free frosting.
- Flavor Add-Ins: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the batter for extra flavor.
Conclusion
The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that combines rich, nutty flavors with a gooey praline glaze. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cake is the perfect dessert to impress without a lot of effort.