There’s a certain comfort in a sweet, decadent dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and my Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is that very delight. With its rich layers of buttery goodness and a luscious praline sauce, this cake promises to elevate any gathering from mundane to memorable.
I first discovered this recipe on a sunny afternoon, trying to whip up something special for a friend’s birthday. As I combined the ingredients, the intoxicating aroma of toasted pecans and caramel filled my kitchen, making it impossible not to sneak a taste here and there. What I love most about this cake is its effortless charm—despite its elegant appearance, it requires minimal time and effort, making it perfect for those busy weekdays when you’re craving something homemade.
So, whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply craving a slice of something indulgent to enjoy with your evening coffee, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
Why You'll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
- This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to choice for busy days.
- With its rich flavor profile brought together by toasted pecans and a decadent praline sauce, each bite is pure bliss.
- Not only is it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, but its stunning visual appeal with whipped cream and caramel drizzle will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Plus, this recipe allows for versatility; feel free to customize the toppings or serve it warm or chilled according to your preference.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Ingredients
• Discover the delightful elements that make this cake a must-try!
For the Cake
- Butter cake mix – a convenient base that ensures a moist and fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter – use softened for a smooth batter consistency.
- Large eggs – they help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Water – keeps the cake light and fluffy as it bakes.
For the Praline Sauce
- Brown sugar – adds a deep, caramel-like flavor essential for the praline.
- Unsalted butter – melted into the sauce for a smooth and rich texture.
- Heavy cream – gives the praline a luscious creaminess that soaks into the cake.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile with its sweet aroma.
- Chopped pecans (toasted) – provides that signature nutty crunch that complements the cake beautifully.
For the Topping
- Whipped cream – spreads a light and fluffy layer over the cake, balancing the sweetness.
- Chopped pecans (for garnish) – sprinkle on top for a crunchy finish and to highlight the cake’s flavors.
- Caramel sauce – adds an extra touch of sweetness for drizzling, making the cake even more indulgent!
Now that you have the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake ingredients, you’re ready to bring this sweet delight to life in your kitchen!
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it. This step ensures that your cake comes out clean and beautiful once baked.
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Mix together the butter cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and water in a large mixing bowl. Follow the package instructions until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.
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Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
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Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will allow the luscious praline sauce to seep in.
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Combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture starts to boil, creating a delightful caramel aroma.
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Boil the mixture for 2–3 minutes while stirring constantly until it slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans for that nutty flavor.
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Drizzle the warm praline sauce evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring the holes are filled with that sweet goodness. Your cake will start to look and smell irresistible!
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Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This step is crucial for enhancing the richness of the cake.
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Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake, transforming it into a creamy dream that’ll delight everyone.
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Garnish with chopped pecans over the whipped cream for that extra crunch. Optionally, drizzle caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch.
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Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce for an added sweetness boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Room Temperature: Allow the cake to cool completely before covering with plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, but keep it out of direct sunlight.
Fridge: Store the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh while maintaining its delicious flavors.
Freezer: If you want to store it for longer, wrap the cake slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cakes are a dream come true for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake it, poke the holes, and let it cool completely. Then, you can refrigerate it covered in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. The praline sauce can also be made up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pour the chilled praline sauce over the cake, top with whipped cream, add the final garnishes, and enjoy a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious as if it were made fresh that day!
What to Serve with Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?
When indulging in a slice of this luscious dessert, consider pairings that will enhance its delightful richness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic companion that adds a creamy contrast to the cake’s buttery texture and sweetness.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries provide a refreshing burst of tartness that balances the richness of the praline.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup serves as the perfect counterpoint, enhancing the flavor notes of the cake while providing a cozy touch.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling additional caramel sauce over the top will amplify the sweetness, creating an even more indulgent experience.
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Chopped Nuts: Toss some extra toasted pecans on top for an irresistible crunch that complements the cake’s flavor.
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Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate adds a decadent layer, creating a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.
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Whipped Cream: Lighten the dessert further by dolloping more whipped cream on each slice, enhancing its airy qualities.
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Sweet Tea or Lemonade: A chilled beverage will refresh your palate and balance the cake’s richness wonderfully.
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Bourbon or Cream Liqueur: For adults, a splash of these drinks can elevate the dessert experience, bringing out the nutty flavors beautifully.
Enjoy crafting memorable moments with these delightful pairings!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dessert and make it truly yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the butter cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
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Nut-Free: Simply omit the pecans and replace the praline sauce with a splash of almond or peanut butter for a nut-free variation that’s just as delicious.
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Chocolate Twist: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the butter cake mix for a chocolatey delight that pairs beautifully with the praline sauce.
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Maple Flavor: Replace the brown sugar in the praline sauce with pure maple syrup for a unique and delightful twist that enhances the pecan flavor.
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Fruity Addition: Top the whipped cream with fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries for a fresh burst of flavor and added color.
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Caramel Swirl: Incorporate a swirl of caramel sauce into the whipped cream before spreading it on the cake for extra sweetness and depth.
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Coconut Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut with the toasted pecans for a tropical flair that complements the buttery cake beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the praline sauce for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness and tantalizes the taste buds.
Each variation allows you to explore new flavor profiles while keeping the comforting essence of this classic poke cake alive. Happy baking!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
- A common mistake is overmixing the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Be sure to let the praline sauce cool slightly before pouring it over the cake, allowing it to absorb more flavor into the holes without making the cake soggy.
- Finally, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavors and achieve the best texture before serving.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of pecans should I use for the recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using toasted pecans, as they enhance the nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
How should I store Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?
For best results, store your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, follow the freezing instructions below!
Can I freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and enjoy your cake for up to 3 months. When you are ready to indulge, simply thaw a slice in the refrigerator overnight and microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up before serving.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
To keep your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake from becoming soggy, let the praline sauce slightly cool before pouring it over the holes in the cake. This allows it to absorb better without making your cake too wet. Additionally, make sure to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours after pouring the sauce; this will help it set up nicely.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, if you have any allergies, be aware that this cake contains eggs, butter, and nuts (pecans). You can consider using egg substitutes for a vegan version and opt for dairy-free ingredients as needed. Additionally, always check your cake mix instructions for potential allergens.
What kind of whipped cream works best for topping?
You have options! Both store-bought whipped cream and homemade whipped cream can be used for your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. If you choose to make it at home, simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will create a fresh, light topping!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for garnish
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
- Mix together the butter cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and water in a large mixing bowl until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Boil the mixture for 2–3 minutes while stirring constantly until it slightly thickens.
- Drizzle the warm praline sauce evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
- Garnish with chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce if desired.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
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