Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *butter pecan praline poke cake*! It’s like a sweet hug in dessert form. Seriously, the moment you take a bite, you’re hit with this incredible combination of moist cake, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans that just sings to your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was raving about it! My aunt even asked for the recipe, and trust me, that’s high praise in my family. The best part? It’s super simple to whip up! With just a few ingredients and a little bit of poking (yes, poking!), you’ll have a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful butter pecan praline poke cake. Trust me, each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this cake a showstopper!
- 1 box yellow cake mix – This is the base of your cake, providing that wonderful moist texture.
- 3 large eggs – They help bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 cup water – Just plain water! It’s essential for mixing with the cake mix to get that perfect batter.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – This adds a luscious flavor and moisture to the cake, making it oh-so-delicious.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – These crunchy bits give a fantastic nutty flavor and a delightful texture contrast.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk – This is the magic ingredient that makes the cake so indulgently sweet and creamy.
- 1 cup caramel sauce – Drizzling this over the cake adds a rich sweetness that’s simply irresistible!
- 1 cup whipped topping – This light, fluffy topping balances out the cake’s richness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup toffee bits – These little gems add a crunchy sweetness that takes the cake over the top!
How to Prepare the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part: making this scrumptious cake! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the result is totally worth it.
Prepping the Cake
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cake to start baking as soon as you’re ready to pop it in! While the oven heats up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, and melted butter. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a whisk works just fine too! Mix until everything’s well combined and the batter is smooth. Then, fold in those chopped pecans, which adds such a delightful crunch!
Baking Process
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Spread it out evenly, and then it’s time to bake! Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, and the smell wafting through your kitchen? Pure bliss!
Poking and Filling the Cake
After you’ve taken the cake out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is super important because it helps the cake set a bit. Once it’s cooled, grab a fork and start poking holes all over the surface—don’t be shy! The holes allow the heavenly sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce mixture to soak in. In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until it’s all smooth. Now, pour this delicious mixture over the cake, making sure to fill those holes. Let it cool completely before moving on to the toppings.
Final Toppings
Now for the fun part! Once your cake is completely cool, spread the whipped topping over the top like a fluffy cloud. Sprinkle on the remaining chopped pecans and those delightful toffee bits for a little extra crunch and sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some additional caramel sauce on top for that extra wow factor! Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This butter pecan praline poke cake comes together in no time! With minimal prep and just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready to go.
- Deliciously Moist: Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, every bite of this cake is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck, birthday party, or family gathering, this cake is always a hit! It serves a crowd and looks so inviting.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or drizzling more caramel on top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Kid-Friendly: With its sweet flavors and fun toppings, kids will love this cake just as much as the adults do!
- Make Ahead: This cake can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
Tips for Success
To make sure your butter pecan praline poke cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my best tips! Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: I can’t stress this enough! If you top the cake while it’s still warm, the whipped topping will melt and the toppings will slide right off. Patience is key here.
- Poke Deep Holes: Don’t be afraid to poke those holes deep into the cake! This allows more of that sweet condensed milk and caramel mixture to soak in, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality caramel sauce can elevate your cake. If you can, opt for homemade caramel for a deeper flavor!
- Chill Before Serving: After you’ve topped your cake, letting it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours (or even overnight) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s extra refreshing when served cold!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding chocolate chips or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combo. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this delicious butter pecan praline poke cake? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 slice). Keep in mind, these numbers are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation! It’s all about balance, right? Perfect for those special occasions or a sweet indulgence when you need a pick-me-up!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delicious butter pecan praline poke cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with my trusty answers to help you out.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While I love the classic yellow cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or even spice cake. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the overall flavor profile!
How long does the cake last in the fridge?
This cake typically stays fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out! If you’re looking to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Can I freeze the butter pecan praline poke cake?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the cake is well-covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
No caramel sauce? No problem! You can substitute it with homemade caramel or even chocolate sauce if you want a different twist. Just remember, it’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Sure thing! Just swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go! Just make sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got this amazing butter pecan praline poke cake ready to enjoy, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to maintaining all those lovely flavors and textures.
First off, if you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), make sure to store them in an airtight container. This will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. You can also cover the cake directly with plastic wrap if you prefer! It’ll last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days, so you can nibble on a slice whenever the craving hits.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake! Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, just pull it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—this cake is just as delicious served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot! Enjoy your cake, my friend!
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: 5 Sweet Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist butter pecan praline poke cake topped with a sweet praline sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, filling the holes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Top with whipped topping, pecans, and toffee bits before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For added flavor, drizzle more caramel sauce on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: butter pecan praline poke cake
