Sweet & Nutty Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

Sweet memories flood back whenever creamy butter pecan praline poke cake enters my kitchen.

Southern desserts carry incredible nostalgia for comfort and warmth.

Decadent layers promise pure indulgence with each delightful bite.

Pecans add rich, toasted notes that complement smooth caramel drizzles perfectly.

Moist cake becomes a canvas for luxurious praline sauce that seeps into every delectable crumb.

Casual gatherings or special celebrations deserve something extraordinary like this incredible dessert.

Your taste buds will dance with delight when experiencing this irresistible southern classic.

All The FAQs About Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

The combination of sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and pecan praline topping creates an incredibly rich and decadent dessert with multiple layers of flavor.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and will provide a similar crunchy texture to the praline topping.

• Is the bourbon optional?

Yes, the bourbon is completely optional. You can omit it without affecting the overall structure and taste of the cake, making it family-friendly and adaptable.

• How do the holes in the cake help with flavor?

The holes allow the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce to penetrate deep into the cake, creating a moist, intensely sweet dessert with incredible moisture and richness.

Why Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Steals The Show

• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: A show-stopping dessert that guarantees smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
• Master Southern Baking: Learn an authentic praline technique that transforms a simple cake into a decadent Southern classic without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like replacing bourbon with rum or adding extra nuts to make the recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake in advance, refrigerate, and serve chilled, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and stress-free entertaining.

The Sweet Stuff That Goes Into Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a soft and sweet foundation for the dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the cake texture.
• Water: Helps to create a smooth and consistent cake batter.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the caramel sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor and sweetness to the topping.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds crunch, texture, and a classic Southern nutty flavor.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Caramel Sauce: Add extra moisture and layers of sweet, creamy flavor.
• Bourbon: Optional ingredient that introduces a complex, warm undertone.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the sweetness of the entire dessert.

Let’s Bake Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake The Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pan

Fire up the oven to 350°F and liberally coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Whisk energetically until the batter transforms into a silky, lump-free mixture.

Step 3: Bake Cake Foundation

Transfer batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick emerges clean from its center.

Step 4: Craft Praline Topping

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture turns golden and starts bubbling with caramel magic.

Step 5: Enhance Praline Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Fold in chopped pecans and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Create Cake Channels

Once the cake emerges from the oven, immediately puncture deep holes across its warm surface using a wooden spoon handle.

Step 7: Infuse With Moisture

Cascade sweetened condensed milk over the hot cake, ensuring it penetrates every hole. Drizzle caramel sauce and optional bourbon across the surface.

Step 8: Add Flavor Dimension

Sprinkle salt to elevate the taste profile, then carefully spread the warm pecan praline mixture over the entire cake.

Step 9: Let Flavors Develop

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, permitting the praline topping to set and flavors to harmonize.

Step 10: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture. Slice and serve chilled for maximum deliciousness.

Pro Tips For Perfect Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Grease Generously: Use cooking spray or butter to coat the entire pan, preventing cake from sticking and ensuring easy removal.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Mix cake batter until completely smooth, eliminating lumps for a consistent texture and even baking.
• Create Strategic Holes: Use wooden spoon handle to make deep indentations across cake surface, allowing praline topping and condensed milk to penetrate completely.
• Control Caramel Carefully: Stir sugar mixture continuously to prevent burning, watching for golden color and bubbling consistency.
• Rest and Chill: Let cake cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor absorption and set praline topping perfectly.

Try These Twists On Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Praline Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly enjoyment.
• Dairy-Free Pecan Dream: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free butter alternative, and select a plant-based condensed milk to create a lactose-free version.
• Chocolate Bourbon Praline Cake: Substitute yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix, adding extra bourbon for a rich, decadent flavor profile that intensifies the dessert's complexity.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Replace pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty texture and slightly varied taste while maintaining the classic praline essence.

Yummy Pairings For Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Indulgent Dessert Companions
• Enhance Flavor with Bourbon Whiskey: Pair this sweet praline cake with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, which complements the caramel and pecan notes with its rich, warm undertones.
• Cool Down with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the cake's intense sweetness and provide a refreshing temperature contrast.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a bold, dark roast coffee or espresso to cut through the richness and elevate the dessert's complex caramel and nutty flavors.
• Creamy Counterpoint with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to introduce a light, airy texture that softens the cake's decadent praline topping.

How To Store Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Like A Pro

• Store the praline cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Watch carefully to avoid drying out the cake's moist texture.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in this butter pecan praline poke cake, where rich caramel and toasted pecans create a mouthwatering dessert. Warm, nutty flavors mingle with creamy layers, promising a delightful slice of pure Southern comfort you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Praline Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling and Drizzle:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk vigorously until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. While the cake bakes, prepare the praline topping by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture becomes golden and bubbling.
5. Incorporate heavy cream and vanilla extract into the caramelized sugar mixture. Fold in chopped pecans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately use the handle of a wooden spoon to create deep holes across the entire surface of the warm cake.
7. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the hot cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Drizzle caramel sauce and bourbon (if using) evenly across the surface.
8. Sprinkle salt over the cake to enhance the flavor profile, then carefully spread the warm pecan praline mixture over the entire cake.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, letting the praline topping set and flavors meld together.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to achieve the best texture and taste. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for your cake.
• Swap out regular milk for condensed milk to add extra richness and create a more decadent, moist texture.
• Consider using gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising deliciousness.
• Experiment with bourbon substitutes like maple syrup or rum extract to customize the flavor while maintaining the cake’s signature sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg