This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a rich treat that’s sure to impress! It’s moist, buttery, and packed with crunchy pecans, creating a delightful mix of flavors.
Just poke holes in the cake and let the delicious praline topping seep in—so easy! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top; it makes everything better! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A box of white or yellow cake mix is great for convenience. However, if you want to make it from scratch, you can use basic cake ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and milk.
Pecans: Chopped pecans give a lovely crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic or out of them, try walnuts or almonds as a substitute. Even sunflower seeds can work if you’re looking for nut-free alternatives!
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is perfect for rich flavor. If you only have light brown sugar, that will also work fine, just a bit lighter in taste. Mixing white sugar with molasses can mimic dark brown sugar, too!
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the praline sauce. If you lack heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk can be substituted, but your sauce might be slightly less rich.
How Do You Ensure the Cake Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your poke cake moist, follow these tips:
- Poke Holes Evenly: Use a wooden spoon handle or skewer to poke holes evenly, allowing the sauce to soak in fully.
- Pour Warm Sauce: Applying the praline sauce while the cake is warm helps it absorb better, enhancing the flavor.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely after adding the sauce. This helps the flavors set without making it soggy.
These steps work together to create a delicious, moist cake that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted (divided)
For the Praline Sauce:
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to bake the cake. Don’t forget to let it cool completely, which may take about 30 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 1.5 hours from start to finish—so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
Prepare the cake batter by following the instructions on the box. Just before finishing, gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans for a nice nutty flavor.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the prepared batter into your greased pan and bake according to the package directions, usually around 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
4. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Once the cake is done baking, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. While it’s still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure to space them evenly!
5. Make the Praline Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the melted 1/4 cup butter, dark brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour the Praline Sauce Over the Cake:
Once your sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the entire cake. Be sure to let it seep into the holes you made earlier—this is where all the flavor comes in!
7. Let the Cake Cool:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This will help the praline flavor to settle in, making each bite even more delicious.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until the mixture is smooth. You want a pourable consistency, so adjust with more milk if it’s too thick.
9. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Make it pretty by covering the cake evenly!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the cake into squares and serve. For an extra treat, try it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, with its moist texture and rich praline flavor. Perfect for any occasion, enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor. If you prefer a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or simply leaving them out completely work well too!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To maintain moisture, consider covering the cake with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the praline sauce a day in advance. Store the cake and sauce separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour the sauce over the cake and drizzle with glaze just before serving for the best texture.
What Should I Serve with This Cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a little extra flair, serve with caramel sauce drizzled on top!
