Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Nutty Delight

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the perfect choice. The rich flavors of butter pecan cake mix, combined with a creamy praline sauce, create a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent. The addition of chopped pecans brings a satisfying crunch, while the sweetened condensed milk sauce seeps into every bite, adding irresistible sweetness.

This cake is an ideal dessert for gatherings, holidays, or just a casual treat. Its warm, nutty flavors are comforting, and the sauce that pools into the cake’s poked holes makes it extra moist and delicious. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe with room for creative variations. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide, serving tips, storage instructions, and frequently asked questions to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 (15 oz) box butter pecan cake mix

1 (16 oz) can coconut pecan frosting
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

1 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Praline Sauce:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and well-blended.

Add Pecans and Bake

Fold in the chopped pecans to the batter. Once mixed, pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Poke Holes in the Cake

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool slightly. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the cake’s surface. These holes will allow the praline sauce to soak into the cake, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Prepare the Praline Sauce

While the cake cools, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the chopped pecans. Once combined, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Pour the Sauce Over the Cake

Carefully pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, making sure to fill the holes and allow the sauce to seep down the sides. This step adds moisture and richness to the cake.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely before slicing it. This will allow the sauce to set, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. Once cooled, slice the cake and serve to enjoy this indulgent treat.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

Serve with Whipped Cream: Top each slice of cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This light, airy topping helps balance the cake’s dense, rich texture.
Add Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream is pure bliss.
Garnish with Extra Pecans: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans or drizzle extra praline sauce over each slice for added crunch and flavor.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: The sweet, buttery flavors of the cake pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for an afternoon treat.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps the praline sauce set, ensuring the cake remains moist.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Before serving, thaw it in the refrigerator.
Avoid Excess Moisture: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before covering it for storage. Trapping moisture can make the cake soggy.
Reheat Gently: To serve the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire cake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Here are some creative variations to add a twist to your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake:

Chocolate Butter Pecan Poke Cake

Replace the butter pecan cake mix with chocolate cake mix and use a chocolate syrup or ganache instead of the praline sauce.

Pumpkin Butter Pecan Poke Cake

Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. Enhance the sauce with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall-inspired cake.

Maple Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Substitute maple syrup for the sweetened condensed milk in the sauce to add a rich, earthy maple flavor.

Coconut Butter Pecan Poke Cake

Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter and sauce for a tropical twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! You can substitute the butter pecan cake mix with flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or spice cake. Just be sure to adjust the sauce to complement the flavor of the cake mix.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day or two in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator, covered, and it will stay fresh and flavorful.

Can I freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container. It will last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of nuts?

Definitely! While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them finely and add them to both the batter and sauce as desired.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should feel set.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other frosting flavors. Cream cheese frosting or vanilla frosting are great alternatives to coconut pecan frosting, depending on your taste preferences.

In conclusion, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is an indulgent treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of rich cake, nutty pecans, and sweet praline sauce creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or topped with whipped cream, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!