I fondly remember my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. The air filled with sweet scents and laughter as she pulled out her treasured recipe box. One recipe stood out: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. She made it each year, and we all eagerly awaited our slice. The first bite always reminded me of warm family moments and cozy gatherings. Each layer of flavor felt like a hug from my grandmother, and her love. Making this cake brings back those happy feelings and creates new memories in my own kitchen. It matters to me because it connects generations, bringing everyone together in joy.

Why Make This Recipe

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake offers more than just a delightful treat; it carries a sense of comfort and warmth that many desserts lack. First, the rich buttery flavor paired with crunchy pecans creates an irresistible combination that hits all the right notes. As you enjoy a slice, you can feel the love and thought put into its creation, making it perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy dessert after dinner. This cake’s gooey praline sauce seeps into every bite, creating a moist and flavorful experience that everyone will appreciate.

Moreover, this recipe is extremely convenient. It uses a box of yellow cake mix, which saves time while delivering delicious results. You can whip it up quickly, making it an ideal choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the versatility of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake shines through. You can enjoy it warm, cold, or with various toppings, making it suitable for different tastes and occasions. Whether you want to serve it at a birthday party, Thanksgiving dinner, or simply share it with friends, its ease and flavor will win hearts and satisfy cravings.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Ingredients:

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until thick and bubbly. Add chopped pecans and cook for another minute.
Once the cake is done, remove it and let it cool for 15 minutes. Poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, letting it soak for at least 30 minutes.
Serve warm or chilled. Top with whipped cream if desired.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake shines when you serve it warm. The warm praline sauce, combined with the fluffy cake, creates an inviting dish that comforts the soul. You may want to present it with a dollop of whipped cream on top to add a creamy contrast. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on the whipped cream also makes for a lovely finishing touch and enhances the aesthetic.

Serving it at family gatherings or during festive occasions will surely wow your guests. Pair a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that feels indulgent. This combination adds richness and an extra layer of flavor that enhances the cake’s taste. Try serving it alongside a strong cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness, making it perfect for afternoon tea.

Lastly, consider placing this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in the center of the table as a centerpiece. Its inviting aroma will draw everyone in, and its golden color will brighten any gathering. So, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday feast, or just a gathering of friends, this cake serves as the perfect highlight for any occasion.

How to Store Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

To keep your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake fresh, first let it cool completely after serving. Then, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, it will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you prefer, you can also freeze it for longer storage. Just ensure to cover it well, as this will help maintain its texture and prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 2 months.

When you are ready to enjoy the cake again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to warm it up, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until nice and cozy. Remember, avoid freezing the whipped cream topping, as it may change the texture. Instead, add it fresh whenever you serve a piece from the refrigerator or freezer.

Tips to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure to bring your eggs and water to room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter, leading to a more even bake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and fluffy.
Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes early. Once it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, remove it to prevent drying out.
Let Cake Rest: After taking the cake out of the oven, let it sit as directed. This resting time allows the cake to firm up, making it easier to poke holes without falling apart.
Use a Wooden Spoon for Poking: For even holes, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar instrument. This technique allows the sauce to soak evenly throughout the cake.
Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are perfect for this recipe, feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Each nut adds a unique taste and texture.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you want a less sweet cake, decrease the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly. This adjustment allows you to tailor the dessert to your taste.
Make It Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead! It tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. Just cover and refrigerate, then serve it the next day.

Variation

Chocolate Version: For a chocolate twist, swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix. The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery praline sauce and provides a delightful contrast.
Fruity Version: Incorporate fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, into the cake batter. The fruit adds a tangy twist that balances the sweetness of the cake, giving it a fresh touch.
Nutty Version: Use mixed nuts for a delightful crunch. Substitute part of the pecans with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a multi-dimensional nutty flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Add a rich layer of caramel drizzle over the top before serving. The sweetness of the caramel adds an extra depth that complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free cake mix to create a gluten-free Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. It’s easy to make this dessert accessible for everyone, without compromising on taste.
Pumpkin Spice Version: For a seasonal treat, mix in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spices into the cake batter. This will create a wonderful fall flavor, harmonizing with the praline pecan topping perfectly.

FAQs Of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your cake from scratch, you can use your favorite yellow cake recipe. Just ensure it has a similar texture to the boxed version for best results. The homemade cake will absorb the praline sauce well.
Can I make this cake ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! Once you prepare and cool the cake, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If heavy cream is not available, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk. However, keep in mind that the sauce will be a bit less rich. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch can help thicken it slightly.
How can I make sure the holes for soaking are evenly spaced?
To achieve evenly spaced holes, use a ruler to mark your cake lightly before poking or use the end of a wooden spoon to guide your spacing. This technique helps ensure each slice has the perfect amount of flavor.
What is the best way to serve leftover cake?
Leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake tastes delicious either chilled or warmed! For that fresh taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This will bring back that delightful gooeyness.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes! You can top the cake with a range of delicious options. Consider adding fresh fruit, chocolate drizzles, or even a layer of cream cheese frosting for a new flavor experience.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Author: imrane
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and moist poke cake soaked with rich praline sauce, topped with chopped pecans and optional whipped cream, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until thick and bubbly. Add chopped pecans and cook for another minute.
Once the cake is done, remove it and let it cool for 15 minutes. Poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Pour the warm praline sauce over the cake, letting it soak for at least 30 minutes.
Serve warm or chilled. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. The cake can also be made ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cake, poke cake, dessert, praline, pecan, family recipe, holiday dessert, easy cake