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Introduction
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is a rich, sweet, and comforting dessert that brings together soft cake, buttery sauce, and crunchy pecans in every bite. This cake is called a poke cake because you poke holes into the baked cake and pour a delicious sweet mixture over it so the flavor goes deep inside. The result is a moist, creamy, and flavorful cake that tastes like it came from a bakery, but it is very easy to make at home. Even if you are new to baking, you can follow this recipe without stress. The steps are simple and the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores. This is the kind of dessert that looks impressive but needs very basic kitchen skills.
People love Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake because it combines many favorite flavors into one dessert. You get the soft texture of cake, the rich taste of butter and brown sugar, the crunch of pecans, and the smooth finish of cream topping. Every spoonful feels special and comforting. It is sweet but also deep in flavor, not just sugary. The pecans add a nutty taste and a pleasant crunch that balances the soft cake. The praline style sauce soaks into the cake and keeps it moist for days. This makes it perfect for people who enjoy desserts that stay tender and tasty even after being stored in the fridge.
This cake is great for holidays, family dinners, birthdays, potlucks, and weekend treats. You can also make it when you want a comfort dessert after a long week. It is a good choice when you want something homemade that feels warm and special. Many people make it during fall and winter because the butter and pecan flavors feel cozy, but it works well in any season. You can serve it cold or slightly cool, and it always tastes wonderful. If you want a dessert that makes guests smile and ask for seconds, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is a perfect choice.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the cake base
1 box butter pecan cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 half cup vegetable oil
For the praline sauce
1 cup brown sugar packed
1 half cup unsalted butter
1 quarter cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
For the topping
1 container whipped topping about 8 ounces
1 half cup toasted pecan pieces
2 tablespoons caramel sauce optional
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking pan that is about 9 by 13 inches with butter or oil so the cake does not stick. Set the pan aside.
Step 2
Take a large mixing bowl. Add the butter pecan cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use a hand whisk or electric mixer. Mix until the batter is smooth and there are no dry lumps. This usually takes about two to three minutes.
Step 3
Pour the cake batter into the greased pan. Spread it evenly using a spoon or spatula so the top is level.
Step 4
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 28 to 32 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a rack.
Step 5
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. It should still be warm but not very hot. Now take the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw and poke holes all over the cake. Make many holes across the surface so the sauce can soak in well.
Step 6
While the cake cools, make the praline sauce. Take a medium saucepan and place it on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt slowly.
Step 7
Add the brown sugar and heavy cream to the melted butter. Stir well with a spoon. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Keep stirring so it does not burn.
Step 8
Let it cook for about three to four minutes until it becomes slightly thick and smooth. Turn off the heat. Add the vanilla extract and stir again.
Step 9
Add the chopped pecans into the hot sauce and mix well so all nuts are coated.
Step 10
Slowly pour the warm praline pecan sauce over the cake. Try to spread it across the whole cake so it goes into the holes. Take your time with this step. The sauce will soak down and make the cake very moist and rich.
Step 11
Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. After that, place it in the fridge for at least one hour so everything sets nicely.
Step 12
Once the cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping over the entire surface. Use a spatula to make it smooth and even.
Step 13
Sprinkle the toasted pecan pieces on top of the whipped layer. If you like extra sweetness, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top.
Step 14
Cut into squares and serve cold or slightly cool. Each piece should have soft cake, sweet sauce, and crunchy nuts.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is special because it gives bakery style taste with very simple steps. You do not need advanced baking skills or special tools. A boxed cake mix helps save time, but the homemade praline sauce makes it taste rich and unique. The mix of textures is one of the best parts. The cake is soft and moist, the sauce is smooth and buttery, and the pecans add a crunchy bite.
Another great thing about this cake is that it stays moist for several days. Many cakes become dry after one day, but this poke cake holds its texture because of the sauce inside. That makes it a good make ahead dessert for parties and events.
Pecans also provide healthy fats and minerals. While this is still a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, the nuts add more value than plain frosting alone. The flavor is deep, warm, and comforting, which makes people feel satisfied with even a small slice.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Toast the pecans before adding them to the sauce and topping. Place them in a dry pan on low heat for a few minutes. Stir often until they smell nutty. This brings out more flavor.
Add a small pinch of salt to the praline sauce. Salt balances the sweetness and makes the butter and brown sugar taste stronger and richer.
If you want a deeper flavor, replace two tablespoons of the cream with maple syrup. Maple and pecan taste wonderful together.
For a richer topping, mix a little cream cheese into the whipped topping and beat until smooth. This gives a light cheesecake style layer.
Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a restaurant style dessert experience.
Store the cake covered in the fridge. The flavor actually becomes better the next day as the sauce fully settles into the cake.
Final Thoughts
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe is a perfect dessert for anyone who loves sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors. It is easy enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress guests. The simple method, common ingredients, and rich results make it a favorite for many home bakers. You can make it for celebrations or just to treat yourself and your family. Each bite is soft, creamy, and crunchy at the same time. Once you try it, this cake may become one of your most requested desserts.
Nutrition Details
Approximate values per serving based on 12 servings
Calories about 420
Total fat 24 grams
Saturated fat 10 grams
Carbohydrates 48 grams
Sugar 34 grams
Protein 5 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Sodium 320 milligrams
Nutrition for whole cake approximate
Calories about 5040
Total fat 288 grams
Carbohydrates 576 grams
Protein 60 grams
Values can change based on brands and exact ingredient amounts used.