This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a sweet treat that has a buttery flavor with crunchy pecans and a delicious caramel topping. It’s super easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
I love how the poked holes soak up all the yummy flavors, making every bite moist and tasty. Great for a family dessert, and perfect for those moments when you need a quick sweet fix! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the foundation of the cake. While a box mix is super quick, you can use a homemade cake recipe if you want. Alternatively, a butter cake mix can give you a richer flavor.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re out, try walnuts for a similar texture or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the salt level. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Evaporated Milk: This helps create a creamy filling. If you don’t have it, regular milk or even almond milk can work in a pinch. Just remember the consistency will be slightly different.
How Do You Ensure the Cake Stays Moist After Baking?
Keeping your cake moist is all about the poking and soaking process. Once your cake is out of the oven, let it sit just a minute or two before you start poking holes. This ensures the heat is still there to absorb the filling.
- Use the back of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke holes about 1-inch apart, reaching about halfway down into the cake.
- Make sure to pour the warm butter pecan filling evenly over the cake so that it seeps in well.
- Let the cake sit for a bit after adding the filling, so it can absorb the flavors fully before adding the topping.
These little tips will help you achieve that delicious, moist texture that makes a poke cake so special!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required on box: usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Butter Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Praline Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, plus extra time to cool down and set the toppings. In total, you can expect to spend around 1.5 hours from start to finish. Make sure you allow enough time for the cake to absorb all that delicious filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or according to the cake mix package instructions. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, prepare the cake batter as instructed on the box. Once mixed, gently fold in the chopped pecans to add some nice texture to the cake.
2. Bake the Cake:
Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake it according to the package instructions or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes. When done, remove the cake from the oven and while it’s still warm, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1-inch apart.
3. Make the Butter Pecan Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and evaporated milk. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until it reaches a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Filling to Cake:
Slowly pour the warm butter pecan filling mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes you’ve poked. This will infuse the cake with a delightful, sticky flavor.
5. Prepare Praline Topping:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If it seems too thick, feel free to add a little more milk. Fold in the chopped pecans to give it some crunch.
6. Finish the Cake:
Spread the praline topping evenly over the cake, covering it well. Place the cake aside to cool completely so that the filling sets up nicely and the flavors develop.
7. Serve:
When the cake is fully cooled, cut it into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich and buttery texture, the delightful crunch of pecans, and the luscious caramel-like praline topping. This cake is sure to be a hit!
Indulge in this delicious Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – it’s a sweet treat you won’t forget! Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can use other flavors like butter or vanilla cake mix. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the overall taste of the cake but will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Add the filling and topping the day you plan to serve for the best flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cake will remain moist, and you might even find it tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Can I Freeze the Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
