If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Southern indulgence, look no further than this Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Imagine a moist butter pecan cake drenched in rich caramel and topped with a heavenly layer of praline frosting. This cake is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the nutty sweetness of pecans with the buttery richness of a classic poke cake. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion special, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual Sunday treat.

This Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the ultimate Southern dessert, combining a buttery pecan cake with a gooey caramel filling and a luscious praline topping. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

This Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake quickly became a family favorite the first time I made it. My husband, who’s a huge fan of anything pecan-related, couldn’t stop raving about how perfectly the flavors melded together. It’s now a staple at our family gatherings, and I love seeing everyone’s eyes light up when they take their first bite. The caramel-soaked cake combined with the praline topping is pure magic, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Selling Points

• Rich and Buttery Flavor: The butter pecan cake is wonderfully moist, with a deep, rich flavor that’s enhanced by the caramel filling.
• Decadent Praline Topping: The praline frosting adds a delightful sweetness and crunch, making each bite a textural delight.
• Simple and Quick: Despite its luxurious taste, this cake is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

How to Make Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare and bake the Butter Pecan cake mix in a 9×13 inch baking dish as directed on the box. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
2. Poke and Soak: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Follow with the caramel sauce, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the surface of the cake. Let the cake cool completely.
3. Make the Praline Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
4. Top the Cake: Pour the praline mixture over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the praline topping to set, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Tips For Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Make-Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance; it actually tastes better as the flavors meld together overnight.
• Poking the Cake: Be sure to poke deep holes so the condensed milk and caramel soak all the way through for maximum flavor.
• Nut Variations: You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cake Mix: If you can’t find Butter Pecan cake mix, use a vanilla or yellow cake mix and add 1 tsp of butter extract and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the batter.
• Caramel Alternatives: Use butterscotch sauce instead of caramel for a different flavor profile.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half the butter in the praline topping with coconut oil, and use a sugar-free caramel sauce.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free cake mix and sweetened condensed milk to reduce the sugar content.
• Lower Fat: Opt for light butter and fat-free sweetened condensed milk for a lower-fat version of the cake.

Closing

And there you have it—Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that’s rich, decadent, and incredibly easy to make! Perfect for any occasion, this cake will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your results with us, and check out more of our delicious, easy-to-make recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake tastes even better when made a day ahead as the flavors have more time to meld together.
2. Can I use a homemade cake instead of a boxed mix? Absolutely! A homemade butter pecan or vanilla cake would work wonderfully.
3. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake (before adding the praline topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the topping before serving.
5. What can I use instead of pecans? Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans.
6. Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
7. Can I make this without the praline topping? Yes, the cake is still delicious with just the caramel filling, but the praline topping adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
8. How do I prevent the cake from being too soggy? Be sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the praline topping, and don’t over-saturate with the condensed milk and caramel.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe? Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter or the praline topping can create a delicious twist.
10. What other toppings can I use? Try adding a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.

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Easy Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 box Butter Pecan cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box)

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Directions

• Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare and bake the Butter Pecan cake mix in a 9×13 inch baking dish as directed on the box. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
• Poke and Soak: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Follow with the caramel sauce, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the surface of the cake. Let the cake cool completely.
• Make the Praline Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
• Top the Cake: Pour the praline mixture over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the praline topping to set, about 15-20 minutes.
• Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.