Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors. The combination of moist butter pecan cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy praline pecans creates the perfect balance of textures and sweetness. The cake is easy to prepare, thanks to the use of a boxed cake mix, and it comes together with minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The unique “poke” method allows the cake to absorb the sweet condensed milk and caramel, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. If you’re a fan of nutty, buttery desserts, this cake will quickly become a go-to recipe.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare and bake the butter pecan cake mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Once the cake is baked and while it’s still warm, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon.
3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
4. Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the cake, letting it seep into the holes as well.
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
7. Pour the praline mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12-15 servings
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

Variations

• Add chocolate: For a richer dessert, drizzle some melted chocolate over the praline topping or stir in some mini chocolate chips.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free butter pecan cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Use different nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor.
• Salted caramel twist: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel topping to enhance the sweetness and bring a touch of savory balance.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual servings for 15-20 seconds, or place the whole cake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just allow it to cool completely and cover it tightly before refrigerating.

2. What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?

If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use a 9×9 inch dish. Just keep in mind the cake may be a bit thicker, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While butter pecan is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with other cake mix flavors like vanilla, caramel, or even chocolate for a different twist.

4. Can I freeze the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake. After it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

5. How can I make the praline topping less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet topping, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and use unsweetened caramel sauce. You can also skip the sweetened condensed milk if you’d like to cut down on sweetness.

6. What can I serve with this cake?

This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

7. Can I make this cake without pecans?

Yes, you can make this cake without the pecans if you’re allergic or prefer to leave them out. The cake will still be delicious, though the texture may be slightly different.

8. How do I keep the cake from becoming too soggy?

To avoid a soggy cake, make sure to let the cake cool before pouring the condensed milk and caramel. If you’re concerned about the cake getting too moist, use a bit less liquid.

9. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade caramel works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s at a pourable consistency before using it on the cake.

10. Is this cake good for a party?

Absolutely! This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its rich flavor and presentation make it a showstopper at any event.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves buttery, nutty, and caramel-flavored treats. With its moist cake base and rich praline topping, it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make yet indulgent, this cake is a perfect addition to any occasion or a simple dessert to enjoy at home.