Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

If you’re a fan of rich, buttery desserts with a nutty twist, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a must-try recipe. This delectable cake combines the flavors of butter pecan with a luscious, praline sauce, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat, this poke cake is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) box butter pecan cake mix
• 1 (16 oz) can coconut pecan frosting
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Sauce:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Pecans and Bake: Stir in the chopped pecans, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Poke Holes in Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Allow the cake to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
5. Prepare the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the chopped pecans. Remove from heat.
6. Pour Sauce Over Cake: Pour the warm praline sauce slowly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes and drizzles down the sides.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together. Serve and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Serve with Whipped Cream: Enhance the richness of the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake by topping each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light, airy cream balances the dense cake and adds a delightful contrast.
2. Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is a comforting and delicious pairing.
3. Garnish with Extra Pecans: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of extra praline sauce. This adds texture and visual appeal, making the dessert even more enticing.
4. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy the cake with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cake are beautifully complemented by a warm beverage, making it a perfect choice for a cozy afternoon treat.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps the praline sauce set and prevents the cake from becoming too soft.
2. Freezing: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Avoid Excess Moisture: To keep the cake from becoming soggy, ensure the cake is completely cooled before covering it for storage. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the cake and sauce.
4. Reheat with Care: If you prefer to serve the cake warm, reheat it gently. Place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent the cake from drying out.
5. Store the Praline Sauce Separately: If you have extra praline sauce, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it and drizzle over the cake when serving for a fresh and warm topping.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Replace the butter pecan cake mix with a chocolate cake mix.
   • Method: Follow the same instructions as the original recipe, using chocolate cake mix and adding a chocolate syrup or ganache as the sauce instead of the praline sauce. This creates a decadent chocolate and pecan combination.
2. Pumpkin Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin to the cake mix batter and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
   • Method: Incorporate the pumpkin and spice into the cake batter and bake as directed. For the sauce, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the autumnal flavors.
3. Maple Pecan Praline Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Substitute maple syrup for the sweetened condensed milk in the sauce.
   • Method: Combine maple syrup with butter and chopped pecans to create a rich maple sauce. This variation adds a sweet, earthy maple flavor to the cake.
4. Caramel Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Use caramel sauce in place of the sweetened condensed milk.
   • Method: Heat caramel sauce with butter and chopped pecans to create a gooey, caramelized topping. This variation offers a sweet, buttery caramel twist.
5. Coconut Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter and mix into the sauce.
   • Method: Stir 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the cake batter and add another 1/2 cup to the praline sauce. This gives the cake a tropical coconut flavor alongside the buttery pecans.
6. Berry Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, between the cake layers.
   • Method: Gently fold berries into the batter or layer them on top of the cake before adding the sauce. This adds a fruity contrast to the rich pecan flavor.
7. Apple Cinnamon Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Mix in 1 cup of diced apples and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into the cake batter.
   • Method: Add apples and cinnamon to the batter and bake as usual. For the sauce, consider a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the apple flavor.
8. Peanut Butter Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Swirl 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the cake batter before baking.
   • Method: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and gently swirl with a knife. For the sauce, you can add a bit of peanut butter to the praline mixture for an extra nutty flavor.
9. Almond Butter Pecan Poke Cake
   • Ingredients: Substitute almond extract for part of the vanilla flavor in the cake and sauce.
   • Method: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter and sauce for a subtle almond flavor that complements the pecans.
10. Lemon Butter Pecan Poke Cake
    • Ingredients: Add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the cake batter.
    • Method: Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. You can also add a touch of lemon to the sauce for a lemon-pecan fusion.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
   • Yes, you can substitute the butter pecan cake mix with other flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake. Adjust the sauce to complement the flavor of the cake mix.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day or two in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh and flavorful.
3. Can I freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of nuts in the recipe?
   • Definitely! While pecans are traditional, you can use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds. Just chop them finely and add them to the batter and sauce as desired.
5. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
   • The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The edges should be golden brown and the center should be set.
6. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   • You can experiment with other frosting flavors, but make sure the frosting complements the cake mix. For example, cream cheese frosting or vanilla frosting can be used as alternatives.

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delightful blend of rich, buttery flavors and sweet, nutty praline goodness. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something delicious. The combination of moist cake and decadent sauce ensures that each bite is a delightful experience. Enjoy this scrumptious dessert with family and friends, and watch it quickly become a favorite!