Introduction:
If you’re a fan of buttery pecans and indulgent praline sauce, you’re going to love this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake! It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or just when you’re craving something sweet. With its rich, moist butter pecan cake base and decadent praline sauce that seeps into every bite, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, each bite is a slice of heaven.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix 🍰
- 3 large eggs 🥚
- 1 cup water 💧
- ½ cup vegetable oil 🛢️
- 1 cup chopped pecans 🌰
For the Praline Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 🥛
- ½ cup brown sugar 🍬
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 🌰
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping 🍨
- ½ cup crushed pralines or chopped pecans 🌰
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional) 🍯
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. 🔥
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir in the chopped pecans. Mix everything until fully incorporated, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. 🍰
3️⃣ Bake the Cake:
- Bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, which is typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. ⏳
4️⃣ Make the Praline Sauce:
- While the cake bakes, prepare the praline sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans. 🌰🍬
5️⃣ Poke the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. The holes should be large enough to allow the praline sauce to seep into the cake. 🎳
6️⃣ Pour the Praline Sauce:
- While the praline sauce is still warm, pour it evenly over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. This step ensures that the cake absorbs all the gooey, rich flavors. Let the cake cool completely. 🥄
7️⃣ Top the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake. Then, sprinkle with crushed pralines or additional chopped pecans for a crunchy finish. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. 🍨🍯
8️⃣ Chill and Serve:
- Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together for a perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and sweet goodness. Slice and serve this irresistible dessert! ❄️
Notes:
- Pecan Toasting Tip: For added flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This actually helps the praline sauce to infuse even more into the cake, making it extra delicious!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Customization: You can swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?
A: Yes! If you prefer homemade whipped cream, simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the cooled cake as you would with the store-bought whipped topping.
Q: Can I make this cake without pecans?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with your favorite nut or leave the nuts out entirely for a simpler poke cake.
Q: What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
A: The cake is delicious even without caramel sauce. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, chocolate sauce or butterscotch sauce can also add a fun twist!
Conclusion:
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a true show-stopper! With its moist, flavorful cake, gooey praline filling, and light whipped topping, it’s the perfect dessert to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it at a special event or just enjoying it with your family, this cake is bound to become a new favorite.
Enjoy baking this sweet treat, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! 🌰🍰