If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that combine rich buttery flavors with the sweet crunch of pecans, then this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a must-try. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat with a twist. The cake starts with a simple butter pecan base, followed by sweetened condensed milk that soaks into the cake, and finally topped with a luscious pecan praline layer and a drizzle of creamy frosting.
Every bite is an explosion of flavor, with the moist cake balancing the rich, caramel-like praline topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix 🥮
- 1 cup water 💧
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil 🛢️
- 3 large eggs 🥚🥚🥚
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 🥛
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans 🥜
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 🧈
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 🍯
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Pecan Praline Topping:
While the cake is baking, make the topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped pecans and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Then, add the brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
5. Poke Holes and Add Filling:
When the cake is done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
6. Top with Pecan Praline:
Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the warm pecan praline topping over the cake. Spread it evenly across the surface, making sure to cover all areas. Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the praline to set.
7. Drizzle with Frosting:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle this frosting over the top of the cake.
8. Set and Serve:
Let the cake sit for at least an hour before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to fully meld. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate it.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Add Texture: For an extra crunch, sprinkle more chopped pecans on top of the praline layer before adding the frosting drizzle.
- Substitute Ingredients: If you don’t have butter pecan cake mix, you can substitute it with a yellow or vanilla cake mix and add 1/2 teaspoon of butter extract and 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the batter.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade butter pecan cake instead of a boxed mix?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to make your cake from scratch, a homemade butter pecan cake will work beautifully with this recipe. Just follow the same steps for adding the filling and topping once the cake is baked.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
A: Sweetened condensed milk is key to the moist texture and rich flavor of this poke cake. However, you can make a substitute by simmering 1 cup of whole milk with 1 cup of sugar until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
Q: Can I make this cake without nuts?
A: If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can omit the pecans entirely. The praline topping will still be delicious, but the texture will be a bit different.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should also start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a decadent and delightful dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. The combination of a moist butter pecan cake, sweetened condensed milk, and a rich praline topping creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Finished with a simple powdered sugar drizzle, this cake is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, this cake is bound to become a go-to recipe. Be sure to give it a try at your next gathering and enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness that everyone will be talking about!
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