As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of caramel and toasted pecans filled the air, instantly transporting me to slow summer afternoons on the porch. That delightful moment of anticipation is exactly what you’ll feel when crafting this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. With its rich caramel flavors and the satisfying crunch of buttery pecans, this indulgent dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. The best part? It comes together quickly and requires minimal effort, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser that will leave your loved ones begging for seconds! Who can resist a slice of cake soaking in luscious praline goodness? Are you ready to whip up some magic in your kitchen? Why is This Cake a Must-Try? Indulgent and Decadent: This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a feast for the senses, packed with rich caramel flavors that create a luxurious experience. Texture Paradise: The contrast of the soft cake with the crunch of pecans provides an enticing texture you’ll love. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dessert without extensive baking skills. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, this cake is sure to impress and be a hit with everyone! Pair it with some delightful Pecan Pancakes Cozy for a comforting breakfast-to-dessert transition. Enjoy the magic and let your loved ones revel in this sweet treat! Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Ingredients For the Cake Butter Pecan Cake Mix – This forms the heart of the cake; feel free to use any vanilla or yellow cake mix for a similar flavor profile. Eggs – Essential for richness and binding; you can use applesauce if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. Water – Required for cake preparation; substituting with milk adds a touch of creaminess to your cake. For the Praline Sauce Pecans – Add a delightful crunch and nutty essence; you can also swap in walnuts if you prefer. Cream Cheese – Creates a luscious creamy element in the sauce; mascarpone can be used for a unique twist. Brown Sugar – Infuses the sauce with sweetness and caramel undertones; coconut sugar serves as a lovely alternative for a richer flavor. Butter – Essential for the sauce’s richness; this is one ingredient that really should not be substituted for the best taste in your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. For the Whipped Topping Heavy Cream – Whipped to fluffy perfection for topping; coconut cream is a great non-dairy substitute if desired. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream to your liking; you can leave this out for a less sweet finish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the Butter Pecan Cake Mix, water, and eggs, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Then, fold in the chopped pecans for an extra crunch. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring it is evenly spread. Step 2: Bake the Cake Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a slight golden tint and bounce back when gently pressed. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature. Step 3: Poke Holes in the Cake Once the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface, about 1 inch apart. This step is crucial, as the holes will allow the delectable praline sauce to seep into the cake, enhancing its flavor and moisture. Set the cake aside while you prepare the praline sauce. Step 4: Make the Praline Sauce In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved, about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it and ensure it doesn’t boil. Once ready, pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for maximum flavor. Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Topping In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream and add powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form, usually around 2–3 minutes. The whipped cream should be fluffy and hold its shape well. Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake generously, covering the praline layer completely. Step 6: Chill the Cake Cover the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the cake the perfect texture. The longer it chills, the more delicious it becomes, so if you have time, let it sit overnight for ultimate indulgence. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy After chilling, remove the cake from the refrigerator and slice into squares for serving. Garnish with additional chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel if desired. Your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is now ready to delight your family and friends with its rich flavors and lovely textures. Enjoy every luscious bite! Expert Tips for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Cool Completely: Ensure the cake cools fully before poking holes; this prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures the praline sauce seeps in perfectly. Whip Wisely: Whip the heavy cream just until soft peaks form; over-whipping can lead to a grainy texture, making it difficult to spread on the cake. Chill Time Matters: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours—longer if possible. It allows the flavors of the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to blend beautifully, enhancing its taste. Texture Tip: Use finely chopped pecans for a better distribution throughout the cake; larger pieces may not infuse their flavor as well and can affect texture. Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance. It allows the praline sauce to penetrate the cake fully, resulting in even richer flavor! How to Store and Freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Room Temperature: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. However, refrigerating is best to maintain freshness. Fridge: Keep the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent drying. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating: While best served chilled, if you enjoy it warm, microwave a slice for about 15–20 seconds to enhance the flavors of the praline sauce without making it soggy. Make Ahead Options These Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cakes are an ideal option for busy cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance; just ensure it cools completely before poking holes and adding the praline sauce. After pouring the sauce, refrigerate the cake, covered, for the best absorption of flavors. You can also whip the cream topping a few hours before serving; keep it in an airtight container so it maintains its fluffy texture until you’re ready to spread it on the cake. When it’s time to serve, simply add the whipped topping and enjoy a moist, decadent dessert that’s just as delicious as when freshly made! Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Variations Customize this delightful Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to suit your cravings and make it your own! Chocolate Delight: Use chocolate cake mix and fold in chocolate chips for an indulgent twist that every chocoholic will love. The combination of chocolate with praline will create a luscious experience. Bourbon Boost: Add a splash of bourbon to the praline sauce for a rich, adult twist. The warm notes of bourbon will elevate the cake to a whole new level of indulgence, perfect for celebrating special occasions. Nutty Option: Swap pecans for walnuts to give the cake a slightly different flavor profile. Walnuts bring their own unique richness and crunch that’s still oh-so-yummy! Fruit Infusion: Add fresh banana slices or strawberries between the cake layers before pouring the praline sauce. It’s a delightful contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors! Coconut Cream: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in the topping for a tropical flair. This creamy element will lighten up the dessert while still delivering deliciousness. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over the whipped topping before serving. This extra touch brings a gooey sweetness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Brown Sugar Swirl: Mix some brown sugar into the cake batter for an extra layer of flavor. This little addition creates a sweet surprise in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving at a gathering, each variation brings a special touch. Speaking of treats, why not pair a slice of this cake with some comforting Butter Rice Cakes for a delightful dessert experience? Indulge and enjoy! What to Serve with Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Treat your family and friends to a delightful meal that enhances the indulgent experience of your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture provides a comforting balance to the rich, sweet cake. Just imagine the contrast! Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and tender veggies echo the caramel notes of the cake, adding a lovely earthy sweetness. Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A refreshing counterpoint to the dessert, the bright flavors of citrus cut through the cake’s richness beautifully. Serve this delightful cake alongside a refreshing drink, like Lemonade Iced Tea: Its zesty notes will cleanse your palate, enhancing the overall experience. For a cozy finish, a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Melting gently over the cake, the creaminess amplifies the sweet, buttery flavors of the dessert. Think of these pairings as a celebration of textures and flavors, curated to elevate each bite of your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake! Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right pecans for my Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake? Absolutely! When selecting pecans, look for fresh, plump nuts without dark spots or a rancid smell. If available, choose pecan halves for a beautiful presentation and an even crunch throughout your cake. Toasting them lightly before adding to the batter can enhance their flavor even more! What’s the best way to store my Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake? To keep your cake fresh, refrigerate it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cool environment helps maintain its moisture and flavor, and it allows the praline sauce to continue its golden magic within the cake! Can I freeze Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake? Yes, you can! For proper freezing, first slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This ensures it stays fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the cake creamy and flavorful while allowing the praline sauce’s deliciousness to be revealed. What should I do if my cake is too dry? If you find your cake on the dry side, fear not! This can happen if it’s overbaked. For future bakes, keep an eye on it towards the end of baking, checking with a toothpick. As a tip, you might also consider adding a few tablespoons of buttermilk or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture next time! Are there any dietary considerations for this cake? Very! If you’re catering to someone with a nut allergy, feel free to substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. For a lighter option, you can swap the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative like almond cream cheese. This cake can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix, opening it up to more dessert lovers! Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! In fact, making your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a day ahead allows the flavors to mingle wonderfully. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge, and you’ll be rewarded with an even tastier dessert that’s ready to impress when you are! Irresistible Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delightful dessert packed with rich caramel flavors and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix Can substitute with any vanilla or yellow cake mix3 large Eggs Can substitute with applesauce for a lighter option1 cup Water Can substitute with milk for creaminessFor the Praline Sauce1 cup Pecans Can substitute with walnuts8 oz Cream Cheese Can substitute with mascarpone1 cup Brown Sugar Can use coconut sugar for a richer flavor1/2 cup Butter Do not substitute for the best tasteFor the Whipped Topping1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with coconut cream for non-dairy1 cup Powdered Sugar Optional for less sweetness Equipment mixing bowl9x13 inch baking panmedium saucepanElectric Mixer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the Butter Pecan Cake Mix, water, and eggs, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Fold in the chopped pecans and pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart, to allow the praline sauce to seep in.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Pour evenly over the poked cake.In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream and add powdered sugar. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, about 2–3 minutes. Spread the whipped topping over the cake.Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.Remove from the refrigerator, slice into squares, and garnish with additional chopped pecans or caramel if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg NotesCool the cake completely before poking holes; refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best results. Use finely chopped pecans for better flavor distribution. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
