Heavenly Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe / Sweet Bliss

Sweet southern charm meets pure indulgence in this classic butter pecan praline poke cake that promises to melt hearts and delight taste buds.

Rich, decadent flavors weave through every soft, moist layer of this delectable dessert.

Creamy caramel notes dance alongside toasted pecans, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and warmth, reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen and cherished gatherings.

Buttery, nutty undertones elevate this cake from simple to spectacular.

The praline glaze adds a luxurious finish that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 11

Full Ingredient List For Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Provides rich, nutty flavor with convenient pre-mixed dry ingredients, choose a high-quality brand for best results.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Water: Helps create smooth batter consistency, use filtered water for cleaner taste.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake moisture and tenderness, opt for neutral-flavored oil.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and keeps cake super moist, use full-fat version for richness.

• Caramel Sauce: Creates decadent sweet layer, select smooth, high-quality prepared sauce.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Enhances moisture and sweetness, choose classic canned version.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light, fluffy whipped topping, select ultra-pasteurized cream for stability.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream, sift to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor, use pure extract for best taste.
• Pecans: Provides crunchy texture and nutty flavor, toast for deeper, richer profile.
• Pralines: Adds sweet, caramelized crunch, select high-quality or homemade version.

What You’ll Need To Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients and whipping cream.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for creating this delicious cake.
• Electric Mixer: Helps blend cake batter smoothly and whip cream to perfection.
• Wooden Spoon Handle: Ideal for creating holes in the warm cake for caramel filling.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing caramel and sweetened condensed milk.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness during baking.
• Whisk or Spatula: Great for stirring and spreading toppings evenly.

Simple How-To For Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Cake Foundation

Prepare a butter pecan cake mix in a baking pan. Blend ingredients smoothly and bake until perfectly golden. The cake should emerge from the oven with a tender, inviting texture that promises deliciousness.

• Magical Caramel Infusion

Create a dreamy caramel blend by mixing sweet milk and rich caramel sauce. Gently puncture the warm cake with a wooden spoon handle, allowing the luscious mixture to seep deeply into every crevice.

• Fluffy Cloud Topping

Whip cream into soft, billowy peaks with a hint of sweetness and vanilla. The topping should look light and airy, like a delicate blanket waiting to cover the cake.

• Nutty Finishing Touch

Sprinkle toasted pecans and crushed pralines across the creamy surface. These crunchy gems will add a delightful texture and rich, earthy flavor that transforms the cake from simple to spectacular.

• Chill and Anticipate

Slide the cake into the refrigerator and let it rest. The cooling time allows flavors to mingle and settle, creating a dessert that’s worth every moment of patient waiting. When ready, slice and savor each decadent bite.

Tips For Better Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Pecan Praline Magic Moments: Expert Tips & Twists
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake the cake a day before serving to let flavors meld and develop deeper caramel richness. Refrigerate overnight for enhanced taste and easier slicing.
• Crunch Control: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create extra crispy texture. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free butter pecan mix. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly dessert.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. Use plant-based margarine instead of butter for completely lactose-free version.
• Low-Sugar Twist: Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce powdered sugar in whipped cream. Select a low-sugar cake mix or create a from-scratch version with alternative sweeteners for diabetic-friendly dessert.

Serving Up Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

• Sweet Slice Companions: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that amplifies the cake's rich caramel and pecan flavors.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement the cake with a steaming mug of dark roast coffee or a smooth bourbon-based cocktail to enhance the praline's deep, nutty sweetness.
• Garnish Glamour: Drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle additional toasted pecans just before serving to create a stunning visual presentation that tempts every dessert lover.
• Seasonal Styling: During holiday gatherings, add a small cinnamon stick or a dusting of edible gold glitter to elevate the cake's festive appeal and make it extra special.

How To Keep Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing other food odors and maintain its fluffy texture.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices stay delicious for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best taste and texture.
• Topping Freshness Tip: Keep toasted pecans and crushed pralines in a separate sealed container at room temperature. Sprinkle them just before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent soggy toppings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake base and caramel filling a day in advance. Keep the whipped cream separate and add it just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent potential separation or weeping.

Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Rich butter pecan praline poke cake delights dessert enthusiasts with Southern charm. Creamy caramel and nutty pecans create irresistible layers of sweet indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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• 1 box butter pecan cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) water
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 g/4 oz) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g/1 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) crushed pralines (optional for extra crunch)

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Instructions

1. Cake Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and heat the oven to 350F (175C). Combine butter pecan cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and sour cream using an electric mixer until achieving a smooth, silky consistency.
2. Baking and Initial Cooling: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Confirm doneness with a clean toothpick insertion. Remove from oven and allow brief resting.
3. Caramel Infusion: Whisk caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk until perfectly blended. Perforate the warm cake with a wooden spoon handle, creating multiple channels. Slowly drench the cake with the caramel mixture, ensuring deep penetration into the holes.
4. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until forming delicate, stiff peaks. Spread the whipped cream evenly across the completely cooled cake.
5. Finishing Touches: Distribute toasted pecans and crushed pralines uniformly over the cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to harmonize flavors and stabilize the cream. Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Cake: Mix cake ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to maintain a moist, tender texture.
• Create Perfect Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a wooden skewer to make consistent, evenly spaced holes for even caramel distribution.
• Whip Cream Carefully: Watch cream closely while whipping – stop immediately when stiff peaks form to prevent turning into butter.
• Enhance Pecan Flavor: Toast pecans before adding to cake for deeper, richer nutty flavor and improved crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg