This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a moist and sweet treat that will make your taste buds dance! With layers of rich butter flavor and crunchy pecans, it’s truly special.
The best part? You get to poke holes in the cake and let that delicious praline sauce soak in. It’s like a warm hug in cake form! I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. 🍰✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A yellow or butter-flavored cake mix provides a great base for this poke cake. You could use a homemade cake recipe if you prefer. Just ensure it’s moist to soak up all that wonderful sauce!
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic, feel free to substitute with walnuts or even almonds! Both would work well in this recipe.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. You can use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or white sugar in a pinch, but the taste will be less complex.
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for a silky texture in the frosting. You could swap it with milk or a non-dairy creamer if you want a lighter option or have dietary needs.
Cream Cheese: This is key for a rich frosting. If you’re after a lighter version, use Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ.
What’s the Best Way to Poke the Cake for Maximum Flavor?
Poking the cake is an essential step for letting the praline sauce soak into every bite. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to gently poke holes about 1 inch apart over the entire cake surface.
- Don’t rush this step; make sure to make deep holes so the sauce can really infiltrate the cake.
- While the cake is still warm, pour the prepared praline sauce over the holes. This warmth helps the sauce absorb better.
By poking holes and pouring on warm sauce, your cake turns into a deliciously moist treat that’s bursting with flavor!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow or butter-flavored cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box such as eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
For the Praline Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful poke cake will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus around 30-35 minutes to bake, and then about 1 hour to chill. So, overall, you’re looking at about 2 hours from start to finish, with most of that time being the cake chilling. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix box instructions, usually around 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the cake later.
2. Make the Cake:
Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box, and remember to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for an extra crunch! Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Poke Holes:
While the cake is still warm, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface. This is important! The holes will allow the praline sauce to seep deeply into the cake, making it super moist and flavorful.
4. Make the Praline Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the melted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and the remaining chopped pecans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes bubbly and thickens slightly into a syrupy consistency.
5. Pour and Soak:
Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, making sure to let it soak into the holes. This step infuses all that delicious flavor into your cake.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the tasty frosting that adds richness to your cake.
7. Frost the Cake:
Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If you want, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top for a pretty garnish!
8. Chill and Serve:
Put the entire cake in the fridge for at least one hour to let everything set together nicely. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and drizzle with any extra praline sauce if desired.
Now you’re all set to enjoy this rich, buttery, nutty Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake! It’s packed with flavor, and the combination of moist cake and creamy frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While yellow or butter-flavored cake mixes work best, you can experiment with chocolate or even spice cake mixes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly based on your choice.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out! You can enjoy it chilled, or warm it up slightly in the microwave.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
You can bake the cake a day in advance and let it cool completely before covering it with the praline sauce. Just wait to frost it until the day you plan to serve, keeping it refrigerated until then.