Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Decadent Dessert Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s irresistibly rich, creamy, and packed with nutty goodness, Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the perfect treat. Combining the buttery flavor of pecans with sweet caramel, a moist cake base, and fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is a true showstopper. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just because you’re in the mood for something indulgent, this poke cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cake

Here’s why Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is destined to become your new favorite dessert:

• Easy to Make: With a boxed cake mix as the base, it’s beginner-friendly yet impressive.
• Rich Flavor: Butter pecan, caramel, and toasted pralines create a symphony of sweet and nutty flavors.
• Irresistibly Moist: The poke filling seeps into every bite, ensuring the cake is moist and flavorful.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s versatile enough to suit both casual get-togethers and formal events.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious dessert:

For the Cake

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter pecan cake mix	1 box
Large eggs	3
Water	1 cup
Vegetable oil	½ cup
Sour cream	½ cup

For the Caramel Poke Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)	1 cup
Sweetened condensed milk	½ cup

For the Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Heavy whipping cream	1 cup
Powdered sugar	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Chopped pecans (toasted)	1 cup
Crushed pralines (optional)	½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

1. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

2. Make the Poke Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until well blended.

3. Poke the Cake

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the slightly warm cake. Make sure the holes are evenly distributed.
2. Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
3. Let the cake cool completely before adding the topping.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the cream to separate.

5. Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top.
2. Sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans and optional crushed pralines over the whipped cream layer for added crunch and flavor.

6. Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
2. Slice into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

1. Use Toasted Pecans

Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Make Homemade Caramel Sauce

If you want to elevate this dessert, make your own caramel sauce. The fresh, buttery taste is worth the extra effort.

3. Don’t Skip the Sour Cream

Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, ensuring it stays soft and tender.

4. Customize Your Toppings

Add crushed toffee bits, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of additional caramel on top for extra indulgence.

5. Make It Ahead

This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it the night before for the best results.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	4 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	1 g

Creative Variations of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

1. Chocolate Butter Pecan Cake

Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the caramel filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.

2. Coconut Butter Pecan Cake

Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the whipped cream topping for a tropical touch.

3. Salted Caramel Pecan Cake

Use salted caramel sauce in the poke filling and garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty flavor profile.

4. Cheesecake Butter Pecan Cake

Layer a creamy cheesecake filling over the poke filling before adding the whipped cream.

5. Fall-Inspired Pecan Cake

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake mix and garnish with candied pecans for a cozy, autumnal dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! A yellow or vanilla cake mix works well if you can’t find butter pecan. Add a teaspoon of butter extract for a similar flavor.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, but freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and add the topping before serving.

4. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, but homemade whipped cream provides a fresher and more luxurious texture.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your other ingredients (like caramel sauce) are gluten-free.

6. What’s the best way to crush pralines?

Place pralines in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to gently crush them into small pieces.

A Final Slice: Why This Cake Is Worth Making

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of rich flavors and textures that will wow your taste buds. The combination of buttery pecans, caramel filling, and fluffy whipped cream creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ready to Bake?

Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of making this irresistible cake. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for any occasion!

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