Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Your New Dessert Obsession

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Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of toasted pecans, the sweet crunch of praline, and the moist, tender crumb of a perfectly baked cake. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s exactly what you get with this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a dessert so indulgent, it’s bound to become your new obsession. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

What makes this cake truly special? It’s all about the layers of flavor. A soft vanilla cake is poked and soaked with a luscious caramel sauce, then topped with a creamy, nutty frosting and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and nutty goodness. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert that only gets better as it chills, making it ideal for busy bakers.

So, are you ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this irresistible Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake recipe—it’s easier than you think and guaranteed to impress!

Key Benefits of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and easy to make, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is your answer. Here’s why it’s about to become your go-to recipe:

Irresistible Flavor Combo: The rich, buttery taste of toasted pecans pairs perfectly with the sweet, gooey caramel sauce and creamy frosting. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors!
Moist and Tender Cake: The “poke” method ensures the cake stays incredibly moist, as the caramel sauce seeps into every nook and cranny.
Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight treats, this cake is a hit with both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this cake in advance—it actually tastes better after chilling, making it a stress-free dessert for busy hosts.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add a drizzle of chocolate or swap in gluten-free ingredients, this recipe is flexible and forgiving.

This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the first bite to the last, it’s a dessert that brings people together and leaves them craving more. Ready to bake? Let’s gather your ingredients and get started!

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Ingredients for a butter pecan praline poke cake laid out on a wooden table, including cake mix, eggs, butter, nuts, and other baking supplies.

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this show-stopping dessert. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake a success:

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake batter)
1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs

For the Caramel Filling:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup sweetened condensed milk

For the Butter Pecan Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For Garnish:

½ cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
¼ cup chopped pecans (for topping)

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

Vanilla Cake Mix: If you prefer homemade, use your favorite vanilla cake recipe.
Caramel Sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own for a richer flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds creaminess to the filling, but you can substitute with evaporated milk for a lighter option.
Pecans: Toast them lightly for extra nutty flavor. If you’re allergic, try toasted almonds or walnuts.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free caramel sauce to make this cake allergy-friendly.

With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Let’s move on to the fun part—baking and assembling your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake!

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Collage of two images: Left shows caramel being poured into holes of a cake; Right shows caramel being poured over a cake topped with frosting and pecans.

Ready to create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Follow these simple steps to bake and assemble your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake like a pro:

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, melted butter, water, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pro Tip: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before poking holes—this prevents it from crumbling.

Step 2: Poke and Fill

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk.
Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Pro Tip: Warm the caramel sauce slightly if it’s too thick—this makes it easier to pour.

Step 3: Make the Butter Pecan Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Fold in the toasted chopped pecans for that irresistible nutty crunch.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Spread the butter pecan frosting evenly over the cake.
Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a beautiful finish.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the cake set.

Pro Tip: For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, slice your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake into squares and serve. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

This step-by-step guide ensures your cake turns out perfectly every time. Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore some pro tips and variations to make this dessert truly your own!

Pro Tips and Variations for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Want to take your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to the next level? Here are some expert tips and creative variations to make this dessert even more special:

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Toast Your Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the frosting enhances their nutty flavor. Just spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Warm the Caramel Sauce: If your caramel sauce is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop before pouring it over the cake. This ensures it seeps into the holes evenly.
Chill Thoroughly: Let the cake chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the frosting, make sure your butter is softened and your heavy cream is at room temperature. This ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
Clean Slices: Dip your knife in hot water before cutting the cake for clean, beautiful slices.

Creative Variations to Try

Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the caramel for a decadent chocolate-caramel combo.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure your caramel sauce is gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free caramel sauce and whipped cream.
Nut-Free Alternative: Skip the pecans and use toasted coconut or crushed pretzels for a different crunch.
Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced twist.
Mini Cakes: Bake the cake in a muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for parties!

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

With these tips and variations, you can customize your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake to suit any occasion or dietary need. Now that you’re armed with all the tricks, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and enjoy this delightful dessert!

Serving Suggestions for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is ready to shine, and how you serve it can make all the difference! Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this irresistible dessert:

1. Classic Presentation

Slice the cake into even squares and place them on a pretty serving platter.
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with toasted pecans for a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy finish.

2. Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or butter pecan ice cream for an indulgent treat. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a perfect contrast.

3. Pair with Coffee or Tea

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, espresso, or chai tea. The rich flavors of the cake complement the boldness of the drinks.

4. Dress It Up for Special Occasions

For holidays or birthdays, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible gold dust or festive sprinkles.
Serve on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant touch.

5. Mini Dessert Plates

Create a dessert spread by pairing the cake with other bite-sized treats like chocolate truffles, fruit tarts, or mini cheesecakes.

6. Make It a Sundae

Crumble a slice of cake into a bowl, top with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and whipped cream, and finish with a cherry for a fun poke cake sundae.

7. Gift It to Loved Ones

Package individual slices in cute boxes or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a ribbon and a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Pro Tip for Serving

Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to bloom and the texture to soften slightly.

No matter how you choose to serve it, your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is sure to impress. Now that you’ve mastered the recipe, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts and answers to common questions!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already dreaming about that first bite of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. And trust me, it’s every bit as amazing as it sounds! This dessert is more than just a cake—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in the most delightful way.

Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

It’s Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can nail this cake.
It’s Versatile: Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a weeknight treat, or gifting it to a loved one, this cake fits every occasion.
It’s Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of moist cake, gooey caramel, and nutty frosting is a universal crowd-pleaser.
It’s Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy schedules, this cake actually tastes better after chilling, so you can prepare it in advance.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

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butter pecan praline poke cake

Chef Julia

Indulge in a butter pecan praline poke cake moist, caramel-soaked, and topped with nutty frosting. Perfect for any sweet craving

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 450 kcal