Indulge in Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Bliss
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a cozy dessert that transports you to cherished moments, isn’t there? The aroma of baked goodies wafting through the house, the laughter of loved ones, and that sweet anticipation of taking that first, tender slice — it all feels like a warm hug. And today, I’m excited to share a recipe that captures that essence perfectly: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Bliss. This delightful treat combines the creamy richness of butter pecan flavors with a dreamy, indulgent topping, making it a perfect candidate for your next family gathering or a comforting weeknight dessert. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Creamy: With layers of sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, each bite melts in your mouth.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing at potlucks or holiday parties, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.
- Easy to Make: Thanks to a cake mix base, this recipe requires minimal time and effort for maximum flavor!
- Comforting Seasonal Flavors: The warm notes of butter pecan and toasted pecans embody the essence of cozy, fall desserts.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist — it’s versatile enough to adapt for various tastes.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For this luscious Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, you will need:
- 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (essential for richness)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (for fluffiest topping)
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for sweetness and stability)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (enhances flavor)
- 1/2 cup Toasted Pecans (adds crunch)
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this dreamy cake together!
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly, allowing the cake to come out effortlessly.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Butter Pecan Cake Mix according to the package instructions. Typically, this entails adding eggs, water, and oil. Blend until smooth and pour it into your prepared baking dish.
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Enjoy the warm, nutty aroma filling your kitchen!
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. While it’s still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes throughout the cake — this is where the magic happens!
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk generously over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and stir in the brown sugar. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and has thickened. Pour this warm mixture over the cooled cake and let it ooze into the holes — yes, please!
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until soft peaks form.
Gently fold in the toasted pecans, then spread this heavenly mixture over the top of your cake.
For the finishing touch, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve chilled and watch as everyone digs in, the rich, creamy layers beckoning with each slice!
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic Butter Pecan Poke Cake is remarkable on its own, feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Chocolate Delight: Swap the butter pecan cake mix for chocolate and add mini chocolate chips along with the toasted pecans for an indulgent twist.
- Zesty Citrus: Incorporate a touch of lemon or orange zest into the whipped cream for a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts the sweetness beautifully.
- Coconut Bliss: Add flaked coconut into the brownsugar butter mixture for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top each slice with rich caramel sauce just before serving for that extra wow-factor!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my best kitchen secrets:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This poke cake tastes even better the next day. If making ahead, store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days to allow the flavors to develop.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped topping for the cake’s topping, but it won’t be as rich.
- Slicing Tips: When slicing the cake, use a sharp, serrated knife to get clean cuts that don’t squish the layers.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about 4-5 days.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Each serving of Indulge in Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Bliss (based on 12 servings) gives you approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making a day in advance, as it benefits from chilling overnight.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite cake mix or mix-ins to personalize it.How do I store leftovers?
Store uncovered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days for peak freshness, or keep it covered for longer storage.How long does it last?
If properly stored, this poke cake can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
Wrapping It Up
Indulging in Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Bliss isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with those you love. This recipe embodies everything cozy, creamy, and sentimental, making it the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Be sure to save this cozy delight to your Pinterest board so you have it on hand whenever you fancy a warm, comforting treat. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy dessert that combines creamy butter pecan flavors with a dreamy topping, perfect for gatherings and comforting weeknight treats.
Ingredients
- 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Toasted Pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Butter Pecan Cake Mix according to the package instructions, blend until smooth and pour into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove cake, let cool slightly, then poke holes in the cake.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allow to cool completely.
- Melt unsalted butter and stir in brown sugar, cook until bubbly and thickened, then pour over the cooled cake.
- Whip heavy cream, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then fold in toasted pecans.
- Spread the whipped cream mixture over the cake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, chill overnight before serving. Feel free to customize with your favorite cake mix or add-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: poke cake, butter pecan, dessert, easy recipe, family gathering