This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a moist treat filled with sweet goodness. It’s made with a buttery cake, rich praline topping, and crunchy pecans that add a delightful crunch!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a cake that’s this easy to make? Just poke it, pour on the glaze, and let it soak up all that deliciousness. Perfect for sweet tooth cravings! 🍰
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A box of yellow or butter cake mix is the base for this recipe. If you want a homemade touch, you can use a scratch cake recipe, but the box mix makes it super quick!
Chopped Pecans: Pecans give this cake its signature nutty flavor and crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, walnuts or even almonds can work as great substitutes. You could also skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. If you’re out, dark brown sugar is fine too, but it may give a slightly richer flavor. White sugar works as a last resort but lacks that deep caramel flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient creates that lovely soaking glaze that keeps the cake moist. Evaporated milk is a good substitute, but you’ll need to add a bit of sugar to make up for the missing sweetness!
How Do You Make the Poke Holes Effectively?
Poking holes in the cake is crucial for soaking up that delicious gooey topping. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to make evenly spaced holes. Be gentle but ensure they go down deep enough for the topping to seep in. This isn’t just for show; it helps the cake stay moist and flavorful!
- Wait until the cake is out of the oven, as it should still be hot for better absorption.
- To avoid burning your fingers, let the cake cool for a couple of minutes before poking!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow or butter cake mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
For the Praline Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted, divided
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious poke cake will take around 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool completely before serving. That’s about 10 minutes of patient waiting for the glaze to set. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour of total time, including baking and cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab that box of cake mix and prepare the batter according to the instructions on the box. It’s super simple!
2. Add Pecans:
If you love a nutty texture, go ahead and stir 1/2 cup of chopped pecans into the batter. This step will add a lovely nutty flavor throughout the cake.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Make sure to check with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean; that means it’s done!
4. Poke the Cake:
As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the hot cake. This helps the delicious toppings seep in, making it extra moist!
5. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake while it’s still warm. You want it to seep into those holes!
6. Soak In The Oven:
Return the cake to the oven for another 5 minutes. This helps the topping caramelize just a bit and soak in nicely.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake is soaking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in another small bowl until smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you get the right consistency.
8. Add More Pecans:
After pulling the cake from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top. They’ll add a wonderful crunch!
9. Drizzle The Glaze:
Now, drizzle the praline glaze over the top of the cake and the pecans. Don’t be shy—cover it well!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let your cake cool completely before serving. This gives the glaze a chance to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your deliciously moist Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake with its delightful toppings!
Dig in and indulge in this sweet treat that’s sure to impress family and friends! 🍰✨
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for yellow or butter cake mix, you can experiment with chocolate or even spice cake mixes for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of your poke cake.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, just take it out and serve cold, or warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for a cozy treat.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1 cup of sugar, then heating it until the sugar dissolves. Another option is to use a mixture of cream and sugar for a similar consistency, but the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the cake a day in advance. Follow all the steps until glazing, and then store the cake covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the glaze right before presenting to keep it fresh and vibrant.