Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Name: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1 cup water; ½ cup melted butter; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 8 oz softened cream cheese; 2 cups powdered sugar

Posted on February 10, 2025

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Have you ever tasted a dessert that feels like a warm hug? The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is one such treat that envelops your senses with its sweet aroma and rich flavors. Picture a soft vanilla cake infused with buttery pecan goodness, drenched in a luscious praline sauce that seeps into every bite.

This delightful poke cake is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. It evokes memories of family celebrations and warm evenings spent around the table. Each slice promises an explosion of flavor and texture—crunchy pecans contrasted with creamy frosting—making it an unforgettable addition to any occasion.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine vanilla cake mix, eggs, water, and melted butter. Mix until just combined, ensuring there are no lumps left in the batter.

Bake Your Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling slightly before proceeding.

Create Holes in Cake: Once cooled for about 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes evenly across the surface of your cake—this allows for better absorption of the praline sauce later on.

Prepare Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and chopped pecans. Stir frequently until heated through but not boiling—about 5 minutes—and then pour over your poked cake evenly.

Add Frosting: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until well combined. Spread this mixture over your cooled poke cake after letting it set in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Select Quality Pecans: Always choose fresh pecans rather than stale ones; they should smell nutty but not rancid for optimal flavor in your cake.

: After baking your poke cake, allow it sufficient time to cool before adding toppings; this ensures everything adheres properly without melting off prematurely.

: For best blending results when mixing frosting ingredients like cream cheese; ensure they’re at room temperature beforehand which helps achieve smoother consistency quickly!

Mistakes to avoid

Not using room temperature ingredients

When making Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, using cold ingredients can affect the final texture. Ensure that eggs, butter, and any dairy products are at room temperature before mixing. This step allows for better incorporation of air, leading to a fluffier cake. Take these items out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start baking. The result will be a moist and evenly baked dessert that holds its shape when poked and filled with praline sauce.

Skipping the cooling period

After baking your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, it’s crucial to let it cool properly before adding any toppings or fillings. A hot cake may crumble or lose its structure when you poke holes for the praline sauce. Allow the cake to sit in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully and that each slice remains intact when served!

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a type of dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake allowing various toppings or fillings—like sauces—to seep into the cake itself. For Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, this technique enhances flavor and moisture throughout each slice.

Can I use other nuts in my poke cake?

Yes! While pecans are traditional in Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer different flavors or textures.

How long does Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake take to bake?

Your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake typically takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in the oven. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time; testing with a toothpick helps ensure it’s fully cooked.

Is there a gluten-free version available?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake recipe without compromising flavor significantly. Just ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free as needed.

How can I enhance the flavor of my poke cake?

To elevate your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake’s flavor profile, consider adding vanilla extract or almond extract into the batter and praline topping for additional depth. These subtle additions complement pecans beautifully!

FAQs