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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Southern-Style Indulgence

Name: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 box Butter Pecan cake mix; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 ½ cups whipped topping; ½ cup chopped pecans (for garnish); Optional: drizzle of caramel sauce

Imagine a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the sweet, nutty aroma of freshly baked cake, paired with the luscious scent of caramel and pecans. The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it embodies the essence of Southern hospitality and comfort food. This cake invites friends and family to gather round, sharing stories and laughter, all while indulging in a slice of sweetness that melts in your mouth. If you’re yearning for a recipe that’s as rich in flavor as it is in Southern tradition, then this delightful poke cake is definitely worth a try.

Why Make This Recipe

This cake is a celebration of flavors, combining the earthy richness of pecans with a creamy praline sauce that soaks deep into the cake.
The recipe is simple yet stunning, making it perfect not just for special occasions but also for everyday gatherings.
Experience the nostalgia of family gatherings; this poke cake is bound to become a cherished recipe in your own kitchen.

Easy Method for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Creating the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a breeze, even for those who may not consider themselves baking experts. Follow this simple guide, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that impresses without overwhelming you in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps to make this Southern classic.

Ingredients

To whip up this indulgent delight, gather the following ingredients:

1 box Butter Pecan cake mix
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 ½ cups whipped topping
½ cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Optional: drizzle of caramel sauce

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the butter pecan cake mix with milk, eggs, and melted butter, following the package directions. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan and let the magic begin as it bakes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool slightly. While it’s still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. Let these little pockets create spaces for that rich praline sauce to seep in.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Bring it to a boil, allowing it to bubble gently before simmering for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens beautifully. Stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped pecans to create your rich, nutty praline sauce.
Immediately pour the warm praline sauce over the poked cake, ensuring it fills every hole for maximum flavor infusion.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This will allow those flavors to mesh and the cake to become perfectly moist.
Once chilled, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping for a light and airy frosting.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cake, letting it hide the delicious praline goodness beneath.
Finally, garnish with chopped pecans on top, and if you wish, a little drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

Storing Leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

To keep your delicious poke cake fresh:

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days at 40°F.
Consider freezing individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container before freezing.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy again.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Serving this heavenly creation can be just as delightful as indulging in it. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving game:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice will take each bite to the next level of indulgence.
Pair with a rich cup of coffee or a sweet tea to complement the nuttiness and sweetness of the poke cake.
For a festive touch, arrange slices on decorative dessert plates and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Consider serving it at room temperature; the flavors of the praline sauce will be even more pronounced!

Tips to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Use room temperature ingredients when preparing the frosting; this ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
If you want to enhance the flavor of the cake, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix.
To avoid over-mixing your frosting, fold in the whipped topping gently until just incorporated. This keeps it light and airy.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’d like to make some tweaks to this recipe to suit your personal taste, here are a few variations to consider:

Nut Allergy Alternative: Instead of using pecans, swap these out for almonds or even walnuts, depending on what you love or have on hand.
Flavor Boost: To add a little zing, incorporate a splash of bourbon into the praline mixture for a Southern twist or use a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate pecan poke cake.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and will actually taste better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

Q: How do I store the cake if I have leftovers?

A: You can refrigerate it for 3–4 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use different nuts in the cake?

A: Yes! While pecans are traditional for this recipe, any nut you enjoy can be used. Almonds or hazelnuts can be great alternatives.

Nutritional Info

While the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is not a health food, it does satisfy the soul. Here’s a rough estimate for a slice, assuming 12 servings:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g

Please feel free to adjust portion sizes and combinations to fit your dietary needs or preferences.

Pro Tips

To make sure your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake turns out beautifully every time, consider these pro tips:

Poking Technique: The more holes you poke, the better the sauce will seep in, making for a more decadent experience. Don’t shy away from using the wooden spoon handle effectively.
Temperature Matters: Ensure that all dairy ingredients are at room temperature; this applies particularly to the cream cheese for easy mixing.
Don’t Rush Chilling: Be patient for the chilling time; it ensures the praline sauce firms up and allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

In summary, the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is an ultimate dessert that perfectly incorporates the charm of Southern cooking while being incredibly straightforward to make. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire, inviting warmth, laughter, and plenty of sweet memories. So roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the joy of making this delectable poke cake!