This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a sweet delight that features moist vanilla cake soaked in rich butter pecan sauce. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy pecans, it’s simply irresistible!
Whenever I make this cake, I can’t help but sneak spoonfuls of that creamy topping. Who can resist? 😂 It’s perfect for parties or just because—you’ll want seconds, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake. It adds sweetness and moisture. If you prefer to make it from scratch, consider using a simple vanilla cake recipe. Gluten-free cake mix can also be a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Pecans: Chopped pecans bring a lovely crunch and flavor. If you’re out of pecans, walnuts or even almonds work well as substitutions. Just chop them up to match the texture of pecans.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt level in your dish. If you need a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter or coconut oil instead.
Cream Cheese: Provides the creamy base for the frosting. If you’re vegan or looking for a lighter option, you can use dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
How Do You Make Sure the Cake Soaks Up the Sauce Properly?
Poking holes in the cake is crucial for allowing the sauce to soak in deeply, making every bite creamy and flavorful. Use a wooden spoon handle or a skewer to create holes about 1 inch apart while the cake is still warm—this helps the sauce penetrate better.
- Move the skewer in and out gently to create enough space for the sauce but without tearing the cake.
- Pour the warm butter pecan sauce onto the cake immediately after making it. This allows it to absorb better.
- Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes after pouring the sauce so it can soak in completely before adding the frosting.
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box: usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
For the Butter Pecan Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Praline Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Additional:
- Whipped cream, optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful poke cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, an additional 30-35 minutes to bake, and at least 1 hour to chill. So, in total, you should set aside about 2 hours to make this scrumptious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Start by preparing the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Stir in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans to add a lovely crunch to the cake. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake according to the box instructions, usually for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Poke the Cake:
While the cake is still warm, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a large skewer. Poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This is an important step, as it allows the sauce to soak in properly!
3. Make the Butter Pecan Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, mixing constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly—about 3-5 minutes. When it’s all combined, remove it from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
4. Pour the Sauce Over Cake:
Using a spoon, carefully pour the warm butter pecan sauce evenly over the holes in the cake. Allow it to soak in for about 30 minutes—this will make your cake even more delicious!
5. Prepare the Praline Frosting:
While you wait, let’s make the praline frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans.
6. Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has soaked up the sauce and cooled slightly, spread the praline frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Don’t be shy—make it nice and creamy!
7. Chill and Serve:
Pop the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the frosting set. When you’re ready to serve, slice and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some extra pecans on top if you like.
Enjoy your rich, buttery, and irresistibly nutty Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Cake Flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake is traditional, feel free to use a spice cake, butter cake, or even a chocolate cake mix for a different twist. Just adjust the soak ingredients accordingly, especially if you’re using bold flavors like chocolate.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain its moisture and flavor!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake and soak it with the sauce up to a day ahead of time. Just wait to frost it until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Can I Use Different Nuts?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds! Just chop them similarly for the best texture and keep the flavor profile in mind when mixing with the sauce and frosting.
