This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the buttery flavors of pecans with the gooey sweetness of butterscotch caramel. Perfect for any gathering or as a treat to enjoy at home, this easy-to-make poke cake will be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: Poke cakes are known for their rich, moist texture, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
- Buttery and Nutty: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- Easy to Make: With a boxed cake mix as the base, it’s simple and hassle-free.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter cake mix 🧁
- 1 cup chopped pecans 🌰
- 4 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 🥛
- 1 jar (10 oz) butterscotch caramel topping 🍯
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed 🍦
- Extra pecans and butterscotch chips for garnish 🌰🍬
How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Prepare and Bake the Cake
- Prepare the butter cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Stir 1 cup of chopped pecans into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3️⃣ Toast the Pecans
- While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the remaining pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
4️⃣ Poke the Cake
- Once the cake is out of the oven and still hot, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Drizzle the butterscotch caramel topping over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes as well.
5️⃣ Cool and Add Toppings
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake.
6️⃣ Garnish and Chill
- Garnish the cake with toasted pecans and a sprinkling of butterscotch chips.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve this deliciously moist and flavorful Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.
Recipe Notes
- Customize the Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade caramel instead of jarred butterscotch topping?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will elevate the flavor even more.
2. What if I don’t have whipped topping?
You can substitute freshly whipped cream sweetened with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze the cake without the whipped topping for up to 2 months. Add the whipped topping and garnishes after thawing.
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for pecan lovers and anyone who craves sweet, buttery treats. With its gooey layers of butterscotch caramel and whipped topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a special indulgence, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations! 🍰🌰✨