Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a rich and moist butter pecan-flavored cake soaked with a luscious praline sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Finished with a fluffy whipped topping and toasted pecans, this dessert offers a delightful combination of creamy, nutty, and caramel flavors with an optional drizzling of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Praline Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping and Garnish
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to package instructions by combining the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake to allow the praline sauce to seep in.
- Make the Praline Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the mixture starts to bubble gently. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Pour the Sauce: Slowly pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the poked cake, ensuring the sauce penetrates into all the holes for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Cool and Top: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake and sprinkle generously with toasted chopped pecans for added texture and nuttiness.
- Optional Garnish: Just before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake to add a layer of rich sweetness and an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the caramel sauce is drizzled right before serving to prevent the whipped topping from melting.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Butter Pecan Cake, Praline Poke Cake, Poke Cake Recipe, Pecan Dessert, Sweetened Condensed Milk Cake, Caramel Drizzle Cake
