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Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

butter pecan praline poke cake - featured image
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This easy Southern dessert features a moist butter pecan cake soaked with homemade praline sauce, topped with whipped cream, toasted pecans, and caramel drizzle. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) butter pecan cake mix
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces (optional)
  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread 1 cup chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil.
  4. Add toasted pecans and melted butter; mix until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cake cool for 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or straw to poke holes all over the surface, about 1 inch apart and 2/3 depth.
  8. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thickened (5-7 minutes).
  9. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
  10. Pour hot praline sauce over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
  11. Let cake cool completely (about 1 hour) or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  12. Spread whipped topping evenly over cooled cake.
  13. Sprinkle with toasted pecan pieces and drizzle with caramel sauce.
  14. Slice and serve.

Notes

Toast pecans for deeper flavor. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Make praline sauce a day ahead for richer flavor. Let cake cool before adding whipped topping to prevent melting. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute cake mix and cream as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter pecan, praline, poke cake, Southern dessert, easy cake, holiday dessert, potluck, caramel, pecan cake

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/butter-pecan-praline-poke-cake-easy-southern-dessert-recipe/