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I’ve gotta tell you about one of my favorite Southern comfort treats! This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake always feels like a big warm hug at the end of the day. I found a version a long time ago and after years of tweaking and taste testing, this is the one my family begs for. That ooey-gooey praline sauce soaks right through, and those crispy pecans give just the right crunch. As soon as it’s baking, everyone starts sneaking into the kitchen hoping for a bite!
Irresistible Butter Pecan Delight
Honestly, I’m all about easy desserts that look fancy but don’t take ages. It starts out super simple—just a box mix—but you’d never know it! The magic? Thick, warm praline sauce soaks into the cake through those holes, filling every bit with sweet, caramelly goodness. Best part? Toss it in the fridge and it somehow gets even tastier, so you can make it ahead without stress.
Jump In And Bake
- Patience Wins: Pop that finished cake into the fridge for a good hour so all the rich flavors settle in and get cozy together.
- Sweet End: Grab that warm, dreamy sauce, pour it all over so it fills every space, and watch it disappear!
- Make The Magic: Melt butter, pour in sweet condensed milk, blend with pecans and vanilla, and let it turn rich and nutty.
- Get Poking: When the cake is out and cooled, poke it all over—honestly, it’s the best part—and get it ready to soak up that sauce.
- Mix & Pour: While the oven’s working, stir cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and frosting together till creamy, then gently mix in the pecans.
- Fire Up: Start off by getting your oven hot at 350°F and greasing up a trusty 9x13 dish so you’re ready to go.
My Favorite Tricks
After making this cake a million times, here’s what I’ve figured out! Toast your pecans first—they pack way more flavor that way. Pour the sauce when it’s hot and gooey for the best soak. I poke holes every inch or so, so the whole cake gets drenched. Sometimes I stir in a splash of bourbon for a fun grownup kick—so good!
Plan Ahead, Save Time
This is my secret weapon when life’s too busy! Stash it in the fridge—tastes great for up to 5 days, just wrap it well. If you wanna make it way early, cut slices, wrap each up, and freeze for a few months. Give them a slow thaw overnight in the fridge and they taste just right!
An Extra-Special Touch
Wondering how to make it extra awesome? Sure, it’s great by itself, but I love topping a piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of homemade whipped cream. Sometimes I pour on more caramel sauce and a flurry of toasted pecans. And if you’ve got a cup of strong coffee on the side, you’re in for a treat!
What Sets This Apart
Want to know why this cake has my heart? Every bite feels like a cozy night in. The mix of buttery nuts and sweet praline just hits the spot. Beginners pull this off too—it’s basically foolproof!
More Poke Cakes To Love
If you love these kinds of cakes, I’ve got other stars for you! The Coconut Cream one makes you feel like you’re on a beach trip. The Chocolate Turtle version is super rich and perfect for chocolate fans. Lemon Blueberry? Totally refreshing for hot days and parties.
Kitchen Wisdom From Me
Here’s some wisdom from lots of baking! Toast those pecans but don’t walk away—they toast fast. Always pour the praline sauce before it cools—helps every bite get extra soft and sweet. And really, chilling is worth it. That’s when the magic kicks in!
Keep Yours Tasting Great
This treat keeps so well in the fridge nearly all week if you keep it tightly covered. Thinking ahead? Wrap it up snug and freeze. I’m not kidding—I usually bake two at once so there’s one for now, one for later!
Absolute Crowd-Pleaser
From potlucks to regular family nights, this cake’s always the hit of the party! Gooey praline, soft buttery layers, and crunchy pecans—folks always ask for seconds. I promise you’ll end up famous for it too!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the benefit of toasting pecans?
- It brings out their flavor and makes them crunchier. Just 5-10 minutes in a preheated oven is all it takes.
- → How far down should the holes go?
- Only poke halfway into the cake. That way, the sauce mixes evenly and the cake stays firm.
- → Can I prep this cake in advance?
- Absolutely! Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors come together better.
- → Why add coconut pecan frosting to the batter?
- It makes the cake super moist and pairs perfectly with the buttery pecan flavor.
- → What’s the best way to store this cake?
- Keep it covered in the fridge. The sauce stays fresh and the cake remains soft for days.