Introduction

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about poke cakes, and this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake elevates that comfort to new heights. With its tender layers soaked in a rich butterscotch sauce, it’s a dessert that’s both indulgent and inviting, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

The combination of buttery cake with a nutty praline topping brings a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Each slice reveals a moist, flavorful interior, accented by the crunch of pecans and the sweet drizzle that seeps into the cake, making every bite a delectable experience.

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
The base of the cake, providing moisture and structure. Using a yellow cake mix gives a buttery flavor and keeps the cake tender.
3 large eggs
Eggs add richness and help bind the ingredients together. They contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
1 cup water
Water helps to hydrate the dry ingredients in the cake mix. It’s essential for creating the right batter consistency.
1 cup unsalted butter
Butter adds flavor, moisture, and richness to the cake. It also helps create a tender texture once baked.
1 cup packed brown sugar
Brown sugar enhances the flavor with its caramel notes and helps to keep the cake moist due to its molasses content.
1 cup heavy cream
This is used in the praline drizzle, adding a rich decadence that complements the cake’s flavors.
1 cup chopped pecans
Pecans add a nutty crunch and are integral to the praline topping, enhancing the overall texture of the cake.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the cake’s flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and adding depth.
1/4 cup butterscotch sauce
This sauce serves as the soaking liquid for the cake layers, infusing them with a sweet, buttery flavor.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Preheating ensures an even bake from the start, allowing the cake to rise properly. Greasing the dish prevents the cake from sticking, making it easier to remove once baked.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, and melted butter until well blended.

Mixing the ingredients thoroughly creates a uniform batter that will bake consistently. Ensure no dry pockets remain, as they can lead to uneven texture.

Step 3: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Baking the cake until it’s just set is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture. It’s important not to overbake, as this can lead to dryness.

Step 4: While the cake is baking, prepare the butterscotch sauce by combining heavy cream with brown sugar and cooking over medium heat until melted and smooth.

Making the butterscotch sauce in advance allows it to slightly cool while the cake finishes baking, ensuring it’s ready to soak the cake when it’s done.

Step 5: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the cake using a fork.

Poking holes allows the butterscotch sauce to seep into the cake, ensuring that each slice is infused with flavor. This step is critical for a truly indulgent poke cake.

Step 6: Pour the warm butterscotch sauce over the cake, making sure to cover the surface evenly and let it soak in.

Letting the sauce absorb into the holes transforms the cake into a rich, sweet treat, providing each bite with moisture and flavor.

Step 7: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Chilling enhances the flavors as they blend, creating a more cohesive taste. The cake will also firm up, making it easier to slice.

Step 8: Before serving, prepare the praline topping by melting butter in a saucepan, then stirring in chopped pecans and cooking until they’re lightly toasted.

Toasting the pecans deepens their flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the topping, making each piece of cake delightful and contrasting beautifully with the moist cake.

Step 9: Spread the pecan praline mixture over the top of the chilled cake just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Adding the topping right before serving ensures it remains crunchy and doesn’t become soggy, providing a perfect texture contrast to the soft cake underneath.

A Sweet Soak Worth Waiting For

The process of soaking your poke cake with the butterscotch sauce is what sets this dessert apart. It transforms the cake from a simple dessert to a decadent experience. The sauce seeps into the light sponge, enhancing every bite with caramel notes that evoke warm feelings of nostalgia.

Perfecting Pecans: Toasting for Extra Flavor

Toasting pecans before adding them to your praline topping is a simple yet effective technique that significantly boosts their flavor. This step ensures that their natural oils bloom, resulting in a rich, aromatic topping that enhances the overall profile of your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This poke cake stands alone as a dessert but can be elevated with accompaniments such as whipped cream or a scope of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra butterscotch sauce over the top can provide an even richer taste, complementing the cake’s nutty flavor beautifully and making it truly irresistible.

FAQs

What if my butterscotch sauce is too runny?

If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer on low heat to reduce and thicken it. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Can I use chocolate sauce instead of butterscotch?

Yes, substituting chocolate sauce can give a different flavor profile, perfect for chocolate lovers while still keeping the poke cake concept intact.

How can I adjust the sweetness if it’s too intense?

If the cake is too sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the butterscotch sauce by a quarter cup, or balance with unsweetened whipped cream on top.

What can I do if my cake doesn’t absorb the sauce well?

Make sure to poke holes deep enough in the cake and pour the warm butterscotch sauce evenly for better absorption.

Is there a recommended type of butter for this recipe?

Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the cake and praline topping, allowing you to better manage flavor balance.

Can I make this poke cake gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free yellow cake mix will allow you to create a version of this poke cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.

Conclusion

The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. With its layers of flavor and delightful texture, it invites everyone to dive in for a slice.

Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake is a charming way to enjoy the simple pleasures of home cooking, reminding us of the joy found in homemade desserts.

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