Description
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert featuring a moist butter pecan cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. Punctuated with a homemade praline sauce made from butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and chopped pecans, this cake is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful combination of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Toppings and Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the butter pecan cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke the Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake’s surface. These holes will help the toppings soak into the cake, creating a moist texture.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes created in the previous step.
- Drizzle Caramel Topping: Next, drizzle the caramel ice cream topping over the cake’s surface so that it settles into the holes and adds extra sweetness and flavor.
- Make the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Praline Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans to complete the praline sauce.
- Pour Praline Over Cake: Pour the warm praline sauce evenly over the cake, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely to set the praline topping before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
- For an extra creamy texture, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Ensure the cake is warm when poking holes so the toppings absorb better.
