Introduction
Indulging in a slice of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn evening. With its soft, buttery cake base, rich praline flavor, and creamy whipped topping, every bite offers a delightful combination of sweet and nutty goodness. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress at gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even just as a special treat after dinner. Let’s dive into the simple yet mouthwatering process of creating this unforgettable cake!
Ingredients
- 1 box butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup praline sauce
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your beautiful cake comes out easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, melted butter, cooled brewed coffee, and eggs. Mix with a wooden spoon or handheld mixer until the batter is smooth and well combined, resembling a creamy mixture.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, allowing the nutty pieces to incorporate evenly into the batter.
- Pour the luscious batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This brief cooling is essential for the next step!
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake, creating pathways for the delightful topping to seep in.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and praline sauce until thoroughly combined. Gently pour this sweet mixture over the poke holes of the cake, letting it trickle into every crevice.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form — this will create a fluffy, luscious topping.
- Spread the whipped cream generously over the top of the cake, covering it completely with its airy sweetness.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a burst of indulgent goodness!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra crunch, you can toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before adding them to the batter.
- This cake can be made a day ahead; just keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
- Consider drizzling some extra praline sauce on top of each serving for a decadent finishing touch!
Cooking Techniques
The key to this poke cake is poking holes into it while it’s still warm, which allows the sweetened condensed milk and praline sauce to seep into the cake, infusing it with flavor. Mixing and folding gently keeps the batter light and airy, resulting in a wonderfully tender cake. The whipped topping is best when whipped just until stiff peaks form; over-whipping can lead to a grainy texture. Patience during the chilling time is essential, as it enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
FAQ
- Can I use another type of cake mix? Yes! While butter cake mix provides a rich flavor, you can experiment with vanilla or yellow cake mixes for a similar result.
- How should I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
- Can I freeze this cake? While the texture might change slightly, you can freeze the cake without the whipped topping. Thaw it before adding the whipped cream to serve.
Conclusion
This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is sure to become a favorite for family and friends alike. Each slice is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that invites you back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this cake will leave you feeling satisfied and delighted. Enjoy every blissful bite!