Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that features a moist butter cake infused with rich butter pecan flavor, topped with a creamy praline frosting. This cake is perfect for special occasions and is sure to impress with its combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) butter cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted, for added flavor)

For the Praline Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Making Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, water, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Praline Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Poke Holes: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
4. Pour Praline Mixture: Pour the warm praline topping over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

Step 4: Serve

1. Chill and Enjoy: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this rich and decadent dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	4g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	25g

Tips for Customization

• Add Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract into the cake batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Make it Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of butter cake mix for a chocolate version of this dessert.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a deliciously rich and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of praline with the nuttiness of pecans. This cake is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful treat that everyone will love. Enjoy this easy and indulgent recipe!