Pecan Praline Poke Cake

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Sure! Here’s a comprehensive and detailed presentation of the Pecan Praline Poke Cake — a Southern favorite turned into a luscious dessert masterpiece. This version includes an introduction, history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional info, and more.

Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Southern Classic with a Twist

Introduction

Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a dreamy dessert that brings together the warmth of butter pecan cake, the richness of caramel and condensed milk, and the tangy sweetness of cream cheese topping. It’s a poke cake — meaning holes are poked after baking so sweet filling can seep in, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. Topped with toasted pecans and a praline-like frosting, this cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Brief History

Poke cakes gained popularity in the 1970s through a Jell-O marketing campaign. The concept was simple: poke holes in a warm cake and pour liquid over it to create a moist and flavorful bite every time. The Southern United States, known for its deep love of pecans and pralines, embraced this trend and gave birth to variations like this Pecan Praline Poke Cake.

Pralines themselves trace back to 17th-century France, but the American version — especially the one from New Orleans — is all about pecans, brown sugar, and cream. The result is a sweet, nutty, caramel-like confection that’s now a staple of Southern baking.

Ingredients

Cake Base:

  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

Poke Filling:

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Creamy Topping:

  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Praline Garnish:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions & Method

1. Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter pecan cake mix, water, oil, and eggs.
  3. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed until smooth.
  4. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

2. Poke and Fill

  1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake.
  2. Mix together sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce.
  3. Pour mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
  4. Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top. Let cool completely.

3. Cream Cheese Topping

  1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
  3. Fold in Cool Whip gently until combined.
  4. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

4. Praline Garnish

  1. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1 cup chopped pecans.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
  3. Let it cool for a few minutes, then drizzle over the cake topping.

5. Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 12 servings)

  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Sugars: 42g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on brands used.

Formation

This cake is built in layers of flavor and texture:

  1. Base – rich, nutty cake
  2. Filling – a gooey mixture that penetrates the cake
  3. Topping – light, fluffy cream cheese Cool Whip blend
  4. Garnish – sweet, sticky praline pecans

Each forkful gives you creamy, crunchy, caramelized bliss.

Benefits

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Gets better with time as the flavors meld.
  • Feeds a Crowd: A 9×13 pan serves 12–15 easily.
  • Versatile: Can swap in walnuts, toffee bits, or add cinnamon.
  • Comforting: The Southern flavors bring nostalgic warmth and joy.

Conclusion

Pecan Praline Poke Cake is the perfect blend of ease and elegance. It combines nostalgic flavors with a foolproof method, making it a go-to for beginner and expert bakers alike. Whether for holidays or everyday indulgence, this cake will never go unnoticed on the dessert table.

For the Lovers of Sweet Southern Baking

If you’re someone who dreams of pecan pies, praline fudge, or rich butter cakes — this one’s for you. Lovers of all things nutty, creamy, and caramel-kissed will fall head-over-heels for this cake. It’s a love letter to the flavors of the South, wrapped in a cake pan.

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