Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, coconut pecan frosting, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Beat everything together until it is well combined and smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. To ensure it's fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Poke Holes: Once the cake is baked and still warm, use a fork to poke holes all over the top. This step is crucial as it allows the frosting to seep into the cake and adds to its moistness.
Pour the Frosting: Carefully pour the remaining coconut pecan frosting over the warm cake, making sure it fills all the holes for maximum flavor.
Add Pecans: Top the frosted cake with the chopped pecans, adding a crispy element that complements the softness of the cake.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
What to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake With
This decadent poke cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that ultra-comfort vibe. For a refreshing touch, consider serving it with fresh berries, which can help balance the sweetness. Add a warm cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got yourself a delightful dessert experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Ingredient Substitutions: For a slightly different taste, you can use a regular vanilla cake mix instead of butter pecan. Feel free to experiment with different frosting flavors as well!
Timing Adjustments: If you use a different baking pan size, adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller pans may require less time, while larger pans may need a bit more.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother batter. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month. When reheating, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up without losing its delightful moisture.
There you have it—a comprehensive guide to creating the delightful Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Simple, delicious, and a true crowd-pleaser, this recipe is one every home baker should try! Enjoy!