Butter Pecan Poke Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Butter Pecan Poke Cake: Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with this incredibly moist and flavorful treat! Imagine sinking your fork into a cloud of tender cake, infused with the rich, nutty goodness of butter and pecans. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a poke cake, which means every bite is saturated with a luscious, creamy filling that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of poke cakes are debated, they gained immense popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple at potlucks and family gatherings across America. Their ease of preparation and customizable nature made them a hit with home bakers. The beauty of a poke cake lies in its simplicity – a baked cake is “poked” with holes, then filled with a liquid or creamy mixture that seeps into the cake, creating an unbelievably moist and flavorful dessert.

People adore Butter Pecan Poke Cake for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The soft, spongy cake, the crunchy pecans, and the smooth, buttery filling create a symphony in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, making it an irresistible indulgence for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a winner for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. So, get ready to bake up a storm and experience the magic of this classic dessert!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• For the Poke:
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup butter pecan flavored coffee creamer
• For the Butter Pecan Topping:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter pecan flavored coffee creamer
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup butterscotch chips, optional

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to remove later. I like to use a baking spray that already contains flour for extra insurance.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the ingredients together until well combined. Start on low speed to prevent the dry ingredients from flying everywhere, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when you poke the holes.

Poking and Infusing the Cake

1. Poke the Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go all the way down to the bottom of the cake. The more holes you poke, the more of that delicious butter pecan flavor will soak in!
2. Prepare the Poke Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and the butter pecan flavored coffee creamer until well combined. This mixture will seep into the holes and make the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
3. Infuse the Cake: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the warm cake, making sure to evenly distribute it over the entire surface. The mixture will seep into the holes and saturate the cake. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of liquid; the cake will absorb it all as it cools.
4. Chill the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture and become incredibly moist and flavorful. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

Making the Butter Pecan Topping

1. Whip the Cream: In a large, chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.
2. Add Butter Pecan Flavor: Gently fold in the butter pecan flavored coffee creamer into the whipped cream until just combined. This will give the topping a delicious butter pecan flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
3. Toast the Pecans: While the cake is chilling, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Stir them frequently to prevent them from burning. Let them cool completely before using them to decorate the cake. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the cake.

Assembling and Serving

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Spread the butter pecan whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Decorate the Cake: Sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans and butterscotch chips (if using) over the whipped cream topping. Get creative with your decoration! You can arrange the pecans in a pattern or simply sprinkle them randomly over the cake.
3. Chill Again (Optional): For the best flavor and texture, chill the assembled cake for another 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake into squares and serve. This Butter Pecan Poke Cake is best served cold. Enjoy every bite of this moist, flavorful, and decadent dessert! It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family.

Conclusion:

This Butter Pecan Poke Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a nostalgic trip to grandma’s kitchen, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. Seriously, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always gets rave reviews, look no further. The moist, buttery cake soaked in that luscious pecan caramel sauce, topped with the creamy whipped topping and crunchy pecans… it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds.

I know, I know, I’m gushing, but I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a good dessert. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even just a weeknight treat when you need a little something special. And the best part? It’s so simple to make! You can even use a store-bought cake mix to save time, and nobody will ever know the difference (unless you tell them, of course!).

But don’t just take my word for it. You absolutely have to experience the magic of this Butter Pecan Poke Cake for yourself.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm it up! A slightly warmed slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure heaven. The ice cream melts into the cake, creating an even more decadent experience.
* Add a drizzle of chocolate. A dark chocolate drizzle adds a touch of sophistication and complements the nutty flavors beautifully.
* Go nuts! Experiment with different types of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious alternatives to pecans.
* Spice it up! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter or caramel sauce adds a warm, cozy flavor.
* Coffee kick: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the caramel sauce for a mocha-inspired twist.
* Boozy boost: A splash of bourbon or rum in the caramel sauce adds a delightful warmth and depth of flavor (for adults only, of course!).
* Individual servings: Bake the cake in muffin tins for individual poke cakes. This is perfect for portion control and makes serving a breeze.
* Layer it up: Create a trifle by layering the cake with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chopped pecans in a glass bowl.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed winner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of this incredible Butter Pecan Poke Cake.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? Did you serve it to a crowd? What did everyone think? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy baking! And remember, the best desserts are made with love (and a generous helping of butter and pecans!). Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!