Indulge in Heavenly Butter Pecan Poke Cake: An Easy and Decadent Dessert
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience with this truly incredible Butter Pecan Poke Cake! Every forkful is a symphony of moist, rich butter pecan cake infused with a luscious, creamy frosting and delightful textures from crunchy pecans and tender coconut. It’s a dessert that perfectly balances decadent flavor with surprising ease of preparation, making it an instant favorite for any gathering or a special treat for yourself. If you’re searching for a show-stopping cake that’s both simple to create and guaranteed to impress, you’ve found your match in this heavenly creation.
Why This Butter Pecan Poke Cake Will Become Your New Favorite
What makes this Butter Pecan Poke Cake so utterly irresistible? It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The magic begins with a tender butter pecan cake base, already bursting with buttery, nutty flavor. But the real genius lies in the “poke” method, which allows a sweet, creamy filling of sweetened condensed milk to seep into every crevice, transforming the cake into an incredibly moist and flavorful masterpiece. This infusion ensures that each bite is not only tender but also deeply rich and satisfying. Topped with a velvety butterscotch-infused whipped frosting, generously studded with toasted pecans and shredded coconut, this cake offers an irresistible contrast of smooth and crunchy textures that will leave everyone craving another slice. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is remarkably simple to bring to life, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
A Simple Recipe for an Impressively Delicious Dessert
Don’t let the elegant appearance of this Butter Pecan Poke Cake intimidate you. Despite its incredibly rich flavor and appealing textures, this recipe is designed for simplicity. By starting with a convenient box of butter pecan cake mix, you save valuable time without compromising on taste. The “poke” technique is straightforward and fun, ensuring that every inch of your cake is imbued with a sweet, moist essence. The frosting comes together quickly with instant pudding, whipped topping, and our delightful mix-ins. This dessert proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly spectacular. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert fix, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Unveiling the Key Ingredients for Perfection
The magic of this Butter Pecan Poke Cake lies in its carefully selected components, each playing a vital role in creating its iconic flavor and texture. From the buttery base to the creamy, nutty topping, every ingredient contributes to a harmonious and decadent dessert experience.
Cake Base Essentials
- Butter Pecan Cake Mix: This is the foundation of our cake, providing a shortcut to a rich, nutty, and buttery flavor profile. It ensures a consistently moist crumb and saves time on measuring dry ingredients.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water: These standard additions, as instructed on the cake mix box, are crucial for the cake’s structure, moisture, and overall texture. They bind the ingredients together and create a tender, airy crumb.
The Luscious Filling & Frosting
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star of the “poke” cake! This thick, sweet milk is poured over the warm, poked cake, soaking into the holes and infusing it with an unparalleled moistness and caramel-like sweetness. It’s the secret to the cake’s heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix: This not only adds a delightful, complementary butterscotch flavor but also helps to thicken and stabilize our whipped topping. It creates a creamy, rich layer that perfectly complements the butter pecan cake.
- Cold Whole Milk: Essential for preparing the instant pudding, cold milk ensures the pudding sets properly and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Light, airy, and incredibly easy to use, whipped topping forms the base of our frosting. It provides a cool, creamy contrast to the dense cake and holds its shape beautifully when chilled.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a tropical sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the nutty pecans and buttery cake. It introduces another layer of complexity to the overall flavor.
- Chopped Pecans: The signature component of any butter pecan dessert! These provide a delightful crunch and a deep, earthy, buttery flavor that defines the cake. Toasting them lightly before adding can enhance their nuttiness even further.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Butter Pecan Poke Cake
Follow these detailed instructions to create a flawless Butter Pecan Poke Cake that will impress everyone fortunate enough to taste it. Each step is designed for ease and ensures maximum flavor and moisture.
Baking the Foundation
- Prepare the Cake: Begin by following the package directions for your 1 box of Butter Pecan Cake Mix. You’ll typically need to add ingredients like eggs, oil, and water. Mix according to instructions, pour the batter evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke the Cake: Immediately after taking the warm cake out of the oven, grab a fork (or the handle of a wooden spoon for larger holes). Carefully and thoroughly poke holes across the entire surface of the cake. Ensure the holes are deep enough to reach the bottom but not so wide as to tear the cake apart. Aim for even spacing, about 1 inch apart, to allow the sweet filling to penetrate every slice.
The Sweet Soaking Secret
- Pour the Condensed Milk: Take your 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and carefully pour it evenly over the still-warm, poked cake. Pay special attention to ensuring the milk drips into all the holes you created. The warmth of the cake helps the milk to absorb beautifully.
- Initial Chill: Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the condensed milk to fully soak in. Then, transfer the cake to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is crucial for the cake to cool completely and for the condensed milk to set, creating that wonderfully moist interior.
Whipping Up the Dreamy Topping
- Prepare the Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3.4-ounce box of instant butterscotch pudding mix with 1 cup of cold whole milk. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, or whisking vigorously by hand, mix for exactly 1 minute until the pudding thickens.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently add the 8-ounce tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) to the thickened pudding mixture. Fold it in carefully with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing will deflate the whipped topping, so be light-handed.
- Add Pecans and Coconut: Now, fold in 1 ½ cups of sweetened shredded coconut and 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans into the frosting mixture. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout for a delightful texture in every bite.
The Grand Finale: Frost, Chill, and Garnish
- Frost the Cake: Carefully spread the creamy, nutty frosting mixture evenly over the chilled butter pecan cake. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an appealing, smooth layer.
- Final Chill and Serve: Place the frosted cake back into the refrigerator for at least another 2 hours. This final chill allows the frosting to firm up and the flavors to fully meld. Before serving, you can optionally garnish with a sprinkle of extra sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans for an even more inviting presentation. Slice and enjoy!
Finally, slice into this masterpiece and prepare for a chorus of compliments!
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Butter Pecan Poke Cake
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your Butter Pecan Poke Cake experience!
While butterscotch pudding is pure perfection in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other flavors! Caramel instant pudding is an excellent choice if you can find it, adding a deeper, richer sweetness. Vanilla pudding would offer a more classic, subtle flavor, allowing the butter pecan notes to shine even more. You could also try a cheesecake pudding mix for a tangier, creamier frosting. If you prefer to omit the pudding mix entirely, the frosting will still be delicious but will have a lighter texture. Always consider how the new flavor will complement the existing butter pecan and coconut notes.
Absolutely! The beauty of poke cakes is their versatility. While butter pecan cake mix provides a distinct flavor, you can certainly try others. A yellow or vanilla cake mix would be a fantastic neutral base, allowing the butterscotch/pecan/coconut frosting to take center stage. German Chocolate cake mix could offer an intriguing twist, pairing its cocoa notes with the nutty topping. Even a spice cake or a white cake could work, offering a slightly different profile. Remember to choose a cake mix that you feel will harmonize well with the rich, creamy, and nutty topping.
This is your cake, so customize it to your heart’s content! The amounts of pecans and coconut recommended provide a substantial texture and flavor in every bite. If you prefer a slightly less textured frosting, you can reduce the quantities to, say, 1 cup of pecans and 1 cup of coconut. This will still impart a wonderful nutty and sweet flavor without as much chewiness. Conversely, if you’re a big fan of these additions, feel free to add a bit more!
Because this cake utilizes a whipped topping (Cool Whip) in its frosting, it requires refrigeration. We find that it’s actually best served chilled, straight from the fridge, as the cool temperature enhances its refreshing quality and helps the frosting maintain its structure. However, some people might prefer it slightly less cold, closer to room temperature, which allows the flavors to open up even more. If serving at room temperature, ensure it’s only out for a short period, especially if you live in a warm climate, then promptly return any leftovers to the refrigerator.
Butter Pecan cake mix is indeed quite popular in the Southern United States and is usually readily available in most grocery stores there. Its popularity can vary by region, so if you’re in a Northern state or can’t seem to locate it locally, don’t despair! Many online retailers, such as Amazon, often carry it. Check the baking aisle of larger supermarkets or specialty grocery stores first, and if all else fails, online shopping is a reliable alternative.
Not at all! Your kitchen, your rules. If pecans and coconut aren’t to your liking, simply omit them. The cake will still be incredibly moist and flavorful from the butter pecan base, condensed milk, and butterscotch pudding frosting. You can enjoy it as-is or substitute with other additions you prefer, such as toasted walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of toffee bits for extra crunch. Unfortunately, I don’t have specific substitutes for coconut if you’re looking for a similar texture, but feel free to get creative with other add-ins.
Absolutely, the frosting is another area where you can personalize this cake! While our butterscotch-whipped topping is divine, a classic Coconut Pecan Frosting (often used for German Chocolate Cake) would be an absolutely heavenly combination and would truly elevate the nutty profile of this cake. If that sounds appealing, you might also love our Southern Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce, which offers similar rich, buttery, and nutty notes. A simple cream cheese frosting would also be a lovely, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Due to the whipped topping and condensed milk, this cake must be kept refrigerated. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorb refrigerator odors. Properly stored, it will remain fresh and delicious for up to one week. For longer storage, you can also freeze individual slices or the entire cake (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Yes, this Butter Pecan Poke Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen in the refrigerator. You can prepare the entire cake, including frosting and garnishing, a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a perfect option for entertaining, as it frees up your time on the day of your event.
Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Poke Cake Every Time
Achieving poke cake perfection is easier than you think with a few helpful tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Mix your cake mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tougher, drier cake. A tender crumb is key for optimal condensed milk absorption.
- Poke While Warm: The cake should be warm when you poke the holes and pour the condensed milk. This allows the milk to seep in more easily and deeply, ensuring maximum moisture.
- Evenly Distribute Condensed Milk: Take your time to pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, making sure it goes into as many holes as possible. This ensures every slice gets that wonderful, moist infusion.
- Ample Chilling Time is Crucial: Don’t rush the chilling steps! The initial chill allows the condensed milk to set, and the final chill lets the frosting firm up and the flavors fully meld. Patience here will be rewarded with a superior cake.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an extra boost of flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the frosting.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating the whipped topping, coconut, and pecans into the pudding mixture, use a gentle folding motion. This prevents deflating the whipped topping, keeping your frosting light and airy.
- Garnish for Presentation: A simple sprinkle of extra chopped pecans and shredded coconut on top before serving makes the cake look professionally made and highlights its key ingredients.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Cake
One of the best things about poke cakes is their adaptability. Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this Butter Pecan Poke Cake to your preferences or for different occasions.
Pudding Mix Alternatives
Beyond butterscotch and caramel, consider instant vanilla, banana cream, or even a rich chocolate pudding for a German chocolate-esque twist. Coconut cream pudding could also amplify the tropical notes.
Cake Mix Swaps
A classic yellow or white cake mix offers a blank canvas for the butter pecan and butterscotch flavors to truly shine. For a richer dessert, try a dark chocolate cake mix. A spiced cake mix could also be an interesting choice for autumn.
Frosting Add-ins
Beyond pecans and coconut, you could fold in mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce into the frosting for an extra layer of indulgence. Toasted walnuts or almonds could replace or complement the pecans.
Essential Storage and Serving Guidelines
To ensure your Butter Pecan Poke Cake remains delicious and safe to eat, proper storage is key. Since the cake incorporates whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk, it absolutely needs to be refrigerated. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. If you plan to enjoy it over a longer period, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (if well-covered) in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. While it’s delightful served chilled, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving can soften the frosting slightly and enhance the cake’s tenderness and flavor profile.
More Irresistible Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this Butter Pecan Poke Cake, be sure to explore more delightful recipes that promise to satisfy your sweet cravings:
- Butter Pecan Cheesecake
- Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce
- Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Chocolate Poke Cake
- Pina Colada Poke Cake
- Coconut Cream Poke Cake
- Watergate Cake
- Oreo Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Boston Cream Poke Cake
- Southern Pound Cake
Butter Pecan Poke Cake
Print
Pin
20 minutes
25 minutes
45 minutes
12
servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix
- ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil and water
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
For the frosting:
- 3.4 ounce box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1 cup cold whole milk
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (plus more for topping, optional)
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the 1 box Butter Pecan Cake Mix along with the ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil and water per the directions on the back of the box for a 9×13-inch cake
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, take a fork and poke it all over.
- Pour the 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk over the cake evenly, focusing on the holes. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Place the cake into the fridge for 2 hours.
- Place the 3.4 ounce box instant butterscotch pudding mix and 1 cup cold whole milk into a large bowl. Whip with an electric mixer or by hand for 1 minute.
- Add the 8 ounce tub whipped topping and mix it in.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut and 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans. Spread the frosting on top of the cake.
- Place in the fridge for another 2 hours to set up. Add more coconut and pecans as a garnish if desired, and serve.
Video
Notes
- You can use a different pudding mix or leave it out altogether.
- Since this uses Cool Whip, it needs to be refrigerated. I think it is best eaten cold anyway, but you can eat it room temperature as well.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories:
511
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
74
g
|
Protein:
8
g
|
Fat:
22
g
|
Sodium:
468
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
54
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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