No Bake Homemade Crunch Bars Recipe
By: Sarah Parker
Read RecipeOh, the sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible aroma of butter pecan praline poke cake wafting through your kitchen... It's a sensory experience that's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face! This recipe, a beloved classic from the Southern states, is as simple as it is delicious. It's a perfect way to celebrate any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight gathering or a special birthday bash. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A Southern Delight
This cake is all about simple pleasures. Imagine a moist, fluffy vanilla cake base, generously poked with a fork to create pockets for a sweet, creamy praline filling. This filling is then topped with a rich, buttery pecan frosting that’s both crunchy and decadent. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to leave you craving more!
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Praline Filling:
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Pecan Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Get Ready to Bake!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then on high speed for 2 minutes.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
4. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with a fork. This creates those delicious little pockets for the praline filling.
5. Prepare the praline filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
6. Pour the praline filling over the warm cake, spreading evenly.
7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the pecan frosting: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the chopped pecans, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
9. Frost the cake with the pecan frosting, spreading evenly over the top and sides.
10. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the frosting to set.
Time to Enjoy!
There you have it! A buttery, pecan-y, and totally irresistible cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to lick the bowl clean!
This recipe is a testament to the Southern spirit of hospitality and generosity. It's a cake that says, "Come on in, stay a while, and enjoy the good times!" So grab your ingredients, put on some upbeat music, and get ready to bake a little Southern magic!
