Kentucky Butter Poke Cake (Southern Dessert)

Pecans are my favorite and have already tried different Southern recipes using this ingredient. One of the recent desserts that I made at home is this Kentucky butter poke cake by Catherine’s Plates. My family loved it so much! It was so easy to prepare and delicious. I will definitely make this again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 4 oz of cream cheese (softened)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

For the icing and topping:

• 8 oz block of cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup of butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 cup of chopped pecans

Notes:

If you want to make your own 1 cup of buttermilk, just combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a glass measuring cup, then pour milk up to the 1 cup line. Stir well, then let it sit for 5 minutes.

To soften the cream cheese, you can place it in a microwave-safe dish and set the timer to 20-30 seconds.

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Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, then spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray that has flour in it. Set it aside.

Step 2:

Add the box cake mix, 4 oz of softened cream cheese, buttermilk, and 2 eggs in a medium bowl, then beat using an electric hand mixer until smooth. It should have a thick consistency.

Step 3:

Transfer the cake batter to the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake it in the oven for 28 to 30 minutes until golden brown. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Set it aside to cool.

Step 4:

While baking, toast the pecans. Place a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat, then add the pecans. Toast for 4 to 5 minutes. Once fragrant, transfer to a small dish to cool.

Step 5:

Make the icing. Place 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of soft butter into a large microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave for 1 minute or longer. Whisk until smooth. Next, add the vanilla and milk. Whisk until well combined. Lastly, mix in the powdered sugar.

Step 6:

Poke holes in the cake. You can use a large drinking straw, the bottom of a wooden spoon, or large fork tines. Pour the icing all over the cake, then immediately add the toasted pecans.

Step 7:

Cover the cake and allow it to cool on your countertop for about 30 minutes, then place in the refrigerator for an hour.

Kentucky Butter Poke Cake (Southern Dessert)