Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
If you have a soft spot for rich, Southern-inspired desserts, prepare to fall in love with Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Imagine a buttery, nutty cake with tender crumb, soaked in warm, silky praline sauce that seeps into every nook and cranny. Each bite practically melts in your mouth, with toasted pecans adding a tempting crunch. Whether you serve it for a family gathering, holiday, or just a night when everyone craves something sweet and special, this cake is bound to steal the spotlight with its comforting flavor and indulgent texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake couldn’t be more straightforward. Each component brings something beautiful to the table — from buttery richness and moistness to the irresistible nutty crunch — ensuring every bite is pure nostalgia and bliss.
- All-purpose flour: The perfect base for a tender, strong crumb that holds up to the praline sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that lovely golden color as it bakes.
- Baking powder: Provides lift and lightness, giving your cake its delightful, fluffy finish.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the overall sweetness of the cake and praline sauce.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Imbues every bite with buttery goodness and moisture.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Add structure and richness to the cake’s texture.
- Whole milk: Makes the cake moist and tender, allowing it to soak up all that praline sauce.
- Chopped pecans (toasted): Bring a warm, nutty crunch and signature flavor to the dish.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): Gives the praline sauce its glossy, luscious texture and sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Creates that silky, dreamy praline topping that saturates the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake from the moment your cake goes in. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure to get into those corners so not a single bite sticks. This cake is all about staying soft and easy to serve.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first guarantees that your cake will rise perfectly and have a uniform crumb.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Take your softened butter and beat it until it’s nice and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is pale and light. This step is crucial for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves in a poke cake.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla
Add your eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps maintain airiness. Then stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract — these bring exceptional moisture and a hint of warmth you’ll taste in every slice of Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.
Step 5: Mix the Batter and Fold in Pecans
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix! Gently fold in the toasted, chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for that heavenly nutty crunch throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven. Give it some time to cool, but not all the way — the poke and soak process works best when the cake is still a bit warm.
Step 7: Poke and Soak
Once the cake has cooled just slightly, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. This is where the magic happens! The holes allow the praline sauce to seep down, infusing every bite with rich buttery sweetness.
Step 8: Make the Praline Sauce and Assemble
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and sifted powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and glossy. While still warm, drizzle this dreamy praline sauce evenly across the cake, making sure it finds every hole. Finish with an extra sprinkle of toasted pecans on top for good measure.
How to Serve Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, top your Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake with even more toasted pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a swirl of whipped cream. Each garnish brings its own flair, highlighting the cake’s plush texture and syrupy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake is opulent enough to take center stage, but if you want to create a dessert spread, consider serving it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tartness and freshness balance out the cake’s richness and make every bite feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into individual squares and layering them in parfait glasses with whipped topping and caramel drizzle. Or, serve small, elegant slices as part of a Southern dessert board alongside candied pecans and pralines for a charming presentation that makes the whole Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake experience feel utterly memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake will stay moist and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the praline sauce seeps in further, making the second-day cake extra luscious.
Freezing
Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake freezes wonderfully! Cut cooled cake into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
If you love your poke cake warm, simply microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. That warming brings the praline topping back to life, turning every bite into pure, gooey comfort. Just be sure not to overheat, so the cake stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use a cake mix as a shortcut?
Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time, a butter pecan or yellow cake mix works well as a quick base. Just make sure to still add toasted pecans and follow the praline sauce directions for that unmistakable homemade taste.
How do I toast pecans?
Preheat your oven to 350°F, spread whole or chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, and toast for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir once or twice; when they darken slightly and smell fragrant, they’re done. Watch closely, as nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly!
What is the secret to a moist poke cake?
The poke-and-soak method is the real superstar here. By poking holes while the cake is warm and pouring over the praline sauce, you guarantee deep flavor and incredible moisture in every slice of Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.
Can I make this cake nut-free?
While pecans are a signature ingredient, you can certainly make a nut-free version by omitting them. The cake will still be moist and delicious, though you may want to add a little extra vanilla for depth, or swap in nut-free buttery toffee bits for a similar effect.
Do I have to refrigerate the cake after making it?
Yes, because of the heavy cream in the praline topping, it’s safest to refrigerate any leftovers. Allow slices to come up to room temperature before serving, or give them a quick zap in the microwave if you prefer them warm.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to pure comfort and nostalgia with Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this cake promises buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction every time. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake that combines the buttery goodness of pecan praline with a moist, tender cake base.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter: In another bowl, cream butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in granulated sugar.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined; fold in chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Poke Holes: Once cooled slightly, poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Prepare Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and powdered sugar until smooth; drizzle over the warm cake and top with toasted pecans.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the praline sauce.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt over the top for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake, Dessert, Pecan Cake Recipe, Decadent Cake
