Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that marries buttery richness with caramel-laced nutty goodness, you’ve just found your new favorite: Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. This irresistible cake brims with toasted pecans and a homemade praline sauce that soaks deep into the cake, ensuring every bite is unbelievably moist and full of southern-inspired sweetness. Whether it’s a family holiday, potluck, or just a well-deserved treat night, this cake will wow everyone at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake lies in its beautiful simplicity. Each ingredient brings something important to the party: buttery notes, rich texture, or that perfect hint of vanilla. Here’s how every component helps this luxurious cake shine.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base that gives the cake its tender crumb and structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a golden, moist finish.
- Baking powder: This is your lift! Ensures the cake is light and rises perfectly.
- Salt: A tiny pinch brings out all the buttery, nutty flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Key for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; use real butter for best results.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the cake together and add substance.
- Whole milk: Provides moisture and a soft crumb; whole milk is best for richness.
- Chopped pecans (toasted): Toasting them first intensifies their buttery flavor—don’t skip this!
- Powdered sugar (sifted): For that smooth, lush praline sauce that soaks into every bite.
- Heavy cream: Creates a decadent, pourable praline topping.
- Vanilla extract: Adds cozy warmth and classic cake aroma.
How to Make Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps the cake release beautifully and makes cleanup a snap—plus, nobody wants to miss out on those chewy edges!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, giving your cake a flawless texture from the first crumb to the last bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until it’s fluffy and pale. Gradually blend in the granulated sugar. This step is all about aerating the butter, setting the stage for a moist, tender Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then gently stir in the milk and vanilla extract. This keeps the batter silky and ensures a uniform rise in the oven.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures, Then Fold in Pecans
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined—don’t overmix! Finish by folding in the toasted pecans for maximum crunch and flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be practically irresistible!
Step 7: Poke and Soak
Once the cake cools slightly (about 10 minutes), grab a fork and poke holes all over the surface. This is the signature step of a perfect Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake—the holes allow the sugary praline sauce to seep all the way through!
Step 8: Make and Pour the Praline Sauce
While the cake is cooling, heat the heavy cream and sifted powdered sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and pourable. Carefully drizzle the warm sauce over the cake, letting it soak right in. Top with extra toasted pecans for a gorgeous finish.
How to Serve Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Garnishes
For a truly stunning presentation, sprinkle the finished cake with an extra handful of crushed toasted pecans. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds an elegant touch and makes each serving look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pairing options abound! This cake is rich, so fresh berries are a bright, juicy match. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or even a spoonful of bourbon-spiked caramel sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake into layered parfaits by cutting cubes and layering with whipped cream in glasses. Or, make individual servings by baking in muffin tins for parties or potlucks—each bite-sized cake will be a delicious surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing its irresistible moistness or pecan crunch.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months; thaw slices overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Enjoying a warm slice? Pop an individual piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until heated through. The praline will get gooey again and the pecans will taste fresh and fragrant—like it was just baked!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut if I don’t have pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes if pecans aren’t available. Toast them just as you would pecans for the best flavor and texture in your Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake.
What type of milk works best for this cake?
Whole milk is recommended for richness, but 2 percent can also be used in a pinch. Avoid skim milk, as it can result in a drier texture that doesn’t do justice to the cake’s decadent spirit.
Can I make this cake a day ahead of time?
Yes, Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is actually even better when made the day before. The praline sauce has extra time to soak in, making the cake even more flavorful and moist by serving time.
What’s the secret to the best praline sauce?
Fresh heavy cream and well-sifted powdered sugar are essential. Keep the heat low and stir constantly for ultimate silkiness, then pour it over the cake while both are still warm for maximum absorption and flavor.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
While a hand or stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, you can absolutely make this cake with a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease. The key is to ensure the butter is soft and you mix thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
You’re officially ready to create and share an unforgettable treat. I can’t wait for you to taste just how amazing Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake can be—there’s something so satisfying about the way old-fashioned comfort and modern indulgence blend in every moist, dreamy forkful. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time at your next gathering!
Print
Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. Moist and flavorful, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or dessert craving.
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.
- Make Praline Sauce: For the sauce, combine heavy cream and powdered sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth; drizzle over the warm cake and top with toasted pecans.
Notes
- This cake is best served warm and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with additional caramel sauce or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Butter Pecan, Praline, Poke Cake, Dessert, Homemade
