Name: Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted); 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup toasted chopped pecans (for topping)

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If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that brings rich, buttery charm and nutty crunch to the table, look no further than this Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. It’s a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat that perfectly balances moist cake with a sweet, creamy praline drizzle and the irresistible texture of toasted pecans. Every bite feels like a little celebration, making it an ideal recipe to share with friends or enjoy as a decadent indulgence after a cozy meal.

Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake uses straightforward ingredients that combine to create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the staple pantry staples to the special touches that bring out the cake’s rich profile.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for the cake.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and enhances browning during baking.
1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully to a light, fluffy texture.
½ tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, making the crumb tender and flavorful.
3 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and lend structure and richness.
1 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist, contributing to the cake’s softness.
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted): Gives delightful crunch and deep, nutty flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens the praline sauce for a smooth finish.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious sauce when combined with powdered sugar.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the entire flavor profile.

How to Make Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. Mix together your dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt — in a large bowl. Then, in a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy and gradually mix in granulated sugar for a light, creamy base.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Stir in the whole milk and vibrant vanilla extract, lending moisture and more complex flavor.

Step 3: Mix Batter and Incorporate Pecans

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl, stirring gently until just combined — overmixing will toughen the cake. Fold in the toasted pecans carefully for a delightful nutty crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cake will rise to a golden perfection and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, signaling it’s ready.

Step 5: Poke and Pour

While the cake is still warm, use a fork to poke evenly spaced holes all over the surface. This is the magic step that allows the praline sauce to seep in, infusing every forkful with buttery sweetness.

Step 6: Make the Praline Sauce and Finish

On the stove, gently warm the heavy cream and sifted powdered sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth and silky. Drizzle this luscious praline sauce generously over the warm cake, then top with more toasted pecans for that classic Butter Pecan crunch.

How to Serve Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top adds not only texture but also a rustic elegance to your presentation. For an added flair, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, which melts invitingly against the warm cake. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes the perfect accompaniment, balancing the sweetness with comforting simplicity.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the cake in individual glass cups layered with whipped cream and chopped pecans, turning it into an elegant dessert parfait. Alternatively, cut it into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an irresistible party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the pecans from turning stale.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you want to save some for later. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn — it will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm again, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole cake partway in the oven wrapped in foil. This will bring back that just-baked comfort, perfect for a cozy dessert moment.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also taste wonderful, though pecans have a unique buttery sweetness that really defines this cake’s character.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond or oat milk. Make sure to find dairy-free heavy cream or a thick coconut cream for the praline sauce.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy this delicious cake without gluten. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How do I toast pecans without burning them?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

What is the best way to poke the holes in the cake?

Using a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes evenly spaced across the warm cake’s surface. This allows the praline sauce to soak in perfectly, flavoring throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is truly a treasure to have in your recipe collection. It offers a perfect blend of moist cake, buttery pecans, and a sweet, creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try making it and watch it become a beloved favorite for gatherings or special treats at home!

Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a luscious dessert combining moist butter cake infused with toasted pecans and a rich, sweet praline sauce drizzled over the top. The poke cake technique ensures the sauce seeps deeply for extraordinary flavor and texture, making it an irresistible treat perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine the leavening agents and seasonings evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in the granulated sugar to create a smooth, creamy base for the cake batter.
Add Eggs and Liquids: Add eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each to incorporate air for a light texture. Stir in whole milk and vanilla extract thoroughly to blend flavors.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the toasted chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter for crunch and flavor.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Prepare to Poke: Once the cake is slightly cooled but still warm, use a fork to poke holes evenly across the surface to allow the praline sauce to soak in deeply.
Make Praline Sauce and Drizzle: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and sifted powdered sugar, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Drizzle this warm sauce generously over the pricked cake, then sprinkle with additional toasted pecans for a finishing crunchy touch.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and better rise.
To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes to prevent crumbling.
Chilling the cake after adding the sauce enhances flavor absorption and makes slicing easier.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Poke Cake
Cuisine: American