Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

If you are craving a dessert that warmly wraps you in nostalgia with every bite, let me introduce you to the Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. This cake is a glorious combination of moist texture, buttery richness, and a luscious praline glaze that perfectly soaks into every fork poke, crowned with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. For more inspiration, check out this delicious apple fritters recipe that can spark your creativity with similar comforting flavors and sweet, nutty richness you’ll adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this cake’s magic. Each component has a special role—from the fluffiness of the flour to the creamy sweetness of the praline sauce, and the toasted pecans that add texture and depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake’s structure, providing a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness that blends seamlessly for a perfectly balanced taste.
• Baking Powder: Gives that lovely rise and airy softness; fresh powder is a must.
• Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the sweet flavors with just a pinch.
• Unsalted Butter: Richness in every bite; soften it so it creams beautifully.
• Eggs: Bind and moisten, helping the cake to maintain its perfect texture.
• Whole Milk: Adds that creamy softness you’ll love in each slice.
• Chopped Pecans: Toasted for crunch and toasty flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
• Powdered Sugar: Key for the silky praline glaze; sift it for a smooth finish.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the praline sauce luxuriously rich and glossy.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors with comforting warmth.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Mix Dry Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the cake won’t stick. Then, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until everything is well combined. This ensures the baking powder is evenly spread, which will make your cake rise perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing to get a soft, pale mixture that’s bursting with buttery sweetness. This crucial step sets the tone for your cake’s buttery flavor and tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then gently stir in the whole milk and pure vanilla extract, adding moisture and enhancing the overall flavor profile. The batter should be smooth and inviting, ready to welcome the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients & Fold in Pecans

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to keep the cake tender. Now gently fold in your toasted chopped pecans, distributing their delightful crunch throughout the batter. Avoid overmixing here to maintain that soft texture you crave.

Step 5: Bake and Poke the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and pop it into your oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown. Once it’s slightly cooled, take a fork or skewer and poke holes all over the cake. This step is essential so the praline sauce can soak in and infuse every bite with sweetness.

Step 6: Create and Drizzle the Praline Sauce

On your stove, heat heavy cream and sifted powdered sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy, but don’t let it boil. Pour this luscious sauce generously over your warm, poked cake and sprinkle toasted pecans on top for that perfect final crunch.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Garnishes

To make your Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake truly irresistible, top it with a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a subtle contrast, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can beautifully balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy texture and cold temperature add a refreshing element that complements the warm, nutty flavors perfectly. For something cozy, a cup of black coffee or spiced chai is just the ticket.

Creative Ways to Present

You can impress guests by slicing the cake into neat squares and serving on vintage plates. Alternatively, create an elegant layered dessert by cutting the cake into cubes and layering it with whipped cream and caramel sauce in individual glasses. For more inspiration, check out this delicious apple fritters recipe which inspires many creative presentation ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping it chilled preserves the moisture and praline topping’s shine, so every slice stays fresh and scrumptious.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cake warm, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back the soft texture and helps the praline sauce feel just poured fresh. Avoid overheating to keep the nutty topping from getting soggy.

FAQs

What makes this poke cake so decadent?

The secret lies in the buttery praline sauce that seeps through the cake’s layers thanks to the poking step, creating a moist, rich texture paired with crunchy toasted pecans for a perfect balance of flavors.

Can I use a different nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can be used if pecans aren’t your favorite. Each nut will add its unique flavor and crunch, so feel free to experiment.

How do I keep my poke cake from getting soggy?

It’s important to let the cake cool slightly before poking and adding the praline sauce. Warm cake absorbs the sauce beautifully, but if too hot, it can cause sogginess. Cooling for about 15-20 minutes strikes the right balance.

Can I make the praline sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the praline sauce in advance and gently reheat it before drizzling. Just make sure not to boil it again, or it might lose its silky texture.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! Its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and impressive texture make it a perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to wow your guests with something special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about sharing a dessert like this Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake with loved ones. Its combination of buttery moisture, nutty crunch, and sweet glaze feels like a warm hug. I can’t recommend enough that you try this recipe at home — and if you want to explore more fun sweets, for more inspiration, check out this delicious apple fritters recipe which will delight your taste buds with equally scrumptious flavors and cozy comfort.

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