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Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe

5.3 from 18 reviews

This Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is a luscious, moist cake infused with rich butter and crunchy toasted pecans. Featuring a delicate crumb and a sweet praline glaze, it’s perfect for any celebration or a special dessert treat that combines classic Southern flavors with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 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)

Praline Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans (toasted, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely.
  8. Poke the Cake: Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1-inch apart.
  9. Prepare Praline Glaze: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in light brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Pour Glaze Over Cake: Slowly pour the warm praline glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for maximum moisture and flavor.
  11. Top with Pecans: Sprinkle the remaining toasted chopped pecans evenly over the glaze.
  12. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set the glaze before slicing and serving. Enjoy your decadent butter pecan praline poke cake!

Notes

  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
  • Make sure all ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
  • You can store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For extra richness, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
  • This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter pecan cake, praline poke cake, pecan dessert, Southern cake recipe, moist cake, nutty cake