Decadent Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with Pecans: Sprinkle the remaining toasted chopped pecans evenly over the glaze.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: butter pecan cake, praline poke cake, pecan dessert, Southern cake recipe, moist cake, nutty cake