Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Name: Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour; Granulated Sugar; Baking Powder; Salt; Whole Milk; Large Eggs; Unsalted Butter; Chopped Pecans; Brown Sugar; Vanilla Extract

Posted on February 14, 2025

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Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that sings with flavor? The Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake is not just any cake; it’s a luscious combination of moist vanilla cake soaked in a rich buttery praline sauce and topped with crunchy pecans. Imagine slicing into a tender slice while the sweet aroma fills your kitchen—this treat will surely become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a weekend treat, this poke cake fits seamlessly into any event. It’s sure to impress your friends and family alike.

Moist and Delicious: The technique of poking holes in the cake allows the buttery praline sauce to seep through, ensuring that every slice is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor. This will quickly become your go-to recipe for any sweet craving!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use standard all-purpose flour for the best structure in your cake.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.

Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure the cake rises properly.

Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the batter.

Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.

Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter provides richness without additional saltiness.

Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch and nutty flavor; toast them lightly for enhanced taste.

For the Topping:

Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well for creating a rich sauce.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This creates an even distribution of dry ingredients throughout the batter.

Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry mixture. Mix on medium speed until fully combined. The batter should be smooth without lumps.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the warm cake; this allows for maximum absorption of praline sauce later on.

Prepare Praline Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Stir continuously until it bubbles gently—about 3-5 minutes—and then pour evenly over the poked holes in the warm cake for thorough soaking.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Poke Holes Generously: When poking holes in your cake after baking, make sure they are deep enough so that enough sauce seeps through but not so deep that they compromise structural integrity.

Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing your poke cake to rest after pouring on praline sauce lets flavors meld beautifully while also improving moisture retention within the cake itself.

Add Extra Pecans as Garnish: For added texture and visual appeal when serving guests or family members; sprinkle some extra chopped toasted pecans on top just before serving!

For special occasions, consider serving the Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake with whipped cream on top, garnished with additional pecans and chocolate shavings. This elevates the dessert and makes it perfect for birthdays or holiday celebrations, ensuring everyone enjoys a slice of this delightful treat.

FAQs

What is Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake made of?

Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake consists primarily of a buttery yellow cake base infused with pecan flavors. It features a creamy praline filling made from sweetened condensed milk mixed with butter and chopped pecans.

Can I make Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in advance. Bake and poke holes in the cake a day before serving, then store it in the refrigerator after adding the filling.

How do I store leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

Store any leftover Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within three to four days to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Can I substitute ingredients in Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake?

Yes, you can make substitutions in Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake. For instance, use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free or opt for plant-based butter and dairy-free whipped topping for a vegan version.