If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that combines rich flavors with an incredibly moist texture, you are going to adore this Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe. Imagine a tender chocolate cake with little pockets soaked in luscious caramel sauce, crowned with fluffy whipped cream, and sprinkled with crunchy Heath bar crumbles and chocolate chips. It’s an absolute celebration in every bite and one of those recipes that feels both decadent and delightfully approachable, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe are pantry-friendly and simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. From the rich cake mix base to the smooth caramel and airy whipped cream, these ingredients make the magic happen with minimal fuss.
- 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix: The foundation that gives you moist cake and deep chocolate flavor effortlessly.
- 1 cup water: Keeps the batter hydrated and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a buttery finish that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- 3 eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise perfectly.
- â…” cup caramel sauce (divided): The star of this recipe, infusing each bite with sweet, buttery caramel goodness.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: For making that light, fluffy whipped cream topping that balances the richness.
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream with warm vanilla notes.
- ½ cup Heath bar crumbles: Adds a delightful toffee crunch and a hint of saltiness.
- â…› cup dark chocolate chips: For bursts of slightly bitter chocolate contrast.
- â…› cup milk chocolate chips: Brings creamy, sweet chocolate pops throughout the topping.
- â…› teaspoon coarse kosher salt: A pinch to balance and elevate all the sweet flavors.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, melted butter, and eggs. Stir with a spoon for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This simple mix is your chocolate cake batter base, setting the stage for a moist and flavorful cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
To prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery taste, spread any leftover melted butter evenly on the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish using parchment paper or plastic wrap. This little step ensures your cake will release easily after baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the surface. Place it in the oven and bake for somewhere between 30 to 39 minutes. You want the cake fully set yet perfectly moist—so keep an eye out and perform the toothpick test: when it comes out mostly clean, your cake is done.
Step 4: Cool and Poke
Once baked, remove the cake and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. Cooling is important here because it lets the cake firm up, making poking holes easy without crumbling. Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake; these holes are the secret that allows the caramel sauce to soak in beautifully.
Step 5: Add Caramel and Whipped Cream
Drizzle about ⅓ cup of caramel sauce carefully over all the holes, letting it seep into the cake. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form—pay attention, as over-whipping can cause the cream to separate. Spread this luscious whipped cream gently over the cooled cake, covering it entirely.
Step 6: Finish with Toppings and Caramel
Drizzle another â…“ cup of caramel sauce over the whipped cream for a gorgeous glossy finish. Then, sprinkle with Heath bar crumbles and a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips, adding texture and extra chocolatey bursts. A final sprinkle of coarse kosher salt elevates all the sweetness, balancing each bite perfectly.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe even more irresistible, consider adding a few extra garnishes like a light dusting of cocoa powder, a handful of chopped pecans for crunch, or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. Fresh raspberries or strawberries also lend a pop of color and a touch of tartness that complements the creamy, sweet cake.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, which help cut through the richness. If you want to go all out, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for an elegant dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, slice the cake into squares and serve on colorful plates. For a more elegant touch, plate individual portions, drizzle extra caramel sauce around, and top with a mint leaf or edible flower. You could also turn leftovers into parfaits by layering cake cubes with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips in clear glasses for a show-stopping dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld over time, and the cake stays moist and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake if needed. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve the whipped cream topping as best as possible.
Reheating
This poke cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is typically not necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, you can microwave individual portions for 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid overheating as it may affect the texture of the whipped cream and caramel.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this cake?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce brings a wonderful depth of flavor and freshness to the Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe. Just be sure it’s smooth and pourable for easy soaking into the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients by using dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. The flavor will be slightly different but still delightful.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid waiting for it to come out completely dry to keep the cake moist for poking and soaking caramel.
Can I use a different cake flavor?
While this recipe is specifically designed for chocolate cake’s rich undertones paired with caramel, feel free to experiment with a butter or spice cake for a unique twist, but keep in mind the flavors will change significantly.
Why is it called a poke cake?
The term “poke cake” comes from the step where holes are poked into the baked cake to allow sauces or fillings, such as caramel in this recipe, to soak deep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that can instantly bring smiles to any gathering or quiet evening. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight yet special enough to serve to guests, and the blend of textures and flavors never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake combines a moist chocolate cake base with luscious caramel sauce and fluffy whipped cream, sprinkled with Heath bar crumbles and mixed chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert treat, this cake features a delicious poke technique that allows the caramel to soak deeply into the cake, creating an irresistibly rich and sweet experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 eggs
For the Caramel and Topping
- 2/3 cup caramel sauce (divided)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Heath bar crumbles
- 1/8 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/8 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to get it ready for baking the cake.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, melted butter, and eggs. Stir for 2-3 minutes with a spoon until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Using parchment paper or plastic wrap, coat the 9×13-inch baking dish with any leftover melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the prepared cake batter evenly into the buttered baking dish.
- Bake Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-39 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 60 minutes on a cooling rack or sheet.
- Poke Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake to allow the caramel to seep in.
- Drizzle Caramel: Pour 1/3 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the cake, letting it fill the holes.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, whip for 4-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be firm and not move when the bowl is shaken.
- Spread Whipped Cream: Spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top of the cooled cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Add More Caramel: Drizzle another 1/3 cup of caramel sauce over the whipped cream layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the top with Heath bar crumbles, dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and a light dusting of coarse kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cake immediately or refrigerate and serve the following day for enhanced flavor melding.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought caramel sauce with homemade caramel if preferred for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking and adding caramel to prevent melting the whipped cream.
- For a thicker whipped cream, chill the mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.
- To keep the cake fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Adding a pinch of coarse kosher salt on top balances the sweetness perfectly.
