Heath Bar Poke Cake

Craving a dessert that’s decadent, simple, and absolutely irresistible? Heath Bar Poke Cake is about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine a soft, moist chocolate cake topped with a sweet caramel-flavored topping and a generous sprinkle of crushed Heath bars—every bite is like a little slice of heaven. This cake is the perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy toffee, making it a must-try for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! All you need is a box of cake mix, a few simple ingredients, and, of course, those irresistible Heath bars. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be coming back for more. It’s the perfect dessert for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something sweet.

Why You’ll Love Heath Bar Poke Cake

• Deliciously Easy: With a few pantry staples, this cake comes together quickly and easily—no fancy skills required.
• Decadent & Indulgent: The combination of chocolate cake, caramel filling, and crunchy Heath bars is a match made in dessert heaven.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. It’s sure to impress your guests with both its flavor and its unique presentation.
• No Frosting Fiasco: No need to worry about spreading frosting evenly here—the cake has a sweet, gooey caramel topping that makes it even better than frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (any brand)
• 3 large eggs: To give the cake structure and richness.
• 1 cup water: To hydrate the cake mix and help it bake to perfection.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: For moisture and a soft crumb.

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The base for our gooey, creamy caramel filling.
• 1 cup caramel ice cream topping: Adds that smooth, sweet caramel flavor that melts into the cake.

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Heath bars: The key ingredient that adds a delightful crunch and toffee flavor.
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping: For a light, airy finish that complements the richness of the cake.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Be generous with the poking, as this allows the caramel filling to seep into the cake and infuse it with that delicious flavor.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and warm. Pour the warm caramel mixture over the top of the poked cake, allowing it to sink into the holes.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

Once the caramel has soaked into the cake, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the entire cake. You can use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Heath Bar Topping

Sprinkle the crushed Heath bars evenly over the whipped topping. This adds a delightful crunch and a burst of toffee flavor with every bite.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the caramel time to set and the flavors to meld together. Slice and serve chilled, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with that first bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 35g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

How to Serve Heath Bar Poke Cake

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, gooey caramel cake.
• As a Party Dessert: Slice into squares and serve at parties or potlucks for a sweet treat everyone will love.
• For an Extra Crunch: Top with even more crushed Heath bars for an extra crunchy finish.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead of Time: This cake is perfect for making the night before. It needs a couple of hours to chill, so prepare it ahead of time and let it set in the fridge overnight.
• Use Any Cake Mix: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can easily swap the chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or even a caramel-flavored cake mix.
• Substitute the Whipped Topping: If you prefer a homemade whipped topping, you can whip your own heavy cream with sugar and vanilla instead of using store-bought.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, you can make a scratch cake mix using flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and other dry ingredients. Just make sure it’s a chocolate cake base.

Q2: Can I freeze Heath Bar Poke Cake?
A2: Yes, you can freeze this cake! Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and top with whipped cream and Heath bars just before serving.

Q3: Can I use other candy bars instead of Heath?
A3: Definitely! You can swap in other toffee or chocolate bars like Skor or even crunch bars for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q4: How long will the cake last in the fridge?
A4: This cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Q5: Can I make a mini version of this cake?
A5: Yes, you can make individual servings by using smaller pans or muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q6: Can I add nuts to this cake?
A6: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or almonds would be a fantastic addition to this cake, adding even more texture and flavor.

Q7: Can I use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk?
A7: Yes, you can substitute sugar-free sweetened condensed milk for a lighter version of this cake. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.

Q8: How can I make this cake more festive?
A8: Add colorful sprinkles on top for a fun touch, or even drizzle some chocolate syrup for extra indulgence!

Q9: Can I add more caramel?
A9: If you love caramel, you can definitely add extra caramel sauce on top of the whipped topping before adding the crushed Heath bars for more gooey sweetness.

Q10: Can I serve this cake warm?
A10: While this cake is best chilled, you can serve it slightly warm if you prefer. Just allow the caramel to cool slightly before serving to avoid it being too runny.

Conclusion

Heath Bar Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors. With its moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel filling, and crunchy Heath bars, every bite is a flavor explosion. It’s easy to make, and even easier to enjoy, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or indulging in a slice for yourself, this cake is sure to win everyone over. Get ready to enjoy a sweet slice of heaven!

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