Description: A decadent and irresistible dessert that combines the moistness of chocolate cake with the rich sweetness of caramel, sweetened condensed milk, and toffee. This poke cake is incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 cup crushed toffee bits (such as Heath bars)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate indulgence)
Preparation:
This poke cake recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. The key is to evenly distribute the flavors and allow the cake ample time to soak up the deliciousness.
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box. Typically, this will be around 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. You can also use baking spray with flour for convenience.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, combining the cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the cake according to the package directions, usually around 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool slightly in the baking dish before proceeding to the next step. It should be warm but not piping hot, as this will help it absorb the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce more effectively. About 15-20 minutes of cooling time is ideal.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon (or a fork) to poke holes all over the surface. The holes should be evenly spaced and about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy – the more holes you poke, the more flavor will seep into the cake.
- The purpose of poking holes is to create channels for the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce to penetrate deep into the cake, infusing it with moisture and sweetness.
- Ensure the holes go almost all the way to the bottom of the cake but don’t puncture through the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 3: Infuse with Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Slowly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the poked cake, ensuring that it seeps into all the holes.
- The sweetened condensed milk will saturate the cake, adding a rich, creamy sweetness that complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
- Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the sweetened condensed milk to absorb fully. You’ll notice the cake becoming more moist and dense as it soaks up the liquid.
Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce (about 6 oz) over the cake, focusing on filling the holes and covering the surface evenly.
- The caramel sauce adds a luscious, buttery flavor that elevates the cake to another level of indulgence.
- Let it sit for a few more minutes to absorb. The caramel will mingle with the sweetened condensed milk, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Step 5: Top with Whipped Topping
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake, creating a smooth and creamy layer that blankets the surface.
- Use a spatula or knife to gently spread the whipped topping, ensuring that it covers the entire cake evenly.
- The whipped topping provides a light and airy contrast to the richness of the cake, creating a balanced and delightful texture.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Toffee Bits and Chocolate Chips
- Sprinkle the crushed toffee bits and chocolate chips (if using) generously over the whipped topping.
- The toffee bits add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate.
- The chocolate chips provide an extra dose of chocolatey goodness, making this cake a true treat for chocolate lovers.
Step 7: Final Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake, creating a beautiful and tempting swirl of caramel goodness.
- This final drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, making the cake even more irresistible.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully absorb the moisture, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dessert.
- Chilling also helps the whipped topping set and prevents it from melting when served.
- Before serving, cut the cake into squares and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This “Slice of Heaven Cake” is a winner for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: It starts with a cake mix, making it incredibly simple and quick to prepare.
- Incredibly Moist: The sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce soak into the cake, creating a super moist and flavorful dessert.
- Rich and Decadent: The combination of chocolate, caramel, toffee, and whipped topping is a match made in heaven.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves this cake! It’s always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by swapping out the toppings or using different cake flavors.
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for an even more indulgent treat.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added visual appeal.
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a dessert wine.
Tips:
- For an even more intense caramel flavor, use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel sauce.
- If you don’t have toffee bits, you can use chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or any other candy you like.
- For a chocolate overload, use a dark chocolate cake mix and add extra chocolate chips.
- Let the cake sit overnight in the fridge for even better flavor absorption!
- Swap the toffee bits for chopped nuts or crushed cookies for a fun variation.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade caramel sauce will take it to the next level!
- Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it will become dry and less absorbent.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 4 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 200 mg per serving
Conclusion
The “Slice of Heaven Cake” is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. Its moist texture, rich flavors, and customizable toppings make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy treat for a weeknight dessert or a show-stopping cake for a special celebration, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, indulge in a slice of heaven!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A: Absolutely! While chocolate cake is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, yellow, or even red velvet. The key is to choose a flavor that complements the caramel and toffee.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, in fact, this cake is even better when made ahead of time! Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully absorb the moisture. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A: While you can freeze this cake, the whipped topping may change texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the whipped topping and adding it after thawing. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Q4: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will elevate the flavor of this cake even further. If you have the time, I highly recommend making your own. There are many easy recipes available online.
Q5: What if I don’t like toffee?
A: No problem! You can easily substitute the toffee bits with other toppings like chopped nuts, crushed cookies (Oreo or chocolate chip would be delicious), shredded coconut, or even sprinkles. Get creative and customize the cake to your liking!
