Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake

If you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with a delightful toffee twist, look no further than this Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake! This cake is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also features a luscious blend of chocolate pudding and caramel that seeps into every bite. Topped with whipped topping and sprinkled with Heath English Toffee Bits, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– **Rich Chocolate Flavor:** The base of the cake is made using a devil’s food cake mix, ensuring a moist and chocolatey experience.
– **Decadent Layering:** The combination of chocolate pudding and sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy texture that takes this cake to another level.
– **Easy Assembly:** With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready to impress.
– **Customizable:** Feel free to swap in different toppings or pudding flavors for a unique twist each time you make it.

What to Buy

• 1 box devil’s food cake mix (15.25 ounces)
• 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 ounces)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounces)
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce, divided use (see note below)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt
• 8 ounces frozen whipped topping (Truwhip or Cool Whip), thawed according to package directions
• 1 cup Heath English Toffee Bits

Appliances & Accessories

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your cake and pudding ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To make mixing the batter a breeze.
• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
• Spatula: Essential for spreading the whipped topping evenly.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

Cooking Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm water. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Make sure to create deep holes, as this is where the delicious filling will seep in.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Slowly pour the mixture over the poked cake, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the surface evenly.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Sauce

Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the pudding-filled cake. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the thawed whipped topping over the top, covering it evenly. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and the Heath English Toffee Bits.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop. Slice it into squares and enjoy every rich, chocolatey bite!

Smart Substitutions

• For a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• If you prefer a different flavor, try using vanilla pudding mix instead of chocolate.
• For a nutty flavor, add chopped nuts to the topping along with the toffee bits.
• Use homemade caramel sauce for a more artisanal touch.

Problems & Prevention

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from drying out.
• Pudding Not Setting: Make sure to mix the pudding and condensed milk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Too Much Topping: If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can reduce the amount of whipped topping.
• Caramel Overflow: Drizzle the caramel sauce carefully to prevent it from running off the edges of the cake.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment. To freeze, simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the whipped topping and toppings just before serving.

Reader Questions

Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! While devil’s food cake mix gives a rich chocolate flavor, you can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer, or even a vanilla cake mix for a lighter version.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake, simply substitute the devil’s food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and check that the pudding mix and sweetened condensed milk are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of Heath English Toffee Bits?

If you can’t find Heath bits, you can substitute with crushed toffee candy bars or even chocolate chips for a different texture and flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure you keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites

Next Steps

Now that you have the delicious recipe for Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the process, and perhaps invite a friend or family member to help. This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, consider exploring other desserts that offer similar indulgence, like the rich and decadent Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake or the delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites to keep your dessert game strong. Enjoy your baking adventure!