Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Toffee Perfection

Sweet toffee and chocolate dreams collide in this incredible Heath Bar poke cake that promises pure dessert magic.

Layers of moist vanilla cake become a delectable canvas for rich caramel and crunchy toffee bits.

Creamy pudding seeps into every delightful crevice, creating an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

Decadent and surprisingly simple, this cake turns ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience.

Crushed Heath Bar pieces scattered across the top add a delightful crunch that surprises with each bite.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, you’ll become the neighborhood dessert hero with this showstopping treat.

Prepare to wow everyone with a dessert that looks impressive but comes together in minutes.

Why Heath Bar Poke Cake Is So Delicious

  • Swirl with Style: Create a stunning marbled effect by artfully swirling strawberry puree through the white chocolate cake batter, transforming a simple dessert into a visual masterpiece.
  • Beginner Baker's Delight: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and minimal special skills, guaranteeing a delicious result even for those new to baking.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines the luxurious richness of white chocolate with the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations.
  • Versatile Flavor Fusion: Offers a delightful balance between sweet white chocolate and tangy strawberries, appealing to diverse taste preferences and creating a memorable dessert experience.

Ingredients Needed for Heath Bar Poke Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient and rich foundation that provides the base for this decadent dessert.
For the Moisture and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A creamy, sweet liquid that adds richness and helps create a moist texture.
  • Caramel Sauce: A smooth, golden sauce that introduces a deep, buttery flavor to the cake.
For the Topping and Garnish:
  • Whipped Topping: A light and fluffy cream that adds a smooth, airy layer to the cake.
  • Heath Bars: Crunchy, toffee-covered chocolate bars that provide a delightful crunch and sweet, buttery taste.

How to Prepare Heath Bar Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake Chocolate Cake

Prepare your chocolate cake mix following the package directions. Pour the batter into a rectangular baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cake cool slightly but still warm.

Step 2: Create Delicious Holes

Take a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all across the surface of the warm cake.

Make sure the holes are evenly distributed and go almost to the bottom of the cake.

Step 3: Soak with Sweet Milk

Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake, allowing it to seep into every hole.

The milk will create a rich, moist texture that makes the cake incredibly soft and decadent.

Step 4: Drizzle Caramel Goodness

Generously drizzle caramel sauce across the cake, making sure it fills the holes and covers the surface.

The caramel will add a deep, buttery flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Step 5: Top with Creamy Whipped Layer

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a smooth, even layer of whipped topping across the entire surface.

Use a spatula to create a light and fluffy covering.

Step 6: Sprinkle Heath Bar Crunch

Crush Heath bars into small pieces.

Sprinkle the crunchy, toffee-coated chocolate pieces generously over the whipped topping, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to allow all the flavors to meld together.

The chilling time helps the cake set and enhances the overall taste experience. Slice and serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Poke holes generously and evenly to maximize caramel and sweetened condensed milk absorption into the cake.
  • Use a wooden spoon handle or fork with rounded edges to create clean, consistent holes without tearing the cake.
  • Crush Heath bars just before topping to maintain their crisp texture and prevent softening from moisture.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and cake to set properly, enhancing overall taste and texture.
  • Serve chilled for the best experience, as the cool temperature helps maintain the whipped topping's structure and keeps the cake refreshing.

Variations for Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Nutty Crunch Cake: Replace Heath bars with chopped pecans or almonds for a different nutty texture and flavor profile.
  • Salted Caramel Edition: Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel sauce to enhance the sweet and salty combination.
  • Mocha Magic: Mix instant coffee powder into the sweetened condensed milk for a rich coffee-infused version of the cake.
  • Berry Blast: Top the cake with fresh strawberries or raspberries alongside the whipped topping for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions for Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Party Pleaser Platter: Slice this cake into elegant squares and arrange on a decorative tray. Add extra Heath bar crumbles around the edges for a stunning presentation that'll wow guests at potlucks or birthday celebrations.
  • Dessert Café Style: Serve individual portions in clear glass dessert cups. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and garnish with a whole Heath bar piece standing upright for a restaurant-worthy look that feels ultra-luxurious.
  • Comfort Comfort Plate: Create a cozy dessert moment by serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a magical temperature contrast that melts in your mouth with rich chocolate and buttery caramel notes.

How to Store Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Store the Heath Bar Poke Cake in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing other food odors and keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  • Tightly wrap the cake with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and prevent the whipped topping from drying out.
  • This cake is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing may alter the texture of the whipped topping and cause the Heath bar pieces to lose their crunch.
  • Maintain the cake at a consistent refrigerator temperature between 34-40°F to preserve its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • What are Heath bars?

Heath bars are chocolate-covered English toffee candy bars made with butter, sugar, and almonds, known for their crisp, crunchy texture and rich caramel flavor.

  • Can I make this cake without a box mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake recipe as the base. Just ensure the cake is baked and cooled before adding the other ingredients.

  • How do I crush Heath bars effectively?

Place unwrapped Heath bars in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet until they’re broken into small pieces.

  • Is this dessert considered a good option for potlucks?

Absolutely! This Heath Bar Poke Cake is easy to transport, can be made ahead of time, and serves multiple people, making it perfect for gatherings and parties.

Print
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Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible heath bar poke cake combines chocolate and caramel in a creamy dessert that delights taste buds. Layers of moist cake, rich pudding, and crunchy toffee bits create a memorable sweet experience you will savor until the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (and required ingredients per box)
  • 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 jar caramel sauce
  • 1 tub (8 oz/226 g) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • 45 Heath bars, crushed

Instructions

  1. Prepare chocolate cake following package directions, typically at 350°F for recommended baking time.
  2. After removing cake from oven, allow to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Using a fork or wooden spoon handle, create uniform holes across the entire cake surface.
  4. Gently pour sweetened condensed milk over cake, ensuring liquid seeps into each punctured opening.
  5. Drizzle caramel sauce generously, allowing it to flow into the milk-soaked holes.
  6. Let cake rest and completely cool to room temperature, approximately 30 minutes.
  7. Carefully spread whipped topping in a smooth, even layer across the entire cake surface.
  8. Crush Heath bars into small, varied-sized pieces using a rolling pin or food processor.
  9. Sprinkle crushed Heath bar fragments evenly over whipped topping, covering the entire cake.
  10. Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.
  11. Before serving, slice into squares and garnish with additional caramel drizzle if desired.

Notes

  • Modify the cake mix by adding an extra egg for a richer, more moist texture that enhances the overall decadence of the dessert.
  • Consider using a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
  • Try different candy toppings like Butterfinger or Skor bars to create unique flavor variations that keep the dessert exciting and personalized.
  • Reduce the sweetness by using a dark chocolate cake mix and low-fat sweetened condensed milk for a slightly more balanced and less intense sweet profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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