If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s wickedly easy yet irresistibly decadent, Heath Bar Poke Cake is about to become your new best friend. Imagine chocolate cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and luscious caramel, topped with clouds of whipped topping and crowned with crunchy toffee. Every bite is a celebration of chocolate-meets-caramel bliss, with a playful toffee crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you love—or maybe just keep to yourself!

Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
For the Topping:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 4 to 5 Heath candy bars, crushed or 1 cup toffee bits

How to Make Heath Bar Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preparing your favorite chocolate cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan, following the package instructions. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean—the smell will have everyone wandering into the kitchen! This cake acts as the sturdy-yet-tender base for all the luscious toppings to come.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

When the cake is fresh from the oven and still warm, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface, about an inch apart. Don’t be shy—those holes create the perfect pockets for your sweet fillings and truly make this a poke cake experience.

Step 3: Pour on Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into every hole. This step transforms a regular cake into an especially moist and dreamy dessert.

Step 4: Drizzle the Caramel Sauce

Now comes the caramel magic! Drizzle your jar of caramel sauce over the cake’s surface, letting it mingle with the condensed milk for ultimate gooey decadence. This layer is what really sets Heath Bar Poke Cake apart in the caramel-chocolate dessert world.

Step 5: Cool and Top with Whipped Topping

Let the cake cool completely before spreading on the whipped topping. Smooth it into every corner—the fluffy layer balances all the rich flavors below and gives that classic poke cake finish.

Step 6: Add the Heath Bar Crunch

Finish your masterpiece by generously sprinkling crushed Heath bars or toffee bits over the top. Their sweet, buttery crunch is what will have everyone coming back for seconds. For an extra special touch, reserve a bit of caramel sauce to drizzle just before serving. Now pop the whole cake into the fridge and let the flavors mingle for at least 2 hours—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Heath Bar Poke Cake

Garnishes

A cake this scrumptious deserves an equally celebratory finish. Just before serving, add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a few big shards of Heath bar on top for dramatic effect. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder can make the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

Heath Bar Poke Cake absolutely shines at any dessert table, but you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly over-the-top treat. Fresh berries on the side offer a bright, tart contrast to the cake’s deep sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this poke cake into personal parfaits by layering cubes of cake with extra whipped topping and toffee bits in individual glasses. Or make it the centerpiece of a dessert board surrounded by strawberries, extra Heath bars, and even some salty pretzels for dipping—total crowd-pleaser territory!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Heath Bar Poke Cake gets even better as it sits, thanks to the flavors melding together. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to four days. The toffee on top stays crunchy, so every bite is just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for longer storage. Slice it into servings, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container. The cake will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Heath Bar Poke Cake, as it’s served chilled and refreshing. However, if you want it slightly warmer for that gooey caramel vibe, let a slice sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, or give it a quick five-second zap in the microwave—just enough to soften the toffee, not melt the topping.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream lends a lovely, fresh flavor. Just whip chilled heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, and spread it on once the cake has cooled. Keep in mind, homemade versions may weep a bit after a day or two, so serve sooner if possible.

What’s the best way to crush Heath bars for the topping?

The easiest method is to place Heath bars in a zip-top bag and give them a few whacks with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Don’t forget to leave some larger chunks for extra crunch and visual appeal!

Can I use a different kind of cake mix?

Definitely. While classic chocolate is the go-to for Heath Bar Poke Cake, you can try devil’s food, German chocolate, or even a vanilla cake base for a slightly different twist. All will absorb the delicious fillings beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead?

This cake is practically tailor-made for making ahead! As it chills, the flavors meld and the texture becomes dreamily moist. Just wait to add the final toffee topping until shortly before serving so it stays extra crispy.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

If you’re worried about sogginess, don’t overdo the condensed milk or caramel—just enough to fill the holes without pooling too much on top. Chilling the cake also helps everything absorb nicely and keeps the structure sturdy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself to a slice of pure joy, Heath Bar Poke Cake delivers every time. It’s effortless, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it again and again!

Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Heath Bar Poke Cake. This easy-to-make dessert features a moist chocolate cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and caramel, topped with whipped cream and crushed Heath candy bars.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

For the Topping:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
4 to 5 Heath candy bars, crushed or 1 cup toffee bits

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to the package directions.
Poke Holes: While the cake is warm, poke holes all over the surface with a wooden spoon handle.
Add Milk and Sauce: Pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, then drizzle caramel sauce.
Top the Cake: Let the cake cool, then spread whipped topping and sprinkle crushed Heath bars/toffee bits.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.