Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Toffee Bliss

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up this delectable heath bar poke cake that reminds me of childhood dessert nights.

Chocolate pudding seeps through tender cake layers, creating irresistible pockets of creamy goodness.

Caramel and toffee bits dance across the surface, promising crunchy textures in every bite.

Buttery heath bar pieces crumble delicately, adding rich layers of flavor that make this dessert impossible to resist.

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

My family cannot get enough of its rich, indulgent profile and surprising complexity.

Nobody can resist diving into a slice of this crowd-pleasing treat that combines classic comfort with unexpected excitement.

Heath Bar Poke Cake: Save It and Reheat Without Drying

  • Store the Heath Bar Poke Cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best taste experience.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 2 weeks by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container.

Pairings to Try with Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Elevate Sweet Chocolate Harmony: Pair with rich, robust coffee to complement the cake's deep chocolate notes and cut through its sweetness.
  • Craft Caramel Drink Connection: Serve alongside a warm caramel macchiato that echoes the cake's buttery caramel undertones and enhances the Heath bar's toffee crunch.
  • Match Creamy Contrast: Select a cold glass of whole milk to balance the cake's rich texture and provide a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet layers.
  • Boost Dessert Experience: Consider a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream as a side, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast with the chilled cake.

Heath Bar Poke Cake with Layered Candy Crunch

  • Gluten-Free Heath Bar Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Heath Bar Poke Cake: Swap chocolate cake mix with vegan cake mix, use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free caramel sauce, and coconut whipped cream. Top with crushed vegan toffee bars.
  • Low-Sugar Heath Bar Cake: Use sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free condensed milk, low-sugar caramel sauce, and sugar-free whipped topping. Sprinkle crushed sugar-free toffee pieces on top.
  • Dairy-Free Heath Bar Poke Cake: Replace regular condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use dairy-free caramel sauce, and coconut whipped cream. Top with crushed dairy-free toffee bars.

FAQs

  • What are Heath bars, and where did they originate?

Heath bars are classic American candy bars created in 1928 by the Heath brothers in Robinson, Illinois. They’re made of a thin English toffee covered in milk chocolate, known for their rich, buttery crunch.

  • Can I make this cake without Heath bars?

Yes, you can substitute Heath bars with other toffee or chocolate candy bars like Skor or Butterfinger. Just crush them into small pieces to sprinkle on top of the cake.

  • Is this cake best served cold or at room temperature?

This cake is best served chilled. Refrigerating allows the condensed milk and caramel to set into the cake, creating a moist and rich dessert with enhanced flavor combinations.

  • How long can this cake stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The Heath Bar Poke Cake can stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Heath Bar Poke Cake Brings Crunch, Cream, And Chocolate Together

  • Simplify Dessert Making: Minimal baking skills required, even novice bakers can create this impressive Heath Bar Poke Cake with straightforward steps and basic ingredients.
  • Quick Weekend Treat: Preparation takes less than an hour, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings with minimal time investment.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Combines classic chocolate cake with rich caramel and crunchy Heath bar pieces, guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with its decadent layers and textures.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing busy hosts to plan dessert ahead of time without day-of stress, ideal for potlucks and family celebrations.

Heath Bar Poke Cake Breakdown

Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A quick and easy foundation for the dessert, providing rich chocolate flavor and structure.
  • Eggs, Oil, Water: Basic cake mix companions that help create a moist and tender cake texture.
Caramel and Milk Layer:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create a luscious, gooey cake interior.
  • Caramel Topping: Provides additional rich, buttery caramel flavor that soaks into the cake.
Topping and Crunch:
  • Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy cream that adds a cool, smooth finish to the cake.
  • Heath Bars: Crunchy, toffee-coated chocolate bars that bring a delightful crisp texture and sweet-buttery flavor. Look for fresh, crisp bars with intact toffee bits for the best crunch.

Heath Bar Poke Cake How To Bake

Step 1: Whip Up Chocolate Cake Base

Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to prepare and bake the cake in a standard 9×13 inch baking pan.

Ensure the cake is fully baked and golden brown.

Step 2: Create Delicious Holes

Once the cake has cooled slightly, grab a wooden spoon handle or the back of a spatula.

Gently poke holes across the entire surface of the cake, creating channels for the upcoming delicious layers.

Step 3: Drench in Sweet Milk

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

The milk will create a rich, moist texture that makes this dessert irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Caramel Cascade

Drizzle caramel topping generously across the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and spreads evenly over the surface.

The caramel will add a decadent layer of flavor.

Step 5: Fluffy Topping Transform

Cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of whipped topping.

Spread it gently and evenly, creating a cloud-like surface that will complement the rich cake underneath.

Step 6: Crunch Time

Crush Heath bars into small, delectable pieces.

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

Step 7: Chill and Delight

Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours.

This resting time allows all the flavors to mingle and the cake to set perfectly.

Serve chilled and enjoy the incredible layers of flavor.

Heath Bar Poke Cake – Tips For Moistness And Crunch

  • Use the back of a wooden spoon or a fork to create numerous holes, ensuring every bite is infused with sweet, gooey goodness.
  • Warm the caramel topping slightly to help it flow smoothly into the cake's holes, distributing flavor evenly.
  • Freeze the candy bars briefly before crushing to create more uniform, crisp pieces that sprinkle easily over the cake.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding condensed milk to help it absorb more effectively without making the cake soggy.
  • Keep the cake refrigerated for at least 4 hours, allowing flavors to blend and creating a more decadent dessert experience.
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Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Heath Bar Poke Cake merges classic caramel and chocolate flavors into a delightful dessert dream. Sweet layers of moist cake, creamy filling, and crunchy toffee bits create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (16 ounces) jar caramel topping
  • 1 (8 ounces) tub whipped topping
  • 45 Heath bars (crushed)

Preparation Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing pan)

Instructions

  1. Mix and bake the chocolate cake according to package directions in a rectangular baking pan.
  2. After cooling slightly, use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to create uniform holes throughout the cake’s surface.
  3. Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk across the entire cake, ensuring the liquid penetrates deeply into each punctured cavity.
  4. Generously cascade caramel topping over the moistened cake, allowing it to flow into the holes and across the surface.
  5. Carefully spread whipped topping in an even layer, completely covering the caramel-infused cake.
  6. Crush Heath bars into small, uneven fragments and evenly distribute them across the whipped cream layer.
  7. Refrigerate the cake for 3-4 hours, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and the cake to set completely.
  8. Before serving, slice into clean, precise squares to showcase the cake’s layered texture and decadent components.

Notes

  • Adapt the cake mix for dietary needs by using gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives to make the dessert more inclusive.
  • Use a wooden spoon handle with a thicker end to create consistent, evenly spaced holes for better caramel and milk distribution.
  • Freeze crushed Heath bars briefly before sprinkling to prevent them from becoming sticky and clumping together.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent whipped cream from melting and maintain a clean, layered appearance.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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