Looking for a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress? This Heath Bar Poke Cake is exactly what you need. With layers of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy Heath Bar bits, each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Whether you're preparing it for a family gathering or a holiday feast, this poke cake will be the highlight of any meal. Read on to discover how to make this crowd-pleasing dessert from scratch, along with tips and variations to make it your own!

What is a Heath Bar Poke Cake?
A Heath Bar Poke Cake is a moist, chocolate cake soaked with caramel and topped with whipped cream and crushed Heath Bar pieces. The “poke” in poke cake comes from the technique of poking holes into the cake, allowing sweet fillings like caramel or chocolate sauce to seep into every crevice, resulting in a rich and decadent dessert. The crushed Heath Bars add a satisfying crunch, while the caramel and chocolate balance each other for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients List for Heath Bar Poke Cake
To make this delicious Heath Bar Poke Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- Chocolate Cake Mix - 1 box (or you can make a homemade chocolate cake if you prefer)
- Vegetable Oil - ½ cup (for cake mix preparation)
- Eggs - As required by the cake mix (usually 3 large eggs)
- Water - As required by the cake mix
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1 can (14 ounces)
- Caramel Sauce - 1 jar (about 12 ounces)
- Heath Bar Pieces - 1 cup, crushed (or 4-5 Heath Bars, chopped)
- Whipped Topping - 1 container (8 ounces)
- Chocolate Syrup - Optional, for drizzling on top
Ingredient List for Homemade Chocolate Cake (Alternative)
If you'd rather make the cake from scratch, use these ingredients instead:
- All-Purpose Flour - 1 and ¾ cups
- Granulated Sugar - 2 cups
- Cocoa Powder - ¾ cup
- Baking Powder - 1 and ½ teaspoons
- Baking Soda - 1 and ½ teaspoons
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Eggs - 2 large
- Milk - 1 cup
- Vegetable Oil - ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract - 2 teaspoons
- Boiling Water - 1 cup
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this classic dessert? Here are a few ways to modify the Heath Bar Poke Cake recipe:
- Cake Mix Options: Use a German chocolate or Devil’s food cake mix for a slightly different chocolate flavor.
- Caramel Sauce Substitute: Try using butterscotch or chocolate sauce instead of caramel for a different taste profile.
- Candy Variations: Instead of Heath Bars, you can use Skor bars, Reese’s peanut butter cups, or even chopped Snickers.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the whipped topping with a dairy-free whipped topping and ensure your cake mix is dairy-free.
- Extra Toppings: Add chocolate chips or mini marshmallows on top for more texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the chocolate cake. Typically, you’ll combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water, and then bake as directed. If making from scratch, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and beat until smooth. Stir in boiling water last to make the batter thin and bake as directed.
- Let the Cake Cool: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the cake. These holes will help absorb the filling.
- Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Caramel: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the condensed milk layer.
- Add Heath Bar Crumbles: Sprinkle half of the crushed Heath Bars over the top of the cake, pressing gently so some of the pieces go into the holes.
- Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Top with Whipped Cream and More Heath Bars: Spread the whipped topping over the entire cake and sprinkle the remaining Heath Bar pieces on top.
- Drizzle Chocolate Syrup: For an extra touch, drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped topping for a decorative finish.
How to Cook Heath Bar Poke Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Cake: Mix and bake the chocolate cake according to instructions.
- Cool and Poke: Allow the cake to cool and then poke holes.
- Add Fillings: Pour condensed milk and caramel over the top.
- Top with Heath Bars: Sprinkle with Heath Bars and refrigerate.
- Whipped Cream Layer: Once chilled, add whipped cream and extra Heath Bars on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve to impress your guests!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Poking Enough Holes: Make sure to poke plenty of holes so the filling distributes evenly.
- Pouring Filling Too Quickly: Pour the condensed milk and caramel slowly to ensure it seeps into all the holes.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together.
- Overloading with Toppings: Too many toppings can make the cake overly sweet, so balance is key.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This cake is best served cold, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. When slicing, use a clean, sharp knife to get neat squares. You can garnish each piece with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of Heath Bar pieces for extra flair.
How to Serve Heath Bar Poke Cake
Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The cold ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cake, caramel, and Heath Bar pieces.
Presentation Ideas for Heath Bar Poke Cake
For a more elegant presentation, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice and place a whole Heath Bar piece on the side. You can also add a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an extra decorative touch.
Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe Tips
- Chill for at Least an Hour: The longer the cake chills, the more the flavors meld together.
- Use High-Quality Caramel: A good-quality caramel sauce enhances the flavor of the cake.
- Serve Fresh: Although it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, it’s best to serve it fresh to enjoy the crunchy texture of the Heath Bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Heath Bar Poke Cake in advance?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to soak into the cake.
2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh, light texture. Just make sure it’s stabilized if you plan on keeping it in the fridge for a long time.
3. Can I freeze Heath Bar Poke Cake?
While you can freeze the base cake, it’s best to add the whipped topping and Heath Bar pieces after thawing. Freezing with toppings can make the texture less appealing.
4. What if I don’t have Heath Bars?
If you don’t have Heath Bars, you can use any toffee or chocolate candy bars, like Skor or even Twix.
5. How long does Heath Bar Poke Cake last?
This cake can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
The Heath Bar Poke Cake is a decadent, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of chocolate, caramel, and toffee crunch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this poke cake will quickly become a favorite. Try out this recipe, follow our tips, and let the compliments roll in! Happy baking!
PrintHeath Bar Poke Cake Recipe
This Heath Bar Poke Cake recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream with a moist chocolate cake base soaked in caramel, topped with whipped topping and Heath Bar bits. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and toffee makes this cake an irresistible dessert for gatherings or anytime indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on box)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar caramel topping
- 1 container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup Heath toffee bits (or crushed Heath Bars)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake according to package directions.
- While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely, then spread the whipped topping over the entire cake.
- Sprinkle Heath toffee bits generously on top.
- Chill before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- This cake can be made a day ahead; flavors develop more if chilled overnight.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 350 mg
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