Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

The Best Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe That’s Unforgettably Sweet

Sweet memories flood back when I think about this delectable Heath Bar poke cake that always sparks joy at gatherings.

Chocolate and caramel dance together in a magical dessert that promises pure delight.

Soft, moist layers beneath a crunchy toffee topping create an irresistible texture you won’t be able to resist.

Layers of creamy filling seep into tender cake, making each bite a decadent experience.

Packed with rich flavor, this dessert brings smiling faces around the table.

Toffee bits scattered across the surface add a delightful crunch that makes this treat unforgettable.

Come discover why this cake becomes the star of every potluck and celebration.

Variations to Explore with Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Gluten-Free Heath Bar Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use dairy-free whipped topping, and select vegan chocolate bars as topping.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free caramel sauce, and replace Heath bars with sugar-free chocolate toffee pieces.
  • Keto-Friendly Alternative: Create a chocolate almond flour cake base, use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace condensed milk with heavy cream, and top with sugar-free chocolate chips and crushed sugar-free toffee.

Serving Ideas for Heath Bar Poke Cake

Sweet Indulgence Pairing: Serve this decadent Heath Bar Poke Cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.

Afternoon Delight Setup: Create an elegant dessert presentation by cutting cake squares on decorative plates with a small mint leaf garnish for a touch of freshness.

Coffee Companion Option: Pair each slice with a hot espresso or rich cappuccino to complement the cake’s sweet caramel and chocolate notes, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Celebration Style: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or family gatherings – this cake serves 8-10 people and can be prepared ahead of time, making party planning stress-free.

Storage Tips for Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Store the Heath Bar Poke Cake covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep it sealed tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut remaining cake into single servings, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for easier portioning and quicker thawing.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to slightly soften the whipped cream and restore the cake's moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes.

FAQs

  • What are Heath bars made of?

Heath bars are a classic English toffee candy bar with a crisp butter toffee core covered in milk chocolate, creating a delightful crunchy and sweet flavor profile.

  • Can I use a different candy bar instead of Heath bars?

Yes, you can substitute Heath bars with Skor bars or crushed chocolate-covered toffee pieces, which have a very similar taste and texture.

  • How do the holes in the cake help with flavor?

The holes allow the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist, rich, and incredibly flavorful dessert that’s more decadent than a traditional cake.

Heath Bar Poke Cake Packed with Flavor

  • Indulge in Decadence: This Heath Bar Poke Cake transforms a simple chocolate cake into a luxurious dessert packed with rich caramel and chocolate flavors that will make taste buds dance.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: With just a few basic steps and minimal baking skills required, anyone can create this impressive dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, this cake offers a guaranteed wow factor that will have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up toppings or using different candy bars, making it a versatile treat that can be personalized to suit any preference or occasion.

Ingredients for Heath Bar Poke Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cake: A rich, moist base that serves as the foundation for this decadent dessert.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A sweet, creamy liquid that helps create a rich and indulgent texture.
  • Caramel Sauce: A rich, golden sauce that adds depth and sweetness to the cake.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Cool Whip: A light and fluffy topping that adds a creamy layer to the cake.
  • Heath Bars: Crunchy, toffee-covered chocolate bars that provide a delightful texture and flavor.
  • Chocolate Syrup: A sweet, chocolatey drizzle that enhances the overall dessert experience.
Optional Ingredients:
  • Wooden Spoon Handle: A tool used to create holes in the cake for better absorption of fillings.

How to Make Heath Bar Poke Cake

How to Make Heath Bar Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake Chocolate Cake Base

Create a rich chocolate cake using your favorite box mix or homemade recipe.

Follow the package instructions carefully to ensure a perfect, moist foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Create Signature Holes

Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, grab a wooden spoon handle and poke numerous holes throughout the entire surface.

Make sure the holes are evenly distributed to allow maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Drench with Creamy Goodness

Carefully pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into every single hole.

Follow up by drizzling caramel sauce across the entire surface, ensuring the cake gets completely saturated with sweet, gooey deliciousness.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for one full hour.

This cooling time allows the milk and caramel to completely penetrate the cake, creating an incredibly moist and flavor-packed dessert.

Step 5: Top with Fluffy Cream

Spread a generous layer of whipped cream or Cool Whip across the entire cake surface.

Create smooth, even coverage for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Heath Bar Topping

Crush Heath bars into small, delectable pieces.

Sprinkle these golden, buttery chocolate crumbs generously over the whipped cream layer.

Step 7: Final Chocolate Drizzle

For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate syrup in a beautiful pattern across the top of the cake.

Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips for Heath Bar Poke Cake

  • Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create uniform holes, ensuring every bite absorbs the sweet, gooey fillings perfectly.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding condensed milk and caramel to maintain a stable cake structure and prevent excessive moisture.
  • Crush Heath bars just before sprinkling to preserve their crisp texture and maximize the toffee crunch on top of the cake.
  • Substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free caramel sauce for a delicious vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow ingredients to meld together and create a more cohesive, delectable dessert experience.
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Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe

Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable heath bar poke cake brings together rich chocolate and caramel in a mouthwatering dessert. Creamy layers and crunchy toffee bits create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • (Or ingredients for homemade chocolate cake)

Topping and Filling:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 45 Heath bars (crushed)

Garnish:

  • 1 container whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare chocolate cake following box instructions or preferred homemade method at 350°F for approximately 30-35 minutes.
  2. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes.
  3. Using wooden spoon handle, create uniform holes across entire cake surface, ensuring even spacing.
  4. Gradually pour sweetened condensed milk over cake, allowing liquid to seep into created holes.
  5. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
  6. Refrigerate cake for 60 minutes, permitting ingredients to absorb and settle into cake’s interior.
  7. Retrieve cake from refrigerator and generously apply whipped cream or Cool Whip across entire surface.
  8. Crush Heath bars into small fragments using rolling pin or food processor.
  9. Sprinkle crushed Heath bar pieces uniformly over whipped topping layer.
  10. Optional: Enhance presentation by delicately streaming chocolate syrup across cake’s surface.
  11. Return cake to refrigerator until ready to serve, maintaining chilled temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Hole-Making Technique: Create evenly spaced, deep holes throughout the cake to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a moist, decadent texture.
  • Chilling Magic: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the sweetened condensed milk and caramel to fully penetrate the cake, intensifying its richness and moisture.
  • Topping Transformation: Crush Heath bars just before sprinkling to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular ingredients with gluten-free cake mix, dairy-free whipped topping, and allergen-free caramel sauce to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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