If you’re looking for a decadent and indulgent dessert that’s easy to make, this Heath Bar Poke Cake is the perfect choice. With layers of moist chocolate cake, rich caramel sauce, whipped topping, and crunchy Heath toffee bits, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress!
Craving something sweet and rich? Keep reading to learn how to make this irresistible Heath Bar Poke Cake!
What is a Heath Bar Poke Cake?
A Heath Bar Poke Cake is a moist chocolate cake that’s filled with holes, drenched in sweet caramel sauce, and topped with whipped cream and Heath toffee bits. The "poke" cake method involves poking holes all over the top of a baked cake and then pouring a filling (like caramel or sweetened condensed milk) into the holes, allowing the cake to absorb the flavors. The result is a rich, moist cake with pockets of caramel goodness throughout.
The addition of Heath bars—crispy, crunchy toffee pieces covered in chocolate—adds a delicious, crunchy texture that balances out the soft cake and creamy topping.
Ingredients List for Heath Bar Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious poke cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12–14 oz) caramel sauce (or homemade caramel sauce)
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- 1 cup Heath toffee bits (or chopped Heath candy bars)
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This poke cake recipe is quite versatile! Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Homemade Cake: If you prefer to make the cake from scratch, you can use your favorite chocolate cake recipe instead of a boxed mix.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and a dairy-free caramel sauce to make this recipe dairy-free. You can also find dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Other Cake Flavors: Try using a vanilla or caramel-flavored cake mix instead of chocolate for a different flavor combination.
- Add Chocolate Sauce: For extra decadence, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top along with the caramel.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make the Heath Bar Poke Cake:
- Bake the cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions (or make your homemade chocolate cake) and bake it in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes, but not completely.
- Poke holes in the cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go about halfway into the cake, but not all the way through.
- Pour the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the filling.
- Cool the cake: Once the caramel and condensed milk have been absorbed into the cake, let the cake cool completely to room temperature. You can also refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process.
- Add the whipped topping: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
- Top with Heath toffee bits: Sprinkle the Heath toffee bits generously over the whipped topping. You can use the prepackaged toffee bits or chop up full-size Heath candy bars into small pieces for extra texture.
- Optional caramel drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle more caramel sauce on top of the whipped cream and toffee bits.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, slice and serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Poking Enough Holes: Be sure to poke enough holes in the cake so that the caramel and sweetened condensed milk can seep down into the cake. The more holes, the better!
- Pouring the Filling Too Quickly: Pour the caramel mixture slowly over the cake to ensure it fills all the holes. Pouring too quickly can result in uneven absorption.
- Skipping the Chill Time: While you might be eager to dig in, it’s important to let the cake chill for at least 2 hours (or even overnight). This allows the cake to fully absorb the flavors and firm up.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This cake is rich and indulgent, so smaller slices go a long way! Here’s how to serve and present your Heath Bar Poke Cake for maximum impact:
How to Serve Heath Bar Poke Cake:
- Serve chilled: This cake is best served chilled for the creamiest texture. The cool whipped topping, caramel, and chocolate cake create a perfect contrast.
- Garnish with extra toppings: For a fun twist, garnish each slice with extra toffee bits, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Presentation Ideas for Heath Bar Poke Cake:
- Layered presentation: If you want to take this dessert up a notch, make it in individual cups or jars. Layer pieces of cake, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and toffee bits for a beautiful parfait-style dessert.
- Serve with extra sauce: Place a small dish of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce next to the cake for guests to drizzle over their slices for extra indulgence.
Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. The cake will continue to absorb the flavors and stay moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze Heath Bar Poke Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! However, it’s best to freeze it before adding the whipped topping. Once the cake has absorbed the caramel mixture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and add the whipped topping and toffee bits before serving.
Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream is a delicious alternative to Cool Whip. To make it, simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread it over the cake just like you would Cool Whip.
Can I Use Other Candy Bars?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of Heath bars, you can substitute them with other candy bars like Snickers, Twix, or Butterfingers. Simply chop them into small pieces and sprinkle them over the cake.
Conclusion
This Heath Bar Poke Cake is the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion. With its moist chocolate cake, rich caramel filling, whipped topping, and crunchy Heath toffee bits, it’s a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday celebration, or just because, this poke cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ready to create this toffee-filled masterpiece? Happy baking!
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Heath Bar Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Heath Bar Poke Cake recipe combines moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel, and crunchy Heath toffee bits for a decadent dessert. Simple to prepare with a store-bought cake mix or homemade chocolate cake, this poke cake is perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a rich, indulgent treat. Topped with whipped cream and more Heath bar pieces, it's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake ingredients)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Caramel sauce
- Heath bars (crushed)
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Chocolate sauce (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your favorite recipe.
- Once baked, let the cake cool slightly, then poke holes all over using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to set.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle crushed Heath bars generously over the top.
- Drizzle with additional caramel or chocolate sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, reserve some Heath bar pieces to sprinkle on just before serving.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator, and it's best eaten within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 300mg
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