Are you craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake recipe, crafted using a boxed cake mix, is the perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet caramel, all without hours of baking and preparation. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for weeknight treats or special occasions. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy, delicious, and impressive homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 30-35 minutes, but always refer to your specific cake mix instructions.
Step 2: Poke the Holes
Once the cake is completely cool, use a wooden skewer, chopstick, or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke numerous holes all over the cake's surface. Don't be shy; the more holes, the better the caramel soaks in!
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Mixture
While the cake cools, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the caramel candies are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the warm caramel mixture over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. You might need to gently tilt the pan to ensure even coverage. Let the cake soak for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for maximum caramel absorption.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If using, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the soaked cake.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to fully set. Once chilled, serve generously with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake:
- Don't overbake the cake: Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum baking time indicated on the box.
- Use a quality caramel: The better the caramel, the better the cake will taste!
- Let it soak: The longer the cake soaks in the caramel, the more intensely flavored it will be.
- Get creative with toppings: Consider adding nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of extra caramel for an even more decadent treat.
Variations:
- Different Cake Flavors: Experiment with other cake mix flavors like German chocolate or even funfetti for a unique twist.
- Other Sauces: Try using a different sauce like dulce de leche or a homemade chocolate sauce instead of caramel.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh berries into the cake batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This will vary depending on the specific cake mix and ingredients used, but a general estimate for a 12-serving cake is roughly 350-400 calories, 15-20g of fat, and 40-50g of sugar.
This easy chocolate caramel poke cake recipe is a perfect example of delicious and quick dinner ideas for a satisfying dessert. The combination of the moist chocolate cake and rich caramel is simply irresistible, making it one of the best recipes for any occasion. Enjoy!