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To make a delicious Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake, you need a few simple items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 box of chocolate cake mix - 3 large eggs - 1 cup of water - 1/2 cup of vegetable oil - 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup of heavy whipping cream - 1/4 cup of powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract - Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. They are key to making your cake tasty and fun. Each item plays a part in the cake's flavor and texture. For example, the chocolate cake mix gives a rich base. The sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess, while the caramel sauce brings a sweet kick. The whipped cream topping adds lightness, balancing the cake's richness. You can find the full recipe at the end to guide you through the process. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it well. This helps the cake not to stick. 2. Make the cake batter using an electric mixer In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use your electric mixer to beat it on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter should be smooth and well mixed. 3. Pour and bake the cake until done Pour the cake batter into the greased pan. Bake it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. 1. Prepare the caramel mixture while the cake bakes In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir them until they blend well. This will be the tasty topping for your cake. 2. Poke holes in the cake and add the caramel mixture When the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, take the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. Make sure they are about 1 inch apart. 3. Prepare the whipped topping and spread over the cake In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together. Use an electric mixer until you see stiff peaks form. Once the cake is cool, spread this whipped topping over the caramel-soaked cake. 1. Garnish and chill before serving For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all the flavors come together nicely. Choosing the right cake mix is key. I prefer a rich chocolate cake mix for deep flavor. Use three large eggs for a fluffy texture. The eggs help the cake rise well. Mix the batter until smooth, about two minutes. This ensures even baking. To keep the cake moist, watch your baking time. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If you bake too long, the cake may dry out. Let it cool in the pan for ten minutes before moving it. To achieve stiff peaks for your topping, use cold heavy cream. Mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until you see peaks form. This takes about three to five minutes. If you over-mix, it might turn into butter. For a twist, try other toppings. You can use whipped coconut cream or even cream cheese frosting. Both add unique flavors that pair well with chocolate and caramel. For a beautiful display, cut the cake into square pieces. Place them on dessert plates. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each piece for a nice touch. A sprig of mint adds color and freshness to your dessert. Serve the cake chilled for the best taste. It enhances the flavors and makes each bite refreshing. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy balance to the rich cake. For the full recipe, check out the rest of this article. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your chocolate caramel poke cake. Adding nuts or chocolate chips will give extra texture and taste. Walnuts or pecans work great for a crunchy bite. You can also use different cake mixes. For a lighter cake, try a vanilla mix. A red velvet mix adds a fun twist and a pop of color. If you need gluten-free options, look for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well in this recipe. For vegan versions, use plant-based eggs or applesauce instead of eggs. You can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free topping. These adjustments keep the cake delicious and enjoyable for everyone. Seasonal fruits can add great flavors to your cake. In summer, try fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity touch. In autumn, consider adding pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor. For holiday themes, decorate with peppermint or add eggnog flavoring to the whipped topping. These small changes make your cake perfect for any occasion and add a special twist. Store your leftover poke cake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist. You can use a glass or plastic container. It’s best to keep the cake in the fridge. The cake stays good for up to five days. You can freeze this cake if you want to enjoy it later. First, slice the cake into pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The cake can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, take out a piece. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight for the best results. This helps keep the texture nice. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this may make it soggy. You can also reheat it if you want it warm. To bring back the original texture, reheat the cake gently. The microwave works, but keep it short. Start with 10 to 15 seconds. Check if it's warm enough, then enjoy. Using an oven is another option. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake inside for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the cake’s moistness and flavor intact. For more details, don’t forget to check the Full Recipe! A poke cake is a fun cake that has holes poked into it. After baking, you pour a liquid over the cake. This could be caramel, pudding, or fruit syrup. The liquid seeps into the holes and makes the cake moist. It adds flavor and makes each bite special. You can use many types of cake and toppings. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a while. To prepare it in advance, bake the cake and poke the holes. Pour the caramel mixture on top. Cover the cake and store it in the fridge. You can make it a day or two before serving. The chocolate caramel poke cake will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. The flavors will blend and enhance over time. However, the cake is best enjoyed within the first few days. You can absolutely use homemade caramel sauce! Making your own caramel can add a personal touch. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. Homemade caramel can be thicker than store-bought, so adjust the texture as needed. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, there are good options. You can use whipped topping or whipped coconut cream. Another choice is to blend milk with butter. This creates a creamy texture as well. These alternatives work well in the recipe and taste great too. For the complete recipe, see the section titled Full Recipe. This blog post covered every step to make a delicious chocolate caramel poke cake. We discussed the key ingredients, simple preparation, and creative variations. You also learned tips for perfecting the texture and serving this cake beautifully. In conclusion, enjoy experimenting with flavors and adjustments. This poke cake is not just a treat; it’s a fun way to impress friends and family. Now, get baking and delight everyone around you!

Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

Indulge in the heavenly taste of Choco-Caramel Delight Poke Cake, a delicious treat that's sure to impress! This easy recipe features a moist chocolate cake drenched in rich caramel, topped with fluffy whipped cream and delightful chocolate shavings. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet night in, this cake is a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this scrumptious dessert that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 box of chocolate cake mix

3 large eggs

1 cup of water

1/2 cup of vegetable oil

14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

1 cup of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it to prevent sticking.

    Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and thoroughly mixed.

      Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.

        Prepare the Caramel Mixture: While the cake is baking, in a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until well blended. This will create a luscious topping for your cake.

          Poke the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Using the end of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the top of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

            Add the Caramel: Carefully pour the prepared caramel mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and saturate the cake. Let the cake cool completely in the pan to absorb all the flavors.

              Make the Whipped Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.

                Spread the Whipped Cream: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the caramel-soaked layer, ensuring a generous coverage.

                  Garnish: For an elegant finish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. This adds a delightful touch of chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

                    Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the cake a refreshingly cool texture.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours | 12 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Cut the cake into square pieces and serve them on elegant dessert plates. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for a stunning presentation, and consider adding a sprig of mint for a touch of color. Enjoy!