Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake Recipe (Potluck, Party, & Holiday Dessert) (2024)

This easy chocolate caramel poke cake recipe will be a huge hit at your next party! Each bite is filled with creamy caramel, crunchy toffee, and moist and sticky chocolate cake.

A total crowd-pleaser that everyone will want seconds or even thirds.

There is a reason I call this easy Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake the BEST… It’s the best cake I have ever had, hands down, in my life!My friend made a version of this for a Super Bowl party this year, and I had to recreate the recipe.The texture and flavor were seriously out of this world! If you love the combination of chocolate and caramel together in a dessert, this recipe is right up your alley!

This Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake is:

• Sweet
• Rich & moist
• Soft & Gooey
• Sticky
• Crunchy from the toffee
• Absolutely decadent #TreatYoSelf dessert
• A crowd-pleaser
• A great dessert for a potluck or party
• Can be made gluten free or vegan (see modifications below)

What’s In This Caramel Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe?

See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!

• Boxed Cake Mix: I use a devil’s food box cake mix for this which makes this cake super decadent and fudgy! You can use vegan or gluten free cake mix too to fit in with any dietary needs for your family.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: makes this cake super moist and sweet. By poking the cake and creating holes, you can fill it with delicious condensed milk.
• Caramel Sauce– to drizzle over the top, making this an amazing and totally lush cake!
• Toffee Candy – to top! I crushed up chocolate toffee candies to double down on the chocolate caramel flavor combo.

How To Make a Poke Cake

• Step 1: Bake a box cake mix, allow to cool
• Step 2: With the end of a wooden spoon poke holes throughout the cake
• Step 3: Pour your choice of filling: caramel, chocolate sauce, homemade jam, sweetened condensed milk… the possibilities are endless!

I love how this cake has a ton of flavor in each bite.After adding the caramel to the cake, the cake begins to thicken while staying really moist. The result is a totally gooey caramel-drenched cake you will never forget.

This poke cake is really sweet, but making a tasty version of this would be easy!Instead of caramel or condensed milk, you could fill the cake with Easy 4 Ingredient Homemade Blackberry Jam, or a fruit puree of choice.

And I will definitely be making this easy Caramel Poke Cake again for my next party, gathering, or brunch.It would be great as a birthday cake… or just for a weeknight treat!

Dietary Modifications

• This recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting applesauce instead of eggs in the boxed cake mix, and using a royal icing in place of the condensed milk. A vegan date caramel sauce or chocolate sauce can also be used.
• And to make gluten-free, make sure you use a gluten free devil’s cake mix like this and certified gluten free caramel!
• For a nut-free option, ensure the toffee or caramel is made without peanuts or tree nuts.

More Dessert Recipes for Entertaining Everyone Will Love!

• White Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)
• Brownie S’mores in the Air Fryer (Vegetarian, Summer Treat)
• Instant Pot Chocolate Rice Pudding Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Triple Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan)

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About the Author: Kelly Jensen