Chocolate and caramel—a match made in dessert heaven! This poke cake takes that classic combination to a whole new level of indulgence. The moist chocolate cake, studded with pockets of gooey caramel, is irresistible. This guide will walk you through creating this decadent treat, from baking the perfect cake to achieving that perfectly drizzled caramel topping. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert!
What is a Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that involves poking holes in a baked cake and then pouring a luscious filling over it. The filling soaks into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful experience. This technique is particularly effective with dense cakes like chocolate cake, allowing for maximum flavor absorption. The beauty of a poke cake lies in its adaptability; you can experiment with countless flavor combinations and fillings.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Baking the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before poking holes.
2. Preparing the Caramel Filling:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Poking and Pouring:
- Once the cake is completely cool, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. Don't poke all the way to the bottom of the pan.
- Slowly pour the caramel filling over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
4. Adding the Caramel Drizzle:
- Once the caramel filling has been absorbed (this might take a little while), drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cake. You can create a decorative drizzle or simply pour it evenly.
5. Chilling and Serving:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set. This chilling step enhances the overall texture and taste.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cake?
Yes, while this recipe uses a classic chocolate cake, you can adapt it to use your favorite cake recipe. However, a denser cake works best for absorbing the caramel filling.
How can I make the caramel filling thicker?
If you prefer a thicker caramel filling, you can increase the amount of sweetened condensed milk or reduce the amount of heavy cream. You could also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the mixture before heating it gently. This will create a pudding-like consistency.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chocolate cake and caramel filling a day ahead of time. Assemble the cake and refrigerate it overnight for the best results.
What kind of caramel sauce should I use?
You can use any caramel sauce you like – store-bought, homemade, or even a dulce de leche. The choice is yours!
Can I freeze this poke cake?
It’s best to avoid freezing this particular poke cake. The caramel filling might separate upon thawing.
This decadent Chocolate and Caramel Poke Cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Its rich flavors and moist texture will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy!
