Carrot Poke Cake – Totally Over the Top
If you are looking for a fun new Easter dessert to try this spring, this easy Carrot Cake Poke Cake recipe is the best treat that you can make for your family. Filled with white chocolate pudding and topped with cream cheese frosting, this super moist carrot cake is over the top delicious!
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic Easter dessert. But you can make a fun twist this year and turn it into an amazing, perfectly moist, homemade poke cake filled with white chocolate pudding.
Almost every recipe I found on the internet uses box cake mix and canned cream cheese frosting for poke cakes. They all sound super simple to make, but I prefer real homemade cakes from scratch, with this magic custard cake as one of my favorites to make (and taste!). Especially when it comes to holidays and family gatherings such as Easter dinner or brunch.
Although I baked dozens of cakes with many different flavors, I do not have too much experience with carrot cakes. To tell the truth, I’m not a huge fan of carrots, so I refused to try any kind of carrot treats for years. I always imagined that carrot tastes much in the cake and it seems yuck to me.
What a fool I was! One day I decided to try carrot cake and realized that I had been missing a lot. Baked goods with carrots actually taste so good. You can’t even tell there’s carrot in it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Carrot Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional carrot cake that offers a fun and delicious surprise with every bite. The combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, and rich frosting creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- The 9×13 Carrot Cake recipe of your choice, baked and cooled (I used a box mix)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 10.6 oz Cool Whip Vanilla Frosting (Cream Cheese flavor if your store carries it, mine doesn’t)
- 6 oz (half a tub) of whipped cream cheese (must be whipped)
- Approx. 1/2 cup caramel sundae sauce (just pour on as much or as little as you’d like)
- Approx. 1 cup chopped pecans (sprinkle on as much or as little as you’d like)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Leave the cake in the dish it was baked in– this is not a free-standing cake.
- Poke approximately 20-25 holes, spread evenly, over the top of the cake with the bottom of a wooden spoon. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, trying to fill the holes as much as possible.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the Cool Whip, the Cool Whip frosting, and the whipped cream cheese until smooth. Spread over the top of the cake.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake, and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, really overnight is best.
- Cut into 12 squares to serve (you can cut more, 1/12 is a pretty large piece!).
Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure to refrigerate the cake overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the cake to become perfectly moist. Use a good quality caramel sauce and freshly chopped pecans for the best taste and texture.
Additional Tips and Variations
If you want to add a bit more texture, consider adding some shredded coconut or raisins to the cake batter. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped topping for added warmth and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of this Carrot Poke Cake is rich and satisfying, offering a sweet treat with a creamy texture. Exact nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used, but expect a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own frosting, it will add a lovely homemade touch to the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is actually best when made a day in advance, allowing it to set and the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
This Carrot Poke Cake is a must-try dessert that promises to be a hit at your next gathering. It’s easy to prepare, delightfully moist, and full of flavor. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you added!