Toffee Butterscotch Poke Cake

Poke cakes are some of the best desserts to feed a crowd. There’s no icing, you don’t need a special pan, and they always turn out moist and flavorful thanks to the liquid that you pour over the cake after poking some holes in it. This particular poke cake has one of my all-time favorite flavors in it: butterscotch. Then the whole thing is topped with toffee—another fave. It doesn’t get any better than this Toffee Butterscotch Poke Cake.

When I went to the grocery store to get the ingredients, my heart sank a bit when I got to the toppings section. They were out of my usual butterscotch sundae syrup. I had two choices: one was artificially flavored, which I don’t love. So I got the only other option, which was a bourbon butterscotch topping.

I honestly didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. But, I actually liked it even more than the other kind I normally buy! If you want to add some depth and pizazz to this (already) incredible cake, then this is the way to do it. This happy fluke turned out to be a wonderful addition to this recipe for me. If you have the option at your supermarket for bourbon butterscotch syrup, I highly recommend this substitution.

The base of the cake is a simple yellow box cake mix. After baking, use a thick wooden spoon to poke a bunch of holes in the cake. You can also use the thick end of wooden chopsticks. Either way, you need to make a lot of them. When you think you’re done, add some more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Toffee Butterscotch Poke Cake is incredibly easy to make but tastes like a gourmet dessert. The combination of moist cake, rich butterscotch, and crunchy toffee bits creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9″x13″ baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Wooden spoon or thick wooden chopsticks
• Refrigerator

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (10 oz) jar butterscotch sundae syrup or ice cream topping
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (16 oz) tub Cool Whip (thawed)
• 1/2 cup toffee bits
• 1 (2 oz) package honey-toasted peanuts, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350˚F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Mix with an electric mixer on high until the batter is uniform in color.
2. Pour the batter into a 9″x13″ baking pan. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
3. While the cake is baking, combine the butterscotch topping and condensed milk in a bowl until smooth.
4. Once the cake is done, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke 75-80 holes in the warm cake, going almost to the bottom of the pan each time.
5. Pour the butterscotch mixture over the warm cake, ensuring each hole gets filled with the sauce. Refrigerate the cake for 2-4 hours.
6. Before serving, spread Cool Whip over the entire cake in an even layer. Top with toffee bits and chopped peanuts.
7. Cut the cake into 15-20 squares to serve. Keep refrigerated after making.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the cake is warm when you pour the butterscotch mixture over it. This helps the sauce seep into the holes better.
• For best results, refrigerate the cake for the full 4 hours to let the flavors meld together.

Additional Tips and Variations

• If you can’t find bourbon butterscotch syrup, regular butterscotch syrup works perfectly fine.
• For a nut-free version, you can omit the peanuts or replace them with additional toffee bits.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 | Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 30g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a box mix?
Yes, a homemade yellow cake mix can be used as a substitute.

How long can I keep the poke cake in the fridge?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Can I freeze the cake?
It’s not recommended to freeze the poke cake as it may alter the texture once thawed.

Conclusion

This Toffee Butterscotch Poke Cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your baking experiences with us!