Chocolate and caramel – a match made in dessert heaven! This irresistible poke cake combines the rich fudgy texture of a chocolate cake with the luscious sweetness of caramel, creating a truly decadent treat. This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about mastering the art of creating a moist, flavorful cake that's both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your chocolate caramel poke cake is a resounding success.
What is a Poke Cake?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify what a poke cake is. It's a delightful dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake, allowing a luscious filling (in this case, caramel) to seep into the cake's core, resulting in an intensely moist and flavorful experience. The process is surprisingly simple, yet the result is remarkably impressive.
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 caramel ice cream topping (or more, to taste)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. 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 on low speed until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
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Poke the Holes: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke numerous holes evenly across the surface of each layer.
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Drizzle with Caramel: In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel ice cream topping. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the poked holes in both cake layers. Let the caramel soak into the cake for at least 30 minutes.
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Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Frost and Decorate: Once the caramel has soaked in, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. You can decorate further with chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or even chocolate-covered pretzels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use a different type of caramel?
Yes! You can certainly experiment with different types of caramel. Homemade caramel sauce would add a luxurious touch, or you could use a caramel syrup. Just adjust the amount based on the consistency of your chosen caramel.
How long can I store the leftover cake?
Store leftover chocolate caramel poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! Consider adding nuts to the cake batter, using a different type of frosting (cream cheese frosting would be delicious!), or incorporating other candies like chopped Snickers or Heath bars into the caramel filling.
This chocolate caramel poke cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a truly decadent dessert. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to be amazed by the delicious results!
