Butterfinger Poke Cake: A Decadent Dessert Dream
If you love the combination of soft, buttery cake, rich chocolate fudge, gooey caramel, and the unmistakable crunch of Butterfinger candy bars, then this Butterfinger Poke Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. This indulgent treat is perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, holidays, or just because you deserve something sweet and satisfying. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses a boxed cake mix as a base, cutting down prep time.
- Decadent and Flavorful – A rich blend of caramel, chocolate, and Butterfinger goodness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Butterfinger Poke Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box golden butter cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup hot fudge, room temperature
- 1 cup caramel topping, room temperature
- 1 (8-ounce) tub of whipped topping
- 1 cup chopped Butterfingers
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Butterfinger pieces
- Drizzle of caramel or hot fudge
- Chocolate shavings
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Wooden spoon or large straw (for poking holes)
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil (for storage)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan well.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter using a stand or hand mixer until fully combined (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 27-31 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Poke the Cake
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw, poke holes all over the cake, making sure not to go all the way to the bottom.
5. Add the Filling
Carefully spread the hot fudge sauce over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Repeat with the caramel sauce, making sure the filling is evenly distributed.
6. Cool and Chill
Let the cake cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
7. Add the Toppings
Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle the chopped Butterfingers on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Cut into squares and serve immediately. For extra indulgence, drizzle with additional caramel or hot fudge.
Tips and Variations
- Make It Extra Chocolatey: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of golden butter cake.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add a layer of peanut butter drizzle before adding the toppings.
- Different Candy Mix-ins: Swap out Butterfingers for Reese’s Pieces, Snickers, or Heath bars.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or toffee bits for added texture.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks: A cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a caramel latte complements this dessert perfectly.
- Dessert Bar: Serve alongside brownies, cookies, or a fruit tart for a delicious spread.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream takes this cake to another level.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely! Beat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. What if I don’t have a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake?
You can use the handle of a spatula, a large straw, or even a chopstick.
4. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! Yellow cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even a peanut butter cake mix would all work well.
5. How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Make sure to poke the holes about ⅔ of the way into the cake and not all the way through. Also, don’t oversaturate with the hot fudge and caramel.
Try This Butterfinger Poke Cake Today!
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Butterfinger Poke Cake is the perfect choice. Give it a try for your next gathering, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!
Loved this recipe?
Subscribe to our blog for more delicious desserts and easy recipes. Let us know in the comments how your cake turned out!