If you adore luscious desserts that combine rich, buttery flavors with a delightful crunch, then the Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to sweet treat. Imagine a moist butter pecan cake infused with butterscotch pudding and studded with crunchy toffee bits, all soaked with a luscious caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture, then crowned with fluffy whipped cream and more toffee on top. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and dreamy—ideal for celebrations or simply spoiling yourself on a cozy evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in creating its remarkable taste and texture. From the nutty undertones of butter pecan cake mix to the velvety richness of caramel topping, every component works together in harmony to make this cake truly unforgettable.
- Butter pecan cake mix: The foundation with a wonderfully nutty, buttery flavor that sets the tone for the entire cake.
- Instant butterscotch pudding mix: Adds a creamy sweetness and extra moisture to keep the cake tender.
- Water: Helps bring all the dry ingredients together to form a smooth batter.
- Melted butter: Boosts richness and contributes to a moist crumb.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure and a light, fluffy texture.
- Brickle toffee bits: Offer a crunchy surprise in every bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Used to soak the cake, lending incredible sweetness and a luscious finish.
- Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping: Adds golden, buttery caramel flavor that seeps into the cake’s pores.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it gives the topping a light and airy feel.
- Light brown sugar: Adds just a hint of molasses flavor to the whipped cream.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the whipped cream with warm, soothing notes.
How to Make Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While it’s warming up, generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases effortlessly after baking. This simple prep step helps keep the cake intact and ready for that delicious caramel soak later.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, instant butterscotch pudding mix, eggs, water, and melted butter. Give everything a good mix with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and even. Next, fold in half a cup of those delightful brickle toffee bits—the crunchy texture they add is pure magic in the final cake.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 28 to 33 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step ensures your cake is perfectly baked but still tender enough to soak up the luscious caramel mixture.
Step 4: Create the Caramel Soak and Poke the Cake
While your cake bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel ice cream topping in a small bowl until well blended. Once the cake is done and still warm, use a fork or a drinking straw to poke holes across the surface—these holes are essential for soaking the caramel mixture deep into the cake, making every bite moist and irresistible.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Slowly pour the caramel and milk mixture evenly over the hot cake, letting it seep into all the holes you created. Then let the cake cool completely—this resting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Step 6: Add More Toffee Bits
Once the cake is cool, sprinkle half a cup of toffee bits over the top to add an inviting crunch and gorgeous texture contrast that makes this Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe so special.
Step 7: Whip and Top
In a chilled medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Spread this fluffy whipped cream generously across the top of your cake, then finish off with a sprinkling of more toffee bits and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you like things extra decadent.
How to Serve Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Present this cake with a handful of additional toffee bits on top for a crunchy flair or a light caramel drizzle for an elegant glossy finish. A sprig of fresh mint on the side can provide a subtle pop of color and freshness if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe with a simple side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the caramel and butterscotch notes. A cup of strong coffee or a smooth latte complements the sweetness perfectly and rounds out the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your poke cake in clear glass dishes so guests can admire the layers of lusciousness. Or cut it into neat squares and stack them slightly offset on a rustic wooden board for a charming and inviting presentation at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, and the texture remains moist and decadent for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but for the best texture, freeze it before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding fresh whipped cream and toffee bits.
Reheating
This Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer a warmer bite, microwave a single slice for about 10 seconds—just long enough to soften, but not melt the toppings.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the butter pecan cake mix simplifies the process and adds great flavor, a moist homemade butter pecan cake or even a simple yellow cake would work wonderfully in the Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe.
What if I can’t find brickle toffee bits?
No worries! You can substitute with any crunchy toffee bits or even chopped caramel candies. Just be sure to add them thoughtfully so the crunch balances well with the creamy elements.
Is it okay to use regular caramel sauce instead of Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping?
Yes, regular caramel sauce works just fine. The ice cream topping tends to be a bit thinner and easier to blend with condensed milk, but either option will give your cake that luscious caramel flavor.
Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?
Definitely! In fact, making the Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe a day ahead allows the caramel soak to fully infuse the cake, resulting in even richer flavors and perfect texture.
How do I get the whipped cream to stiffen properly?
Make sure your heavy cream, mixing bowl, and beaters are well chilled before whipping. Beat the cream on high speed, and keep an eye on it—soft peaks mean it holds shape but is still tender, which is perfect for spreading on this cake.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming and indulgently satisfying about this Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe that makes it worth every ingredient and step. Its blend of buttery cake, sweet caramel, crunchy toffee, and fluffy whipped cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished dessert for any occasion—trust me, your friends and family will be asking for this recipe on repeat!
Print
Butter Brickle Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butter Brickle Poke Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines a moist butter pecan cake with instant butterscotch pudding, toffee bits, and a luscious caramel-infused poke layer. Topped with whipped cream and extra toffee for a satisfying crunch, this cake is the perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 (4-oz) box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup toffee bits (brickle)
Poke Topping:
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12.25-oz) jar Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping
Whipped Topping:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish:
- 1 (8-oz) bag toffee bits (brickle), divided (½ cup for sprinkling after poke layer, rest for final topping)
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal and cleaning.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, instant butterscotch pudding mix, eggs, water, and melted butter. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in ½ cup of the brickle toffee bits to add sweet crunchy texture throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the sprayed baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare Poke Mixture and Poke Cake: While the cake is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel ice cream topping until smooth and blended. When the cake finishes baking and is still warm, use a fork or straw to poke holes all over the surface, allowing the caramel mixture to seep deep into the cake. Pour the milk and caramel mixture evenly over the warm cake. Let the cake cool completely to set the flavors.
- Add Toffee Bits: Once the cake has cooled, sprinkle ½ cup of toffee bits evenly over the top to add texture and extra flavor.
- Make Whipped Cream Topping: In a chilled medium bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat using an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
- Assemble Final Cake: Spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle the remaining toffee bits generously over the whipped cream layer for extra crunch and sweetness. Optionally, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Using a fork or a clean straw to poke the holes helps the caramel mixture soak evenly into the cake for moistness and flavor.
- Be sure to cool the cake completely before adding the whipped topping to prevent it from melting.
- For best results, chill the whipping cream and bowl prior to whipping to achieve stiff and airy peaks.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute toffee bits with chopped butter pecans or your favorite nuts for added texture.
