If you love sweet and creamy desserts, this Salted Caramel Poke Cake is perfect. It has a soft, moist cake filled with rich caramel flavor. The pudding seeps into the cake, making every bite extra delicious. A fluffy whipped topping adds a light and airy texture. The final drizzle of salted caramel brings the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This cake is easy to make and great for any occasion. Serve it chilled for the best taste!
Benefits of This Recipe
1. Easy to Make
This Salted Caramel Poke Cake uses simple ingredients and a quick process. You don’t need baking experience to make it. Just bake, poke, pour, and top!
2. Incredibly Moist and Creamy
The pudding fills every hole, making the cake soft and rich. Every bite melts in your mouth.
3. Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance
The salted caramel adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness. It enhances the flavors and makes the cake irresistible.
4. Great for Any Occasion
This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. It looks and tastes amazing with little effort.
5. Can Be Made Ahead
You can prepare this cake a day in advance. The flavors get even better after chilling.
Read more : Baked Kraft Mac and Cheese Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy & Crispy
Cautions to Keep in Mind
- Use Cook-and-Serve Pudding – Instant pudding won’t soak into the cake properly.
- Let the Cake Cool Before Adding Whipped Topping – Warm cake can melt the topping and ruin the texture.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream – Overbeating makes the whipped cream grainy instead of smooth and fluffy.
- Refrigerate for the Best Texture – This cake tastes best when fully chilled.
- Watch the Caramel Drizzle – Too much caramel can make the cake overly sweet. Add just enough for balance.
This Salted Caramel Poke Cake is a must-try dessert. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser! 😊
History of Poke Cake
1. Origin of Poke Cake
Poke cakes became popular in the 1970s in the United States. They were introduced as an easy way to make cakes extra moist. The idea was simple—bake a cake, poke holes in it, and pour a flavorful liquid on top. This technique helped the cake absorb delicious flavors, making it softer and richer.
2. Evolution of Poke Cake
Over time, different flavors and fillings were added. Bakers started using pudding, fruit purees, and chocolate ganache. The Salted Caramel Poke Cake is a modern twist on this classic idea. It combines the sweetness of caramel with a hint of salt, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Popularity in Modern Times
Today, poke cakes are a favorite for home bakers and dessert lovers. They are simple to make and taste amazing. The Salted Caramel Poke Cake is loved for its creamy texture and sweet-salty contrast. It has become a go-to dessert for holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings.
Read more : Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Rich and Tender Delight
Cultural Significance of Salted Caramel Poke Cake
1. The Love for Caramel in Desserts
Caramel has been used in desserts for centuries. It adds a deep, sweet flavor that people love. The combination of caramel and salt became popular in the late 20th century. It balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste. The Salted Caramel Poke Cake is a delicious example of this trend.
2. A Celebration Dessert
This cake is often served at birthdays, parties, and family dinners. It’s easy to make and looks impressive. The layers of cake, pudding, and whipped topping make it special. It’s a dessert that brings people together.
3. A Modern Twist on Classic Baking
Poke cakes started as a simple dessert, but today they are more creative. The Salted Caramel Poke Cake is a mix of tradition and new flavors. It shows how classic baking can be updated to match modern tastes.
This cake is more than just a treat—it’s a piece of baking history. Try it and enjoy the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors! 😊
Salted Caramel Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Description
This Salted Caramel Irish Cream Poke Cake is a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert perfect for special occasions. A soft yellow cake is soaked with warm butterscotch pudding infused with Irish cream, creating an ultra-moist texture. Topped with an airy Irish cream whipped cream and drizzled with salted caramel, this cake is a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Serve it chilled for the best experience!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
For the Butterscotch Pudding Filling:
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
For Garnishing:
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
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Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) to preheat while you prepare the cake batter.
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Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
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In a large mixing bowl, add:
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1 box (13.25 oz) yellow cake mix
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1 cup water
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3 large eggs
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1/3 cup canola oil
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Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on low speed until they are just combined.
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Increase to medium speed and continue mixing for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Bake the Cake
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Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
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Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 21 to 25 minutes.
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Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is fully baked.
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Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Butterscotch Pudding Mixture (Start this step when the cake has about 5 minutes left to bake.)
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In a medium saucepan, add:
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1 (3.5 oz) package cook-and-serve butterscotch pudding mix
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1 ¾ cups whole milk
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
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Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken (approximately 4 minutes).
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Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
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Stir in ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ cup Irish cream liqueur, mixing well until smooth.
5. Poke Holes in the Cake
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While the cake is still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
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The holes should be spaced about 1 inch apart and go deep enough to allow the pudding to soak in.
6. Pour the Butterscotch Filling Over the Cake
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Immediately after poking the holes, pour the warm butterscotch pudding mixture evenly over the entire cake.
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Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the mixture, ensuring it fills the holes completely.
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Let the cake cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to fully set.
7. Prepare the Irish Cream Whipped Cream
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In a large mixing bowl, add:
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3 cups heavy whipping cream
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Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it starts to form soft peaks.
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Add 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur and ¼ cup salted caramel topping to the whipped cream.
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Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be thick and hold its shape when lifted with a spoon.
8. Frost the Cake
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Once the cake is completely chilled, spread the Irish cream whipped cream evenly over the surface using a spatula.
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Smooth out the frosting so it covers the entire cake.
9. Garnish with Salted Caramel and Sea Salt
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Drizzle ¼ cup salted caramel topping over the whipped cream topping in a decorative pattern.
(Optional) Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel for an extra salty-sweet contrast.
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10. Chill and Serve
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Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
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Slice into 12 equal pieces and serve chilled.
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Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 40g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
1. What Makes This Cake Special?
This Salted Caramel Irish Cream Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines multiple layers of flavor and texture. The rich butterscotch pudding seeps into the cake, making it ultra-moist, while the Irish cream-infused whipped topping adds a light and creamy contrast. The final drizzle of salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate the cake to gourmet status.
2. Understanding Poke Cakes
Poke cakes are designed to absorb fillings by creating holes in the cake and pouring liquid mixtures into them. This allows flavors to fully penetrate the cake, resulting in a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The technique works especially well with custards, puddings, and flavored syrups.
3. Choosing the Right Cake Mix
- A yellow cake mix is recommended for its buttery flavor and soft texture, which pairs well with the butterscotch and caramel flavors.
- If you prefer a homemade cake, you can substitute a scratch-made butter cake. Ensure it's not too dense, as the pudding needs to soak in properly.
- A vanilla cake mix can also work if you want a lighter base.
4. Butterscotch Pudding Tips
- Cook-and-serve pudding is essential because instant pudding won’t provide the correct consistency.
- Make sure to stir continuously while cooking to prevent lumps.
- Adding kosher salt enhances the butterscotch flavor, balancing its sweetness.
- If you want a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar pudding instead.
5. The Role of Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish cream (like Baileys) contributes a smooth, slightly boozy caramel-vanilla note to both the pudding and the whipped topping.
- If making this alcohol-free, replace Irish cream with heavy cream + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract + ½ teaspoon caramel extract.
- Other alternatives include butterscotch schnapps, bourbon, or coffee liqueur for a different twist.
6. Making the Perfect Whipped Cream
- Always use cold heavy whipping cream for best results.
- Whip to soft peaks first, then add the Irish cream and caramel before continuing to stiff peaks.
- Overbeating can cause the cream to turn grainy—stop once it holds shape.
- If making ahead, stabilize the whipped cream with ½ teaspoon unflavored gelatin mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water.
7. Caramel Drizzle and Garnish
- Use a high-quality salted caramel sauce for the best taste.
- If the caramel is too thick, warm it slightly before drizzling.
- For an extra decorative touch, use a piping bag or spoon to create zig-zag patterns.
- A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the salted caramel contrast.
8. Serving and Storage
- The cake should be served chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If making ahead, the cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Avoid freezing, as the pudding and whipped cream don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
9. Customization Ideas
Different Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Version: Use a chocolate cake base and replace butterscotch pudding with chocolate pudding.
- Coffee Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the pudding for a caramel macchiato vibe.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds over the whipped cream topping.
Topping Variations
- Add shaved chocolate or crushed toffee bits for extra crunch.
- Use whipped mascarpone frosting instead of whipped cream for a richer taste.
- Replace caramel drizzle with chocolate ganache for a mocha-inspired version.
10. Occasion and Best Pairings
This cake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Coffee or espresso (the bitterness balances the sweetness).
- Irish coffee for an extra indulgent treat.
- A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for added richness.
