Name: Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16.5 ounce yellow cake mix; 15 ounces pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup whole milk (can substitute skim, 1%, or 2%); 1 3.4 ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix (or sugar-free vanilla instant pudding); 8 ounces Cool Whip or whipped cream; 3 cups chopped Snickers candy bars (about 4 regular-sized bars; no substitution recommended); Caramel ice cream topping (optional, regular or sugar-free)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 69 reviews

If your sweet tooth is calling for something indulgently delicious and totally unforgettable, then this Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine a moist pumpkin-spiced yellow cake that’s poked full of luscious sweetened condensed milk, then frosted with dreamy whipped cream pudding and crowned with generous pieces of Snickers candy bars and a drizzle of caramel. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and just a touch of autumn warmth. Trust me, this is one dessert that will quickly become your go-to for celebrations or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square piece of dessert sits on a round white plate on a white marbled surface. The dessert has two main layers: a thick, soft orange cake layer at the bottom and a smooth, white cream layer on top. Over the cream layer, there is a drizzle of golden caramel sauce that shines in the light. Small pieces of chopped nuts and chocolate are sprinkled all over, adding texture and color. A single, shiny milk chocolate candy piece sits on top in the center. A fork is placed near the plate, showing a small part of its metal tines. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best parts about this Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe is how simple and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in building that fabulous blend of textures and flavors—moist cake, creamy frosting, and rich candy crunch.

Yellow cake mix: The base of your cake, providing a tender crumb and perfect sweetness.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moistness and a subtle depth of flavor with seasonal flair—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend brings that cozy fall warmth without overpowering the sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, making the cake irresistible.
Sweetened condensed milk: Poured into the poked holes, it seeps into every bite, ensuring absolute moistness and decadence.
Whole milk: Used for the pudding mix, it creates a creamy base for the frosting.
Vanilla instant pudding mix: Combines easily with milk to lend a luscious, thick texture to the whipped cream frosting.
Cool whip: Adds lightness and fluffiness to the frosting, making it silky smooth.
Snickers candy bars: The star topping—chopped up for just the right amount of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat crunch.
Caramel ice cream topping (optional): Drizzled on top to elevate the indulgence factor with extra gooey sweetness.

How to Make Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter is wonderfully smooth. Remember, you won’t be using the prep instructions or ingredients listed on the back of the cake mix box—this is a pumpkin-powered twist! Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch cake pan, then bake for 27 to 30 minutes. A quick test with a wooden pick inserted into the center will tell you when it’s perfectly done—if it comes out clean or nearly clean, your cake is ready.

Step 2: Poke and Pour

Once the cake has cooled for about five minutes, take a skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Now comes the magic: gently pour sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake, letting it sink deep into those pockets you created. This step makes the cake incredibly moist and adds a rich, sweet undertone that you and your guests will adore. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a bowl, whisk together whole milk and instant vanilla pudding mix for about two minutes until thickened. Then gently fold in the cool whip until fully combined. The frosting should be luxuriously light but still hold enough structure to spread smoothly over your cake. This combination is what makes the Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe feel so decadent yet fresh.

Step 4: Frost and Chill

Spread the whipped cream pudding frosting evenly over the cooled cake, covering every nook and cranny. Pop the finished cake into the refrigerator for at least an hour so everything can set and meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Snickers and Caramel Toppings

When you’re ready to wow everyone, sprinkle the chopped Snickers candy bars liberally across the top of the frosted cake. For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle with caramel ice cream topping if you have it on hand. This finishing step brings delightful texture contrasts and a decadent look that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

The image shows a single piece of pumpkin poke cake on a simple white plate with a rough texture. The cake has two thick layers: the bottom layer is bright orange with a soft, crumbly texture, and the top layer is a smooth, white cream. On top, there are small chunks of chocolate and caramel drizzle dripping down the sides. A large piece of chocolate candy with a shiny surface rests on the cream layer near the back edge of the cake. The setup is on a white marbled surface with a green cloth beneath the plate, and a woman's hand holding a fork is slightly visible on the right side. In the background, there are blurred white plates stacked together. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the chopped Snickers and caramel drizzle provide plenty of flair, you can elevate your serving presentation by adding a few whole peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet punch. A small dollop of whipped cream on each slice is always a nice touch to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For a festive occasion, consider serving alongside fresh fruit like sliced pears or apple wedges, whose crispness and subtle acidity cut through the indulgence beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Try serving individual portions in pretty glass jars layered with extra whipped cream and mini Snickers bites for a playful twist on the poke cake. Or slice the cake into bars and serve on a rustic wooden board, perfect for sharing at casual gatherings or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent the whipped cream frosting from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, but since the frosting contains whipped cream, it’s best to freeze it unfrosted. Freeze the baked cake wrapped well in plastic, and when ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge then frost and add toppings fresh. This way, the frosting stays light and fluffy without weeping.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the chilled frosting slightly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works just as well as canned, and you’ll get a fresh, natural flavor that complements the pumpkin pie spice beautifully.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the whole milk, and opt for a dairy-free whipped topping. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly but can still be delicious.

What if I don’t have Snickers bars on hand?

This recipe specifically shines with Snickers because of the unique mix of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate. While other candy bars can be used, it won’t quite have the same iconic taste.

Can I make this into a layer cake?

Because this cake doesn’t contain eggs, it’s a bit less sturdy than traditional cakes. I don’t recommend turning it into a layer cake as it might not hold up well, but as a single-layer poke cake, it’s perfect.

Why do I need to cool the cake completely before frosting?

Frosting a warm cake will cause the whipped cream frosting to melt and lose its fluffy texture. Cooling the cake completely ensures the frosting stays light and delicious on top.

Final Thoughts

This Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to dessert favorites. It’s bursting with flavor, layered with texture, and surprisingly simple to make, which means you can have a show-stopping cake ready in no time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to an afternoon delight, this cake promises smiles with every bite. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!