Description
This Snickers Poke Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a luscious dessert combining a moist pumpkin-infused yellow cake with a sweetened condensed milk soak, creamy vanilla pudding whipped topping, and crunchy chopped Snickers bars crowned with optional caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings and sweet tooth cravings alike, this easy-to-make poke cake delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 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
Soaking Mixture
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Frosting
- 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
Toppings
- 3 cups chopped Snickers candy bars (about 4 regular-sized bars; no substitution recommended)
- Caramel ice cream topping (optional, regular or sugar-free)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cake.
- Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir together until you achieve a smooth batter, ignoring any instructions on the cake mix box regarding egg or oil additions.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch cake pan and bake for 27 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center; it should come out clean or nearly clean.
- Cool and Poke: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool to poke holes all over the cake surface.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the pierced cake so it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Whisk together the milk and vanilla instant pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until fully combined.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the pudding whipped cream mixture evenly over the completely cooled cake, smoothing the surface.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least one hour to allow the topping to set properly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped Snickers bars generously over the chilled frosting. Optionally, drizzle with caramel ice cream topping for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into 16 servings and enjoy this decadent Snickers Poke Cake.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the frosting to avoid melting the whipped topping.
- Because this cake contains no eggs, it lacks binding agents, making it less sturdy; avoid making it into a layer cake as it may fall apart.
- The chopped Snickers bars are key for the authentic flavor and texture of the dessert; substitutions are not recommended.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the intended texture and flavor.
- The caramel topping is optional but adds a delicious complementary sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American