Rich Chocolate Poke Cake

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

This rich dessert starts with a chocolate cake soaked in caramel sauce and condensed milk, then topped with whipped cream and toffee pieces for amazing flavor in every bite.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:46 GMT
A slice of chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel, topped with crushed cookies, on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel, topped with crushed cookies, on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my absolute favorite dessert ever this Better Than ANYTHING Cake. I discovered this recipe years ago and trust me it lives up to its name. Picture the most decadent devil's food cake soaked with caramel and sweetened condensed milk topped with clouds of cool whip and crunchy Heath bits. It's pure dessert heaven.

Why This Cake is Pure Magic

What makes this cake really special is how simple it is to make while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of textures moist cake creamy filling and those addictive crunchy toffee bits on top. It's my go to when I need a dessert that'll make everyone's eyes light up.

What You'll Need

  • Devil's Food Cake Mix: 1 box this is your foundation
  • Caramel Sauce: 1 cup it makes everything better
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can for that incredible moisture
  • Cool Whip: 8 ounces creates the dreamiest topping
  • Heath Toffee Bits: 1/2 cup for that irresistible crunch

Let's Make It Together

Start With The Cake
First whip up that devil's food cake following the box directions. Once it's baked let it cool for about 10 minutes you'll need it still warm but not hot.
The Fun Part
Now grab a wooden spoon and poke holes all over that cake. Mix your caramel sauce with the condensed milk and pour it all over letting it sink into those holes. It's messy but so worth it.
The Finishing Touches
Once it's completely cool spread that fluffy cool whip all over top. Sprinkle with those Heath bits and if you're feeling extra drizzle some more caramel on top.
Chill Time
Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour though I think it's even better after a few hours when everything gets super friendly in there.
A layered chocolate dessert topped with whipped cream, crushed cookies, and caramel drizzle is displayed in a clear glass dish. Pin it
A layered chocolate dessert topped with whipped cream, crushed cookies, and caramel drizzle is displayed in a clear glass dish. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Best Tips

After making this cake countless times I've learned some tricks. Make sure that cake is completely cool before adding the Cool Whip or it'll melt everywhere trust me I learned that one the hard way. Play around with toppings crushed Oreos are amazing and so are chopped Reese's cups. Let it hang out in the fridge for a few hours it gets even better as those flavors mingle.

Mix It Up

The beauty of this cake is how flexible it is. Sometimes I'll swap the Heath bits for crushed Skor bars or even crushed peanut butter cups. When I'm feeling fancy I'll make my own caramel sauce it takes things to a whole new level. Try chocolate Cool Whip if you're a serious chocolate lover or add some sliced bananas between the layers.

Serving Tips

I love serving this cake cold straight from the fridge but it's also amazing at room temperature. Add an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce right before serving it looks stunning. My family loves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side the combination of temperatures and textures is incredible.

Make It Ahead

This cake is perfect for making ahead it'll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I often make it a day or two before a party the flavors actually get better with time. Just wait to add the Cool Whip and toffee bits until a few hours before serving to keep them fresh.

Perfect for Any Party

Whether it's a birthday holiday gathering or just because this cake fits every occasion. It's that perfect mix of casual and special that makes everyone feel celebrated. Plus it feeds a crowd and looks beautiful on any dessert table.

A slice of chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chocolate crumbles on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chocolate crumbles on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Making It Gluten Free

I've got several gluten sensitive friends who love this cake. The trick is using a good gluten free chocolate cake mix as your base. Just double check all your other ingredients especially the caramel sauce since gluten can hide in unexpected places. The taste and texture stay just as amazing.

From Scratch Magic

Sometimes I'll make this with my favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe and caramel sauce. It takes a bit more time but wow the flavor is incredible. There's something special about making it completely from scratch my kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Fun With Toppings

The topping possibilities are endless. I love adding crushed pretzels for that sweet and salty combo or sprinkling on some mini chocolate chips. Fresh raspberries look gorgeous and taste amazing with the chocolate. My kids love helping choose different toppings each time we make it.

Make It Double

Want to really wow your guests? Try making this as a layer cake. Just slice your cooled cake horizontally spread that amazing caramel mixture between the layers then frost the whole thing with Cool Whip. The presentation is stunning and everyone gets more of that gooey caramel goodness.

Get The Kids Involved

This is such a fun cake to make with little helpers. My kids love being in charge of poking the holes and sprinkling on toppings. Yes it gets a bit messy but seeing their proud faces when we serve their creation makes it all worth it.

A sliced chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, chocolate pieces, caramel, and crumbled cookies, with a spoon resting beside it. Pin it
A sliced chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, chocolate pieces, caramel, and crumbled cookies, with a spoon resting beside it. | cookingwithcasey.com

Perfect Pairings

A cold glass of milk is classic with this cake but try it with a creamy latte or hot cocoa too. For grown up gatherings I love serving it with a dessert wine the caramel notes in a good Port are fantastic with this cake.

Holiday Magic

I love dressing this cake up for holidays. Crushed candy canes on top for Christmas colored sprinkles for birthdays or even some gold sugar sparkles for New Year's. It's so easy to make it feel special for any celebration.

Why It's So Good

The secret to this cake's incredible texture is how that caramel and condensed milk mixture seeps into every bite. Those little holes we poke become pockets of gooey deliciousness making every forkful perfectly moist and rich.

Freezer Tips

Yes you can freeze this beauty! I make the cake and add the caramel mixture then wrap it really well and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready just thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh Cool Whip and toppings. It's perfect for planning ahead.

Why We Love It

This cake has been my go to dessert for years now. It's one of those recipes that just works every single time. The combination of chocolate caramel and toffee is totally irresistible and it's so easy to make it's become a true family favorite.

A slice of dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chunks of chocolate on top. Pin it
A slice of dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chunks of chocolate on top. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it 1-2 days ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors actually improve as it sits.
→ What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
You can use freshly whipped cream stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar. Whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
→ Can I use a different cake mix?
While devils food cake works best, you can use any chocolate cake mix. The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the caramel and toffee.
→ Why is it called Better Than Anything Cake?
The name comes from its rich combination of flavors and textures that many find irresistible. It's also known as Better Than Sex Cake.
→ How long does this cake last?
When stored in the refrigerator, this cake stays fresh for up to 5 days. The caramel keeps it moist and flavorful.

Caramel Toffee Cake

A decadent chocolate cake filled with caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream and crunchy toffee bits - perfect for any celebration.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 9x13 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 Box Devil's Food Cake Mix.
02 12 ounce Caramel sauce.
03 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk.
04 8 ounces Cool whip, thawed.
05 1/2 cup Heath toffee bits.

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions in 9x13 pan. Cool 10 minutes.

Step 02

Mix caramel sauce and condensed milk in medium bowl.

Step 03

Poke holes in warm cake using wooden spoon handle. Pour caramel mixture evenly over cake.

Step 04

Let cake cool completely, about 1 hour.

Step 05

Spread cool whip over cake and sprinkle with toffee bits.

Step 06

Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Store in refrigerator.

Notes

  1. Can be made 1-2 days ahead.
  2. Keeps well in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  3. Flavors improve as it sits.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 cake pan.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (condensed milk, cool whip).
  • Wheat (cake mix).
  • Eggs (in cake mix).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 270
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 4 g