Pumpkin Caramel Heath Crunch Poke (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Base

01 - 432 g (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
02 - 425 g (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree, ensuring it is not pumpkin pie mix

→ Caramel Soak & Topping

03 - 397 g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (fat-free option available)
04 - 227 g (8 oz) thawed frozen whipped topping
05 - 113 g (4 oz) Heath English Toffee Bits
06 - Caramel sundae sauce, for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, completely substituting the water requirement with the 425 g can of pure pumpkin puree. Mix until the batter is thoroughly combined and smooth.
02 - Pour the pumpkin cake batter evenly into a greased 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
03 - Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. While still warm, use a fork or the blunt end of a skewer to meticulously poke numerous deep holes across the entire top surface of the cake.
04 - Evenly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the warm, poked cake, ensuring it thoroughly seeps into all the prepared holes for maximum absorption.
05 - Place the cake, still in its pan, into the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or until it is completely cooled and the condensed milk has set firmly.
06 - Once fully chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping uniformly over the cake's surface. Generously sprinkle the Heath English Toffee Bits over the whipped topping. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sundae sauce. Slice the cake and present it immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors are often enhanced on the second day.
02 - This cake can be prepared in advance, up to the point of adding the whipped topping, a full day before serving. Add the topping, Heath bits, and caramel closer to serving time for optimal freshness and visual appeal.
03 - For an intensified autumn flavor, consider incorporating 1 to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon directly into the cake batter.
04 - To achieve a deeper flavor and additional crunch, lightly toast the Heath bits in a dry pan before sprinkling them over the cake.
05 - Explore variations by substituting Heath bits with alternatives such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also replace the caramel for a different taste profile.

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