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Caramel Poke Cake: A Decadent Delight

Caramel Poke Cake

Caramel Poke Cake is a classic dessert that combines the simplicity of a boxed cake with the rich indulgence of caramel and cream cheese frosting. This irresistible treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to special celebrations. With its moist cake, gooey caramel, and creamy frosting, it's no wonder this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into the recipe and discover the secrets to creating this delectable masterpiece.

Course: Dessert Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 (16 oz) white cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk

For the Topping:

  • 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce, divided
  • 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preparing the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To avoid sticking, coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with grease and flour.
  2. Mix batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Blend the ingredients together until just combined. Mix gently to prevent a tough cake.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Create holes: Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before using a fork to poke evenly spaced holes all over the top. This will allow the caramel to seep into the cake.

Assembling the Poke Cake:

  1. Pour caramel: Carefully pour half of the caramel sauce over the warm cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface and seeps into the holes.
  2. Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial to allow the caramel to fully set and infuse the cake with its delicious flavor.
  3. Prepare frosting: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  4. Frost the cake: Spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  5. Drizzle caramel: Pour the remaining caramel sauce over the frosted cake in a decorative pattern. For an extra touch, gently drag a knife through the caramel to create a marbled effect.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Poke Cake

  • Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother frosting consistency.
  • Don't overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can result in a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Caramel consistency: If the caramel sauce is too thick, warm it gently in the microwave before pouring over the cake.
  • Even distribution: When poking holes in the cake, make sure they are evenly spaced for optimal caramel absorption.
  • Cooling time: Let the cake cool down entirely before adding frosting to avoid melting.
  • Storage: Place any remaining cake in an airtight container and refrigerate.

By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you'll create a Caramel Poke Cake that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this classic treat with friends and family!

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