Butter Brickle Poke Cake
There’s something incredibly special about a family gathering, especially when it revolves around dessert. The star of our recent celebration was none other than Butter Brickle Poke Cake, a dessert that never fails to steal the show. As I pulled this cake out of the oven, the sweet scent of toffee wafted through the house, instantly bringing everyone to the kitchen. Memories of my childhood flooded back, where we would eagerly wait for this cake to cool before diving in, each forkful showcasing a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures. It’s not just a cake; it’s a tradition filled with love and laughter. With layers of buttery goodness and a delightful poke of sweetened condensed milk, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser!
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
10 mins
30 mins
Medium
350 kcal
5 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
18 g
Hand Mixer, Mixing Bowls, 9×13-inch Baking Dish
What Sets This Butter Brickle Poke Cake Apart
Irresistible Toffee Flavor
What sets Butter Brickle Poke Cake apart is its divine toffee flavor. The combination of toffee bits and butterscotch pudding creates a rich, luscious taste that dances on your palate. Every bite is a journey through layers of sweetness that will leave you craving more.
Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up this cake. The recipe is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the process as much as the final result. Just gather your ingredients, mix them up, and let the oven do the magic!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits right in. Its appealing presentation and delightful taste make it a perfect centerpiece at any table.
Make it Ahead of Time
One of the best things about this cake is that it tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time, let the flavors meld in the refrigerator overnight, and serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Customizable
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the cake mix or pudding flavor according to your preference. Want to add a chocolate twist? Go for it! The possibilities are endless, making it fun to experiment.
Family Favorite
Every time I serve Butter Brickle Poke Cake, I see the joy on my family’s faces. It’s a dessert that brings everyone together, sparking conversations and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Ingredients to Make Butter Brickle Poke Cake

Creating the perfect Butter Brickle Poke Cake starts with selecting quality ingredients that blend harmoniously together. The key players in this dessert are the butter pecan cake mix, instant pudding, and toffee bits that each contribute unique flavors to the final result. The combination of these ingredients ensures a moist cake with layers of richness that will tantalize your taste buds.
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix: This cake mix serves as the foundation of the dessert, providing a nutty flavor and moist texture.
- 1 (4-oz) box instant butterscotch pudding: Adds creaminess and a rich butterscotch flavor without the need for cooking.
- 1 cup water: Essential for mixing the cake batter, keeping it moist.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Infuses the cake with a buttery richness that enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 large eggs: A crucial binding agent that helps achieve the perfect cake texture.
- 2 (8-oz) bags toffee bits: These delightful bits add a crunchy texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor to the cake.
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient is poured over the baked cake, creating a moist and creamy layer.
- 1 (12.25-oz) jar Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping: Drizzled on top for added sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection for a fluffy topping that balances the richness of the cake.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the whipped cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the whipped cream.
The Process for Making Butter Brickle Poke Cake

Making Butter Brickle Poke Cake is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas. Follow these simple steps to create this masterpiece. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how rewarding it feels when you serve it to your friends and family.
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This temperature is perfect for baking the cake, ensuring a golden brown top while keeping the inside moist.
Next, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial as it prevents the cake from sticking and makes serving a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, butterscotch instant pudding mix, eggs, water, and melted butter. Using a hand mixer, blend until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
Gently fold in ½ cup of the toffee bits, giving the batter a delightful crunch.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. As you do this, make sure to spread it evenly for uniform baking.
Bake the cake for about 28 to 33 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
While the cake is baking, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping in a bowl. Whisk them together until well blended; this mixture will soak into the cake for added flavor.
Once the cake is out of the oven and still hot, poke holes across the surface using a fork or straw. Make sure to create holes deep enough to allow the milk mixture to soak in.
Pour the milk mixture over the hot cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature before proceeding.
Once cool, sprinkle the rest of the toffee bits over the top of the cake. This adds a lovely texture and a visual appeal.
In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on high until soft peaks form, creating a fluffy and airy topping.
Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cake, covering it generously. This creamy layer balances the sweetness of the cake nicely.
If desired, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top for that extra indulgence. Your Butter Brickle Poke Cake is now ready to impress!
Things Worth Knowing
- Always preheat your oven: This ensures even baking and prevents the cake from being dense.
- Let the cake cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool before pouring the milk mixture ensures it absorbs the flavors without falling apart.
- Poking holes carefully: Use a large tool to poke the holes, ensuring they are deep enough for the milk but not so deep that they compromise the structure of the cake.
- Chill the whipped cream: Keeping the whipped cream cold helps it maintain its structure when spread over the cake.
Making Adjustments

Got a few ideas in mind for tweaking the Butter Brickle Poke Cake? Here are some tips to help you customize this recipe to your liking.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake before adding the whipped cream. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve its moisture for up to 3 months.
- Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel topping.
- Variations: Try using different flavors of cake mix and pudding, like chocolate or vanilla, for a unique twist.
- Serving suggestion: For a festive touch, top the cake with seasonal fruits or nuts for additional flavor and crunch.
What to Serve With Butter Brickle Poke Cake
When serving Butter Brickle Poke Cake, consider these delightful pairings to elevate your dessert experience:
- Fresh Berries: Adding a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries provides a tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Coffee: Serve with a cup of coffee for a perfect pick-me-up after a meal.
- Whipped Cream: Extra whipped cream on the side allows guests to add more to their servings if they desire.
- Seasonal Treats: In the fall, pair it with spiced apples or pumpkin-flavored desserts for a seasonal twist.
- Picnic Friendly: This cake is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Cut it into squares and serve it with fresh lemonade.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Butter Brickle Poke Cake truly stands out with its rich flavors and easy preparation. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also creates lasting memories at family gatherings. I encourage you to try making this delightful cake; it’s bound to become a new favorite in your home!

Butter Brickle Poke Cake
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1 box instant butterscotch pudding
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 bags toffee bits
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar Smucker's caramel ice cream topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine butter pecan cake mix, butterscotch instant pudding mix, eggs, water, and melted butter. Mix with an electric mixer until combined. Stir in ½ cup brickle toffee bits.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 28 – 33 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- While cake is baking, whisk together milk and caramel topping until well blended. When the cake is done and while it's still hot, poke holes in it with a fork or straw. Pour milk mixture over the cake. Allow cake to cool completely.
- Sprinkle ½ cup toffee bits over the cake.
- In a chilled medium bowl, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle the top of the cake with toffee bits. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top, if desired.
Notes
- Customizable: You can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer. Yellow cake mix works great in this recipe.
- Instant Pudding: Be sure to use a box of Instant Pudding Mix, NOT the kind that needs to be cooked. Do NOT make the pudding. You are only going to use the dry mix.
- Poking Holes: Use the end of a spoon handle, spatula, or chopstick to poke the holes in the cake. You want the holes to be fairly large to have the sweetened condensed milk in the holes.
- Substitutions: Can substitute chopped Heath Candy Bars. I use plain Heath Bar English Toffee Bits, Bits O’ Brickle. Heath Bar milk chocolate toffee bits are equally delicious.
- Make Ahead: This cake is best made the day before and refrigerated overnight.
- Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.


