Indulge in the Ultimate Salted Caramel Butterscotch Poke Cake: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience! This super simple salted caramel butterscotch poke cake is an absolute flavor explosion, designed to be ready in no time. You’ll fall head over heels for this semi-homemade treat that brings gourmet taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone.

Hello, fellow dessert lovers! It’s Nutmeg Nanny here again, thrilled to share another delectable cake that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of poke cakes, but with a twist that elevates it to pure culinary bliss. Get ready to bake something truly special!

The Magic of Poke Cakes: A Nostalgic & Delicious Treat

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for cake, but it’s the humble poke cake that truly captures my affection. Growing up, my mom was a master of these moist, flavor-infused creations. Between me and my three brothers, a freshly baked poke cake rarely lasted more than a day. Of course, my mom would feign annoyance at how quickly it vanished, but how could she blame us? The sheer deliciousness was irresistible!

What makes a poke cake so magical? It’s all in the name! After baking, the cake is “poked” with holes, then a delicious liquid (like pudding, condensed milk, or caramel) is poured over, allowing it to seep into every crevice. This process transforms a simple cake into an extraordinarily moist and flavorful dessert that’s consistently a crowd-pleaser.

This particular recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet the result is a cake so moist, rich, and delicious that everyone who tries it will instantly fall in love. It’s the perfect dessert when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Elevating the Classic: Salted Caramel Meets Butterscotch

While I adore a classic yellow poke cake, this version introduces an exciting new dimension by incorporating butterscotch pudding and a homemade salted caramel frosting. This isn’t just an ordinary twist; it’s a game-changer! The rich, buttery notes of butterscotch complement the sweet and salty decadence of caramel in a way that truly transforms the cake. It takes this delightful dessert from “oh, this is really good” to a resounding “OMG, THIS CAKE IS AMAZING!” Who wouldn’t want remarks like that from their guests?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its semi-homemade nature. We start with a convenient yellow cake mix, which provides a fantastic base, and then elevate it with quality ingredients and a homemade touch for the pudding and frosting. This approach saves time without sacrificing flavor or quality, making it accessible for busy schedules while still delivering that homemade goodness we all crave.

The combination of a fluffy, moist cake, infused with creamy butterscotch, and topped with a luscious, velvety salted caramel frosting dusted with sea salt, creates a symphony of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery notes that will leave you craving more.

Essential Ingredients for Your Poke Cake Masterpiece

Creating this incredible Salted Caramel Butterscotch Poke Cake requires just a few key ingredients. While the recipe is semi-homemade, the quality of each component matters. Here’s a quick rundown and a few tips:

1 box yellow cake mix: This is our convenient base. Choose your favorite brand, as the added pudding and frosting will infuse it with plenty of flavor.
1 small box cook & serve butterscotch pudding (NOT instant): This is a crucial detail! The “cook & serve” pudding has a different texture and depth of flavor that is essential for soaking into the cake and providing that rich, custardy layer. Instant pudding will not yield the same results.
For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar: Provides a deeper, richer caramel flavor compared to light brown sugar.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Crucial for a smooth, rich caramel base.
- 1/3 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps create that perfect frosting consistency.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: The backbone of our fluffy frosting. Sift it if you want an extra smooth result.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Elevates the flavor profile with its intense vanilla notes and beautiful specks. Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
- Sea salt: The star of the “salted caramel.” A generous sprinkle on top enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a dessert that will earn you rave reviews!

Salted Caramel Butterscotch Poke Cake

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1 small box cook & serve butterscotch pudding (not instant)
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Sea salt

Instructions

Prepare cake mix: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box directions in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Poke holes: Once the cake is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. While it’s still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar blunt object to poke holes evenly over the entire surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart. Ensure the holes go almost all the way to the bottom.
Prepare and add pudding: Prepare the cook & serve butterscotch pudding according to its box directions. Once the pudding is cooked and still warm, carefully pour about half of it over the poked cake, spreading it gently so it seeps into the holes. Add more pudding if the cake appears to soak it up readily. The goal is for the pudding to be absorbed, not to pool excessively on top. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Cool the cake: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator while you prepare the frosting. This is important for the pudding to set and for the frosting to spread without melting.
Make the caramel base: In a medium-sized pot, combine the dark brown sugar and unsalted butter. Set the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil, whisking constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves and doesn’t scorch. Once boiling, carefully add the heavy cream (be cautious, as it will likely bubble up vigorously). Bring the mixture back to a boil, whisking for another minute or so.
Whip the frosting: Remove the pot from the heat and immediately pour the caramel mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer. Start mixing on low speed. Gradually and slowly add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla bean paste. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for about 10 minutes. The frosting will transform into a light, fluffy, and spreadable consistency.
Frost and finish: Once the cake is completely cooled and the frosting is ready, generously frost the cake with the fluffy salted caramel frosting. Finally, sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Let the frosted cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see your creations! Please leave a comment on the blog below or share a photo on Instagram using #SaltedCaramelButterscotchPokeCake. Your feedback means the world to us!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Poke Cake

Don’t Rush the Holes: Make sure the cake is still warm when you poke the holes. This helps the pudding absorb better.
Even Poking: Try to keep your holes consistent in size and spacing (about 1 inch apart) for even pudding distribution.
“Cook & Serve” is Key: Seriously, do not substitute instant pudding. The texture and way it sets are completely different and crucial for this recipe’s success.
Cool Down: Allow the cake to cool completely after adding the pudding. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps the pudding set properly.
Whisk the Caramel Constantly: When making the caramel for the frosting, constant whisking prevents burning and ensures a smooth, even consistency.
Whip Frosting for Full 10 Minutes: Don’t cut short the whipping time for the frosting. Those 10 minutes are essential for it to become light, airy, and fluffy, which makes it much easier to spread and gives it a delightful texture.
Don’t Skip the Sea Salt Sprinkle: A final dash of flaky sea salt on top not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also truly amplifies the complex flavors of the caramel.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

This Salted Caramel Butterscotch Poke Cake is best served chilled. The cold enhances the rich flavors and sets the textures beautifully. A simple slice is perfection on its own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider:

A dollop of freshly whipped cream.
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
An extra drizzle of store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Storage:

To keep your poke cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully moist and delicious for 3-4 days. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We know you might have some questions about making this irresistible cake. Here are answers to a few common ones:

Q: Can I use instant pudding instead of cook & serve?: A: No, we strongly advise against it for this recipe. Cook & serve pudding thickens differently and creates a much better texture and flavor when absorbed by the cake. Instant pudding will likely result in a less desirable, watery texture.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?: A: Absolutely! This cake is fantastic when made a day in advance. The flavors have more time to meld and the cake becomes even more moist. Just ensure it’s tightly covered and refrigerated.
Q: How long does this cake last?: A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, this poke cake will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix or pudding?: A: While the salted caramel and butterscotch combination is truly special, you can certainly experiment! A chocolate cake mix with chocolate pudding would be delightful, or even a spice cake. Just keep in mind the flavors will change, but the poke cake concept remains delicious.
Q: My caramel frosting seems too thick/thin. What can I do?: A: If it’s too thick, you can try adding a tiny bit more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more powdered sugar. Ensure your butter and sugar were properly boiled and that the frosting was beaten for the full 10 minutes to incorporate enough air.

Explore More Delicious Treats from Nutmeg Nanny!

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful cake, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious recipes from Nutmeg Nanny. We have a passion for creating easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful desserts that are perfect for any occasion, especially the holidays. Don’t miss out on these other fantastic treats:

Peppermint Pattie Brownie Bites

Brown Sugar Pecan Toffee

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Final Thoughts: A Dessert to Remember

This Salted Caramel Butterscotch Poke Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joy in your kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with the incredibly rich and satisfying flavors, makes it an absolute winner for any gathering, family dinner, or just a sweet treat for yourself. We hope this semi-homemade marvel brings as much delight to your home as it has to ours. Happy baking, and enjoy every single moist, caramel-infused bite!