Butterscotch Poke Cake is a twist on the classic yellow cake, with the addition of butterscotch pudding filling and a soft homemade whipped cream topping. This poke cake is a perfect dessert for those who love the rich and creamy flavor of butterscotch.
To make this pudding poke cake, a yellow cake mix is baked according to package instructions and then poked with holes. A butterscotch pudding filling is then poured over the cake and allowed to seep into the holes, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the cake. Finally, this butterscotch cake is topped with a light whipped cream speckled with butterscotch bits, giving the cake a decadent finish.
Easy Butterscotch Cake
Butterscotch poke cake is a dessert that has been enjoyed for decades by people all over the world. The exact origin of this delicious cake is not known, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. The cake is made by poking holes in a cake and then pouring a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and butterscotch sauce over it, which seeps into the holes and creates a moist, flavorful cake.
We have modified our cake filling to be a combination of melted butterscotch chips, milk and dry pudding mix to create the most delightful and rich filling! Despite the changes, the basic concept of butterscotch poke cake remains the same – a moist, rich cake that is infused with the sweet and creamy flavor of butterscotch. It is a dessert that is loved by many and is often served at special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: This cake is incredibly moist and bursting with the rich flavor of butterscotch. The cake is infused with a butterscotch sauce that seeps into the holes poked in the cake, making each bite absolutely delicious.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is easy to follow, and even beginner bakers can whip up this cake with ease. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps are straightforward.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you are looking for a dessert to serve at a family gathering or a potluck, this cake is perfect. It is a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone wanting more.
Butterscotch Poke Cake Ingredients
Cake Mix: You will need one 15.25-ounce sized box of yellow cake mix for the base of this poke cake recipe.
Water: Add in 1 cup of water to moisten the cake mix and get it to the right consistency.
Oil: By using ½ cup of olive oil, or any other vegetable oil of choice, you will give the cake the fats needed to stay moist and tender.
Eggs: 1 egg will help bind the cake ingredients together and help with the leavening and texture too.
Cake filling
Butterscotch Chips: Use ½ cup of butterscotch chips to get the filling nice and flavored.
Pudding Mix: You will want to use a single 3.4-ounce box of instant Butterscotch or French vanilla flavored Jello pudding mix (just the dry stuff) to create a soft and flavorful filling.
Milk: Add 2 cups of milk to bring the filling together to the perfect consistency.
Whipped topping
Heavy cream: Make your own whipped cream using 1 cup of heavy cream as the base.
Powdered sugar: 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar will sweeten the whipped cream so that it pairs beautifully with the cake.
Butterscotch chips: Use ⅓ cup of finely chopped butterscotch chips so that there is plenty to scatter throughout the whipped cream. Note: I measured ½ cup of whole chips and then chopped them to get the needed ⅓ cup measurement.
How to make Butterscotch Poke Cake
Prep
Begin by getting the oven preheated to 350 degrees F.
Next, grease the inside of a 9×13 baking dish. I like to use butter because it adds a nice crust. but you can use non-stick cooking spray as well.
Make Cake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, water, oil and eggs.
Mix until well combined and then stop as soon as all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
Then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28-30 minutes. Or until the edges look set and a toothpick can be inserted into the center of the cake and come out clean.
Be sure to allow the cake to cool completely before continuing, this could take 30-45 minutes.
Cake Filling
Use a large straw or the back of a wooden spoon to make holes throughout the cake. I like to make rows that are 5×12.
Next, melt the butterscotch chips and milk in a microwave safe bowl, in 30 second increments until you can whisk it smooth.
After that, add in the dry butterscotch Jello pudding mix and whisk well to combine.
Pour evenly over the top of the cake and spread it out to cover the whole things so that the mixture goes into the holes you just made.
Set the cake aside and allow the filling to set. I placed mine in the fridge for about 30 minutes, but you can leave it in the fridge up to overnight.
Make Whipped Cream
Now, in the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a large bowl and electric mixer) add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and chopped butterscotch chips and mix together until stiff peaks form. This generally take 5-7 minutes for the peaks to form, believe me, the effort is worth it!
Chopping butterscotch chips- I wanted to have small pieces of butterscotch. I put them in my blender, pulse 3-4 times, shake it so it does not overheat, and do it again until I had the desired size of chips
Proceed to spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake and then place the cake into the fridge until ready to serve.
When ready to enjoy, slice, serve and enjoy!
What are some variations of butterscotch poke cake?
Butterscotch poke cake is a delicious dessert that can be customized in many ways to suit different tastes. Here are some variations of butterscotch poke cake that are worth trying:
Chocolate Butterscotch Poke Cake: For those who love chocolate, adding some cocoa powder to the cake batter can create a chocolate butterscotch poke cake. This variation adds a rich and decadent flavor to the dessert.
Butterscotch Caramel Poke Cake: Adding caramel sauce to the butterscotch sauce creates a butterscotch caramel poke cake. This variation adds a sweet and creamy flavor to the dessert.
Butterscotch Peanut Butter Poke Cake: Adding peanut butter to the cake batter and topping the cake with butterscotch sauce creates a butterscotch peanut butter poke cake. This variation adds a nutty and creamy flavor to the dessert.
Butterscotch Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup olive oil or any vegetable oil of your choosing
- 3 eggs
Cake Filling
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
- 3.4 oz Butterscotch Jell-O pudding mix or Vanilla
- 2 cups milk
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 TBSP powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup butterscotch chips chopped, I started with ½ cup of whole chips
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish (You can use butter, oil, or cooking spray. I use butter as it gives a nice taste to the crust)
- Make cake: In a large mixing bowl, pour the Yellow cake mix, water, olive oil, and eggs.
- Mix until all ingredients are combined. I used a hand mixer, but you could do it in a stand-up mixer or with a wooden spoon. The trick is as soon as the ingredients are all incorporated, stop mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 dish and bake in a preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes. The edges are set and when inserting a toothpick in the middle it comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Cake Filling: With a large straw or the back of a wooden spoon, make holes throughout the cake. I like to make 5 rows by 12.
- In a microwavable safe bowl, melt your butterscotch chips, and milk. Be careful, you don’t want to overheat the milk. So, I use my microwave at 50% powder and mix in 30 seconds increments.
- After that, add in the dry butterscotch Jello pudding mix and whisk well to combine.
- Pour evenly over the top of the cake and spread it out to cover the whole thing so that the mixture goes into the holes you just made.
- Set aside until it sets. I put mine in the fridge for 30 minutes, but you can leave it in the fridge up to overnight.
- Make Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a large bowl and electric mixer) add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and chopped butterscotch chips and mix together until stiff peaks form. This generally takes 5-7 minutes for the peaks to form, believe me, the effort is worth it!
- Proceed to spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake and then place the cake into the fridge until ready to serve. When ready to enjoy, slice, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can use a tub of store bought, thawed Cool whip (or similar brand). We personally prefer the taste of homemade whipped cream instead. But you can use whatever you will like best or whatever is easier.
How long is leftover poke cake good for?
You can keep your poke cake well covered and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake will become moister/and or soggy if left for longer than that so it’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
What is the difference between butterscotch and toffee poke cake?
Butterscotch cake and toffee poke cake are similar in that they both have a rich, caramel-like flavor. However, the main difference between the two is the texture. Butterscotch cake is typically lighter and fluffier, while toffee poke cake is denser and more moist.
Can I use white cake for butterscotch poke cake?
Yes, you can use white cake for butterscotch poke cake. However, keep in mind that the flavor will not be as rich as it would be with a yellow cake. If you do use a white cake, you may want to add extra butterscotch flavoring to the cake batter to enhance the flavor.
How did the poke cake trend start?
The poke cake trend started in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a popular way to jazz up a boxed cake mix and make it more exciting. The trend has since evolved and there are now countless variations of poke cake, including butterscotch poke cake.
Are there any tips for making a perfect poke cake?
To make a perfect poke cake, be sure to use a cake mix that is moist and fluffy. When poking the holes in the cake, be careful not to poke all the way through to the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the cake from falling apart. Finally, be sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the pudding or frosting. This will prevent the pudding or frosting from melting and ruining the texture of the cake.
Check out these other great poke cake recipes!
- KENTUCKY BUTTER POKE CAKE
- STRAWBERRY TRES LECHES CAKE
- ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE
- EGGNOG POKE CAKE
- FERRERO ROCHER POKE CAKE
- ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE
- LEMON STRAWBERRY POKE CAKE
- BEST POKE CAKE RECIPES
- OREO POKE CAKE
- COCOA PUFFS PUDDING POKE CAKE
- FRUITY PEBBLES POKE CAKE
- PINA COLADA POKE CAKE
- CARAMEL APPLE POKE CAKE
- SMORES POKE CAKE
- MINT CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE
Butterscotch Poke Cake is a delightful and delicious dessert with a soft homemade whipped cream topping sprinkled with butterscotch chips. This poke cake is a perfect wonderful treat to share with family and friends at your next gathering or holiday party!
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