Snickers Poke Cake Recipe

There’s just something magical about sinking your fork into a moist, decadent Snickers Poke Cake, watching caramel and sweetened milk sink into every nook, and biting into the melty layers with that unmistakable Snickers flavor. This cake takes everything lovable about the classic treat—chocolate, peanut butter, gooey caramel, and a satisfying crunch of peanuts—and transforms them into a show-stopping dessert that really is as fun to eat as it sounds. Whether you’re baking for a party, celebrating a birthday, or bringing dessert to a family dinner, Snickers Poke Cake is guaranteed to be the star of your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable dessert! Each one plays a special role, from the chocolatey base to the creamy toppings. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): This ensures your base is moist, fluffy, and full of chocolate flavor with minimal fuss.
• Large eggs (3): Eggs add stability and richness, making the cake tender.
• Water (1 cup): Keeps the cake batter smooth and helps bind everything together for consistent baking.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): The secret to incredible moisture, it seeps into the cake through the poked holes for an almost fudgy bite.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): This goes on top and channels classic Snickers flavor with every single bite.
• Cool Whip (1 tub, 8 oz): Light, fluffy, and sweet, it makes a beautiful, cloud-like layer over the peanut butter.
• Caramel sauce (1/2 cup): Drizzled on top, it gives you those gooey ribbons of sticky-sweet goodness you crave.
• Chopped peanuts (1/2 cup): Don’t skip these! They add crunch and authenticity—and a satisfying finish to every forkful.

How to Make Snickers Poke Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking pan (a 9×13-inch works best) so that the cake releases perfectly—because nobody wants to leave the best bits stuck to the pan!

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix until smooth and a little glossy; you want everything nicely combined, with no dry spots or large lumps. This seriously only takes a couple minutes, but the better you mix, the more even your crumb will be.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour your prepared batter into the greased pan and spread it out with a spatula for even baking. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While it bakes, the kitchen already smells like pure chocolate heaven.

Step 4: Cool, Then Poke the Cake

Allow your baked cake to cool completely—be patient, it’s worth it! Once cool, grab a fork and poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart. This step is essential for letting all the flavors soak in just like a true Snickers Poke Cake should.

Step 5: Pour in the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of your poked cake. Watch as it disappears into the holes, promising every bite will be moist and rich. Set the cake aside for about an hour at room temperature so the liquid has time to truly soak in.

Step 6: Add the Peanut Butter and Whipped Topping

Once your cake is wonderfully saturated, gently spread the creamy peanut butter over the top—it’s easiest if the peanut butter is slightly warmed. Next, smooth a generous layer of Cool Whip over everything, blanketing the cake in a pillowy cloud.

Step 7: Top with Caramel and Peanuts

Drizzle that caramel sauce all over the top. Be generous—there’s no such thing as too much caramel when it comes to a Snickers Poke Cake! Finally, scatter your chopped peanuts over the cake for the perfect finishing crunch.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to slice generous squares and serve up that gorgeous, layered confection. Every slice delivers a little surprise of flavor and texture—exactly what makes this cake so unforgettable!

How to Serve Snickers Poke Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Snickers Poke Cake with extra caramel, a squeeze of chocolate syrup, or even a few extra Snickers bar pieces. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can really elevate the flavor, bringing out the caramel and chocolate notes even more.

Side Dishes

This cake makes a statement all on its own, but if you’d like something on the side, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk works wonders. The cold, creamy balance makes every bite even more indulgent without overpowering the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving them on mini cupcake liners, or layer pieces into parfait glasses for a stunning trifle. If you’re feeling extra, tuck a mini Snickers piece into each slice for a special surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Snickers Poke Cake is actually even better the next day! Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container, then refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, staying perfectly moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If you’ve made extra, this cake freezes surprisingly well. Slice into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the same great taste and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat, as this cake is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature! However, if you want a melty moment, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the peanut butter and caramel.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! If you love homemade whipped cream, whip it up with a bit of sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Just note that it won’t hold quite as long as Cool Whip, so serve the cake within a day or so.

Do I need to use chocolate cake mix, or can I make it from scratch?

You can definitely make your own chocolate cake from scratch if you prefer! Just be sure to use a moist recipe and bake it in a similar size pan to keep things consistent.

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter?

Certainly! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture and nutty goodness to your Snickers Poke Cake. If using crunchy, the layer will be a bit less smooth, but honestly, most peanut butter fans won’t mind one bit.

How far in advance can I make Snickers Poke Cake?

This cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert—prep it up to a full day before serving. Just add any extra garnishes shortly before serving for maximum freshness and wow factor.

Can I add extra Snickers bars to the recipe?

It’s your cake, so go wild! Chopped Snickers bars sprinkled inside, on top, or even mixed into the Cool Whip layer add a whole new dimension and make the theme extra obvious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to something outrageously delicious, Snickers Poke Cake should be your next baking adventure. It’s incredibly easy, universally loved, and loaded with bold, nostalgic flavors. Dive in, have fun, and don’t be surprised when they ask for seconds (and your secret recipe)!

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