Irresistible Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake Recipe

Craving a dessert that combines crunchy candy bar goodness with moist, creamy cake? You’re in for a treat with this Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake. This delightful recipe takes a simple cake, punches it full of rich, gooey sweetness by poking holes and soaking it in luscious fillings, then tops it with crushed Butterfinger candy bars for the ultimate texture and flavor explosion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or just because, this Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake is guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate lover’s sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate candy bar delight: Combines crunchy Butterfinger pieces with soft, moist cake for a perfect texture contrast.
• Simple and straightforward: Uses everyday ingredients and easy steps so anyone can bake it with confidence.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether a birthday or casual weeknight, it fits right in as a show-stopping dessert.
• Creamy and indulgent layers: The poke cake method infuses flavor deep into the cake for every bite to be rich and satisfying.
• Highly customizable: Easy to tweak with different frostings or candy bars to suit your cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to capture the true essence of a Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake. Each element perfectly balances texture and flavor, ensuring your cake is moist, creamy, and irresistibly sweet.

• Yellow cake mix: Provides a soft, buttery base that’s perfect for soaking up the fillings.
• Butterfinger candy bars: Crushed to add that iconic crispy, peanut buttery crunch on top and inside.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness to saturate the cake holes beautifully.
• Peanut butter: Offers a rich, smooth layer that complements the Butterfinger pieces perfectly.
• Chocolate frosting: Adds a luscious, velvety finish to the top for indulgence.
• Whipped topping: Helps lighten the cake’s texture and adds fluffy creaminess.

Variations for Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake

This recipe is extremely forgiving and open to your favorite twists. Play around with the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor loves — it’s a great base for creativity!

• Nut-free option: Replace Butterfingers with crushed chocolate wafers and use a nut-free frosting to keep it safe.
• Chocolate cake base: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate to amplify the chocolate flavor.
• Caramel drizzle: Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra gooey sweetness.
• Peanut butter frosting: Use peanut butter frosting instead of chocolate for a nutty, richer profile.
• Mini candies: Incorporate mini peanut butter cups or chopped Snickers for a different candy bar twist.

How to Make Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the cake

Prepare your yellow cake mix as instructed on the package and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly for the next steps.

Step 2: Poke holes in the cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart while it’s still warm to allow the fillings to seep deeply.

Step 3: Add the sweetened condensed milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes and add that creamy sweetness from within.

Step 4: Prepare the peanut butter layer

In a bowl, combine peanut butter with whipped topping until smooth and spreadable. Gently spread this mixture over the cake to form a rich, creamy layer.

Step 5: Frost the cake

Spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting on top of the peanut butter cream for that luxurious, velvety finish.

Step 6: Top with crushed Butterfinger candy bars

Finally, generously sprinkle crushed Butterfinger pieces all over the frosted cake. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake

• Warm cake is key: Poke holes while the cake is warm so the milk soaking layer penetrates better.
• Don’t over mix: Keep peanut butter and whipped topping gently folded to maintain fluffiness.
• Use fresh Butterfingers: For the best crunch and flavor, crush candy bars just before topping the cake.
• Chill well before serving: This intensifies flavors and firms up the creamy layers perfectly.
• Cut with a serrated knife: Helps keep your cake slices neat and intact without crushing layers.

How to Serve Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake

Garnishes

Enhance your cake presentation with extra crushed Butterfinger pieces, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few dollops of whipped cream for that inviting final touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this indulgent cake with a simple bowl of fresh berries or vanilla ice cream to balance the rich flavors and add a refreshing complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake in clear glass trifle dishes for layered beauty or as individual mini poke cakes using ramekins to impress guests with personalized sweets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to keep the creamy layers fresh and the cake moist.

Freezing

You can freeze Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; if desired, briefly warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the frosting without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! A light vanilla or yellow cake baked from scratch works wonderfully and lets you customize sweetness and texture even more.

Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?

Yes, poking holes allows the condensed milk and peanut butter mix to soak in deeply, creating moist, flavorful layers throughout.

Can I substitute the Butterfinger bars with other candy?

Certainly! You can swap with similar crunchy candy bars like Snickers, Heath, or chopped Reese’s for different flavor profiles.

How long does the poke cake need to chill before serving?

It’s best to chill at least one hour, though letting it rest overnight intensifies the flavors and moistens the cake completely.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, using dairy-free frosting, whipped topping substitutes, and nut-free chocolate options can create a delicious allergy-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Butterfinger Candy Bar Poke Cake that turns any moment into a celebration. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet layers invites you in with every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family, this recipe should be your go-to indulgence. Give it a try, and get ready to watch it disappear fast!

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