Snickers Poke Cake

This Snickers Poke Cake tastes just like your favorite candy bar! The delicious treat combines devil's food cake with layers of gooey caramel, sweet condensed milk, and chopped Snickers bars for a cake that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The best part is this cake is incredibly easy to make, even if you're not an expert baker. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a Snickers Poke Cake that will be the hit of the party. 

I love making this Snicker Poke Cake because it's the perfect combination of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy peanuts - all the classic flavors of a Snickers bar in cake form! 

Plus, the poke cake method ensures that every bite is infused with sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. The whipped topping provides a light contrast to the rich, gooey cake, and the chopped Snickers bars and peanuts are the perfect finishing touch. 

And let's not forget the best part - this cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. I love this Snickers poke cake for stress-free entertaining!

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Devil's Food Cake Mix: Using a boxed cake mix is a convenient shortcut, but feel free to use your favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe if you prefer.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the key to creating a super moist and flavorful poke cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Look for a high-quality, thick caramel sauce for the best flavor and texture.
• Snickers Bars: Roughly chopped Snickers bars are used under the whipped cream layer and as a finishing touch. 
• Cool Whip: Using whipped topping is an easy way to add a creamy layer to the cake, but you can substitute an equal amount of freshly whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
• Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a nice crunch to balance out the moist cake underneath.
• Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top of the cake adds an extra layer of indulgence.

How To Make Snickers Poke Cake

Start by preparing the devil's food cake mix according to the package instructions for a 9x13 inch pan. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This is important because if the cake is too warm, it may fall apart when you poke holes in it.

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. Space the holes evenly so that the filling can seep into every bite.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Then, drizzle 3/4 of the caramel sauce over the condensed milk layer.

Sprinkle half of the chopped Snickers bars evenly over the caramel layer, pressing them gently into the cake.

Spread the Cool Whip topping evenly over the top of the cake, covering the Snickers pieces.

Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour, or until the filling has set and the cake is well-chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Just before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and remaining Snickers pieces.

Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.

Cake Variations

• Make it a turtle cake. Add a layer of chopped toasted pecans over the caramel sauce for a twist.
• Use a different flavor of cake mix. Try using a German chocolate or caramel cake mix for a slightly different flavor that still goes with the Snickers theme.
• Add a layer of peanut butter. For even more peanut flavor, spread a layer of creamy peanut butter over the cake before adding the sweetened condensed milk.
• Make it a trifle. Instead of making a poke cake, layer cubed devil's food cake and the other ingredients in a trifle dish for a stunning dessert.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

Make Ahead: One of the great things about this Snickers Poke Cake is that it can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the cake as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Add the toppings just before serving.

Store: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, so it may taste even better the next day!

Freeze: You can also freeze this cake for longer storage. Tightly wrap the unmade cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding toppings and serving.

Recipe Tips

• Don't overmix the batter. Once you've added the wet ingredients to the dry cake mix, mix just until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
• For an even nuttier flavor, roast the peanuts before chopping them, or use salted peanuts for a bit of contrast. 
• Be sure to let the cake cool completely before poking holes and adding the filling. A warm cake may fall apart or become gummy.
• Chill the cake thoroughly before serving. Allow the assembled cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This will give the flavors time to meld and the layers to set up properly.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use an equal amount of freshly whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip. You may want to add powdered sugar or powdered gelatin to stabilize it a bit. 

What if I don't have sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is an essential ingredient in this recipe, as it adds moisture and flavor to the cake. If you don't have any on hand, you can make a homemade version by simmering milk and sugar until thickened.

Check out my other poke cake recipes!

• Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe
• Hot Fudge Poke Cake
• Banana Pudding Poke Cake
• Lemon Meringue Poke Cake
• Pineapple Poke Cake 

If you love Snickers bars, you're going to flip for this Snickers Poke Cake! With layers of rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, sweetened condensed milk, and plenty of chopped Snickers, it's a show-stopping dessert that tastes just like the classic candy bar.