Get ready to meet your new obsession: this decadent, sweet dessert packs all the rich, gooey, and creamy layers you could ever want into one showstopping treat. Featuring a moist chocolate cake that soaks up caramel and sweetened condensed milk, then gets topped with fluffy Cool Whip and crunchy Heath bar bits, every bite is a party-in-your-mouth celebration of chocolate, caramel, and toffee. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or just treating yourself after a long week, this easy masterpiece guarantees rave reviews every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this decadent, sweet dessert lies in its simple, store-bought ingredients—each one bringing its own special flair to the final dish. Every component, from the cake mix to the Cool Whip, plays an important role in creating that layered, irresistible texture and flavor.
- Duncan Hines chocolate cake mix: The backbone of this recipe, it bakes up rich, moist, and ready to act as a sponge for all those delicious toppings.
- Eggs, water, and oil (as cake mix requires): Standard for cake mixes, these ingredients ensure a moist, tender crumb.
- Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Poured over the warm cake, it seeps into the holes for ultimate gooey deliciousness; both regular and reduced-fat versions work beautifully.
- Smucker’s caramel topping (8 oz jar): This adds that luscious, buttery caramel flavor that pairs so perfectly with the chocolate cake.
- Cool Whip whipped topping (8 oz container): Thawed to room temperature, it gives the dessert its signature creamy, cloud-like finish.
- Heath candy bars (3 bars, chopped): A crunchy, toffee treat that finishes the cake with texture and extra bursts of caramel-chocolate goodness.
How to Make decadent, sweet dessert
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Chocolate Cake
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box. Use a 9×13-inch pan for best results, and don’t forget to grease it—this helps your decadent, sweet dessert release beautifully later. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. The cake acts as both the foundation and the major flavor force in this recipe.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Let your cake cool for about five minutes after baking. Then grab the handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface. Don’t be shy here—the more pokes, the more places for caramel and milk to hide! This step is essential; it’s how the cake becomes ultra-moist and almost pudding-like in texture.
Step 3: Pour Over Sweetened Condensed Milk
While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, making sure to fill up every hole. Take your time—this luxurious step is what transforms the cake into the decadent, sweet dessert of your dreams. The milk soaks down into the cake, giving every forkful that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth vibe.
Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel Topping
Next, evenly drizzle the caramel sauce over your cake. Let it cascade into the holes and over the top, bringing another wave of buttery sweetness. The combination of caramel and condensed milk sets this dessert apart from your standard poke cake; together, they create a syrupy, flavor-packed center that will have everyone swooning.
Step 5: Top with Cool Whip
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the entire surface. The Cool Whip acts as a light, creamy layer that balances the rich flavors below it, while also giving your decadent, sweet dessert that irresistible, fluffy finish.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Heath Bar Pieces
Chop up the Heath bars into small, varied pieces (think bite-sized gems!) and sprinkle them generously over the top. These bits add a satisfying crunch and infuse a final hit of toffee flavor that ties everything together.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Let your masterpiece chill in the refrigerator until it’s nice and cool—this helps all the flavors meld and makes it easy to slice. When you’re ready, cut into squares and serve with the knowledge that everyone’s about to taste a truly decadent, sweet dessert!
How to Serve decadent, sweet dessert
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, add a sprinkling of extra Heath bar pieces, or a light drizzle of caramel just before serving. A small pinch of flaky sea salt on top can also add a lovely contrast and amplify all those deep, sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
This dessert is perfectly rich on its own, but if you want to round out your menu, serve it with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, or with a small cup of espresso or hot coffee. The creaminess and slight bitterness of coffee-based drinks balance the sweetness of your decadent, sweet dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by assembling this dessert into individual mason jars or parfait glasses for parties—just layer small squares of cake, caramel, and Cool Whip for easy, adorable servings. You could even top with Halloween sprinkles or chocolate shavings for extra flair at a holiday gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover decadent, sweet dessert tightly covered in the refrigerator. The cake only gets better as it sits, with all the flavors melding together for an even richer bite the next day. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake. Simply cover it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Just note that the texture of Cool Whip may change slightly after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Although decadent, sweet dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, if you want to try it slightly warm, microwave individual portions for about 10–15 seconds. This softens the caramel and makes the flavors even more indulgent, but be careful—the topping may melt quickly!
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! While Cool Whip gives the dessert its signature fluffy, stable topping, homemade whipped cream works wonderfully. Just whip heavy cream and a bit of powdered sugar to stiff peaks, and spread it on top. Use it as soon as possible for best results.
What’s the best way to chop Heath bars without making a mess?
Pop your Heath bars in the freezer for 10–15 minutes, then use a sharp knife to chop them on a cutting board. The freezing step helps reduce sticking and keeps the bits crumbly instead of melty.
Can I make this decadent, sweet dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the chocolate cake mix for your favorite gluten-free brand and double-check all packaged ingredients. Most major brands offer gluten-free cake mixes that work perfectly for this recipe.
What if I don’t have caramel topping?
You can substitute butterscotch topping or homemade caramel sauce in a pinch. Even chocolate syrup will add extra richness, but the classic flavor combination comes from that luscious caramel.
Can I make this decadent, sweet dessert in advance for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Prepare it the day before, keep it chilled, and garnish just before serving to impress your guests with minimal stress on the big day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving it at a party or sneaking a midnight bite, this decadent, sweet dessert is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and gooey layers makes it impossible to resist—so gather your ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that’s pure joy on a plate!
Print
decadent, sweet dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent and sweet dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with creamy caramel, fluffy Cool Whip, and crunchy Heath candy bars. This Chocolate Caramel Heath Bar Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box Duncan Hines chocolate cake mix (and the ingredients it requires, such as eggs, water, etc.)
Additional Layers:
- 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (reduced fat or fat-free works as well)
- 1 (8 oz) jar Smucker’s caramel topping
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip (thawed to room temperature)
- 3 Heath Candy Bars (chopped into small pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the cake according to the package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Poke Holes: Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, making sure some gets into the holes.
- Drizzle the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the cake, ensuring it also seeps into the holes.
- Top with Cool Whip: Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake.
- Garnish with Heath Bars: Sprinkle the chopped Heath candy bar pieces generously over the top.
- Chill and Serve: Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Keep any leftovers chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg