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Air Fryer Chocolate Poke Cake

Name: Air Fryer Chocolate Poke Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 package Devil’s Food cake mix (batter prepared according to the package instructions); 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 12 ounces caramel ice cream topping; 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed); 8 ounces Heath Bar baking bits

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Air Fryer Chocolate Poke Cake –Are you looking for a delicious, indulgent treat that’s quick and easy to make without turning on your oven? Look no further – our air fryer chocolate poke cake is the perfect dessert solution!

Rich with all of the flavors of traditional chocolate cake but made innovatively, this one-of-a-kind recipe will satisfy your taste buds and astonish those around you.

With tempting layers of fudgy decadence packed into a simple yet elegant presentation, you won’t be able to stop eating it even if you tried. So why wait any longer? Let’s get started on making this delicious air-fried masterpiece!

What Is A Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a delightful dessert that involves baking a cake and then, once it’s cooled, poking holes across its surface. These holes are then filled with a liquid or filling — such as condensed milk, pureed fruit, pudding, or flavored gelatin — which gets absorbed into the cake. The result is an incredibly moist and flavorful treat with bursts of flavor in every bite.

The poke cake’s concept is to infuse additional flavor and moisture throughout the cake, ensuring that each slice is as delicious as the last. After the filling is added, the cake is typically topped with whipped cream, frosting, or other toppings to enhance its taste and appearance further. The poke cake has become popular because of its flavor combinations, versatility, and foolproof nature, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Can You Cook A Poke Cake In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook a poke cake in an air fryer! While traditional cakes are baked in an oven, the air fryer offers a unique approach.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chocolate Poke Cake

Do you crave the rich flavor of chocolate cake but don’t want to turn on your oven? If so, an air fryer is the perfect kitchen gadget for you! It can be a great alternative to traditional baking methods, and it’s easier than ever to make delicious desserts with one.

Today, we’re sharing a recipe for Air-Fried Chocolate Poke Cake that will tantalize your taste buds without heating your kitchen. This decadent dessert can be made quickly with just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer. Keep reading to learn more about how easy it is to whip up this scrumptious treat from the comfort of your home!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This convenient and quick solution contains a blend of flour, sugar, cocoa, and leavening agents. It will give your cake a rich chocolate flavor and soft texture, removing the need for many individual ingredients.
Sweet Condensed Milk: This classic filling will seep into the poked holes, making the cake incredibly moist and sweet. Alternatively, you could use chocolate pudding or caramel sauce.
Caramel Ice Cream Topping: This thick and sweet sauce is often used as a drizzle for desserts or a mix-in for ice creams. A poke cake lends an additional layer of sweetness and a caramel flavor profile.
Cool Whip is a light and fluffy pre-whipped dairy topping. It provides a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, making it an excellent contrast to the cake’s rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
Toppings: Heath Bar Baking Bits: These bits are pieces of Heath candy bars, toffee bars coated in milk chocolate. They add a crunchy texture and a combination of sweet toffee and chocolate flavors, elevating the cake’s overall taste and presentation.

How To Cook A Poke Cake In Air Fryer

Are you looking for an exciting and unique way to make a delicious dessert? If so, try making a poke cake in an air fryer! It is easy and gives your poke cake a delightful crispy texture that can’t be achieved any other way. This guide will help you make this special treat at home with minimal effort.

Prepare the Cake Mix:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food Cake Mix with the required additional ingredients (usually eggs, water, and vegetable oil) as specified on the box.

Mix until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.

Transfer Batter to Suitable Pan:

Use a round or square cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer’s basket or on its rack. If the pan isn’t non-stick, consider lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

Pour the prepared cake batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Optional: Add mini chocolate chips or Health bits to the cake batter.

Cook Poke Cake in Air Fryer:

Carefully place the cake pan inside the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray.

Set the cooking time for 15-20 minutes, and air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F. Check around the 12-minute mark. Because air fryers vary, monitoring the cake is crucial to prevent overcooking. The cake is made when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out mostly clean or with a few crumbs.

Poke the Cake:

Once baked, remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or another similar utensil, poke holes all over the cake, spaced about an inch apart.

Add the Fillings:

Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Then, pour the caramel ice cream topping over the cake and allow it to fill the poked holes.

Top and Chill:

Spread a layer of Cool Whip over the cake. Sprinkle the Heath Bar Baking Bits on top for a crunchy contrast. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the fillings to soak in and the cake to set.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, slice the poke cake into portions and enjoy! This air fryer method offers a unique way to enjoy a traditionally oven-baked dessert, providing a moist and flavorful poke cake in less time.

Pro Tips For Cooking Poke Cake In Air Fryer

These pro tips make crafting a perfect poke cake in an air fryer straightforward. Here’s how to ensure the best results every time:

Choose the Right Pan: Ensure your cake pan fits comfortably inside the air fryer without touching the sides. Remember that air circulation is crucial in an air fryer, so don’t overcrowd the basket.
Poke Properly: The holes should be big enough to allow the fillings to seep in but not so big that the cake loses structural integrity. The handle of a wooden spoon typically does the trick.
Monitor Closely: Air fryers can cook faster than traditional ovens, especially if they’re more powerful. It’s essential to keep a close eye on your cake, especially the first time you make it, to prevent overcooking.
Even Distribution: When pouring condensed milk, caramel, or other fillings, ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. Using a spatula can help spread liquids evenly.
Let it Cool: Before poking and adding fillings, let the cake cool slightly. This will ensure the fillings absorb smoothly without making the cake too soggy.
Add Fillings Gradually: Pour sweetened condensed milk and other liquids slowly, allowing them to soak into the cake. If added too quickly, it might pool on the sides.
Customize Toppings: While this recipe recommends Heath Bar Baking Bits, feel free to get creative. For a salted caramel touch, consider crushed Oreos, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on the caramel.
Serve Chilled: A poke cake tastes best when served chilled. The time it spends in the fridge allows for better absorption of the fillings, resulting in a moist and well-set cake.
Storage: If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Poke cake can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, but it’s at its best within the first 48 hours.
Reheating: While poke cake is typically enjoyed cold if you wish to reheat a slice, consider using the air fryer at a low temperature for a minute or two to achieve the best texture.

Armed with these tips, you’re set to master the art of air fryer poke cakes, ensuring a delectable dessert experience every time!

FAQ About Cooking Poke Cakes In Air Fryer

Is baking a cake in an air fryer faster than in a conventional oven? Generally, yes. Due to the concentrated heat circulation, air fryers can bake cakes faster than traditional ovens. However, the exact time can vary based on the specific air fryer model and the cake size.

Can I use regular cake pans in an air fryer? It depends on the size of your air fryer. You’ll need a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket or rack. Typically, smaller pans, around 6-7 inches, work best.

Do I need to adjust the cake recipe for an air fryer? While the ingredients remain the same, you might need to change the baking time and, occasionally, the temperature. It’s always a good idea to start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than you would with a conventional oven.

Is preheating the air fryer necessary? While some recipes may not require it, preheating the air fryer can produce more consistent results, especially for baked goods like cakes.

Can I bake multiple layers or a larger cake in the air fryer? Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might be limited to baking one layer at a time. To make a layered cake, you must bake each layer separately.

Will the cake have the same texture as oven-baked? Air fryer cakes typically have a moist and soft texture. Due to the rapid air circulation, the exterior might be slightly crisper than oven-baked cakes, but the inside should remain soft and fluffy.

Can I use silicone molds in the air fryer? Yes, oven-safe silicone molds can generally be used in the air fryer. They’re non-stick and flexible, making them a good choice for intricate cake designs.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out? Avoid overbaking. Because the air fryer cooks faster, the window between a perfectly baked cake and an overbaked one is narrower. Keep an eye on your cake, especially towards the end of the suggested baking time.

Is there a difference in power consumption between baking in a regular oven and an air fryer? Typically, an air fryer consumes less energy than a traditional oven, especially for shorter cooking durations like baking a cake. Plus, it doesn’t heat the kitchen as much.

Can I use the same temperature setting as the original recipe for a regular oven? Most of the time, you can. However, due to faster cooking times in an air fryer, some prefer reducing the temperature by about 25°F (about 4°C) to ensure even baking.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used:

Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Baking Pan with Lid, 9 x 13-Inch, Steel : This is the perfect cake pan for an air fryer oven.

Wilton Small and Tall Aluminum 2 x 6-inch Layer Cake Pan Set: Perfect for Cooking Cakes In Air Fryer Basket Models

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