This Butterfinger Bomb Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and candy lovers alike. It starts with a rich, moist chocolate cake, gets soaked in a luscious mix of sweetened condensed milk and caramel, then is topped with whipped cream and crushed Butterfinger bars. Every bite offers an irresistible combo of soft, gooey, crunchy, and creamy textures. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, holidays, or just because — this cake delivers a flavor explosion with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to something sweet, this bomb cake guarantees compliments (and seconds!).
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients per box)
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1 can sweetened condensed milk
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1 jar caramel topping (approx. 12 oz)
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1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip, 8 oz)
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5 Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare and bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13 inch pan according to the box directions.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes.
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Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake.
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Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
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Next, drizzle the caramel topping generously over the cake and into the holes.
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Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly across the top.
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Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the whipped topping.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Best served chilled!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Origin and Popularity of Butterfinger Bomb Cake
The Butterfinger Bomb Cake is a wildly popular dessert that has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s a modern twist on the traditional poke cake, which became popular in the 1970s. The poke cake concept involves poking holes in a freshly baked cake and pouring over sweet, often creamy mixtures that soak into the cake, making it moist, flavorful, and irresistible. What sets this particular version apart is the clever use of Butterfinger candy bars, which add a crunchy texture and a distinct peanut buttery flavor that’s hard to beat.
This cake rose to fame thanks to food bloggers and social media bakers who embraced its simplicity and “wow” factor. It’s a recipe that anyone can make, and it delivers results that look and taste like they came from a high-end bakery. Whether it’s served at family gatherings, birthday parties, or potluck events, it’s guaranteed to be a show-stopper.
Why Butterfinger Bomb Cake is the Best Dessert Choice
There are plenty of reasons why this cake stands out among other dessert options. First and foremost, it combines multiple textures and flavors in a way that’s incredibly satisfying. The base is a soft, moist chocolate cake — a classic favorite — which is then infused with sweetened condensed milk and caramel, adding layers of richness and gooey goodness. The cake is topped with a cloud of whipped topping that lightens the overall experience, and finally, it’s finished off with crushed Butterfinger pieces that provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of peanut butter flavor.
It’s also incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still pull off this recipe flawlessly. Using a boxed cake mix as the base simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor or texture. The “poke and pour” method is nearly foolproof, and there’s no complicated decorating required. The crushed candy topping adds visual appeal with almost no effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Butterfinger Bomb Cake is one of those rare desserts that fits any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, throwing a birthday party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, this cake is a perfect choice. It’s casual enough for backyard barbecues but indulgent enough for special events.
It also travels well, which makes it ideal for family gatherings or office parties. Since it’s served chilled, it holds up well over time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing
Another great feature of this recipe is its flexibility. While Butterfingers are the star here, you can easily swap them out for your favorite candy bars to put your own spin on it. Try using Heath bars for a toffee version, Reese’s for a richer peanut butter hit, or even Snickers for a more decadent experience. The whipped topping can also be replaced with homemade whipped cream or a stabilized version for a thicker finish.
You can even switch up the base cake. Chocolate cake works best, but vanilla, peanut butter, or even devil’s food cake can work beautifully depending on your taste preference.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Low-Stress
Planning for a party or big meal can be overwhelming, and this cake helps relieve some of that stress. Because it’s a make-ahead dessert, you can prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight. In fact, it’s better that way — the longer it sits, the more the flavors soak in, and the better it tastes. This gives you more time to focus on the main meal or enjoy the event without last-minute dessert prep.
Plus, clean-up is minimal. Since it’s all assembled in the same 9×13 inch pan, there’s no need for multiple bowls or fancy equipment. You don’t even need to frost it traditionally — the whipped topping spreads easily and looks gorgeous without any piping or decorative touches.
Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
Let’s face it — kids can be picky eaters. But Butterfinger Bomb Cake is a guaranteed win with children and adults alike. The combination of chocolate, caramel, whipped topping, and candy is universally appealing. It’s a dessert that encourages excitement, conversation, and second helpings.
It’s also a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help crush the candy bars, poke the holes in the cake, and spread the topping — making baking a family bonding experience instead of a chore.
Budget-Friendly with Gourmet Flavor
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it delivers high-end dessert flavor on a budget. With just a few affordable, store-bought ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it came from a specialty bakery. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques to make something truly spectacular.
All the components can be found at your local grocery store, and most of them are pantry staples or inexpensive items. It’s an especially great choice if you need to feed a large group without breaking the bank.
A Nostalgic, Comforting Treat
Butterfinger Bomb Cake brings with it a strong sense of nostalgia. The flavors — especially the iconic Butterfinger crunch — remind many people of their childhood candy favorites. The dessert evokes warm, comforting memories, whether it’s from trick-or-treating, trading candy with siblings, or sharing snacks after school.
At the same time, the cake itself feels modern and trendy, thanks to its shareable, “viral” appeal. It beautifully bridges the gap between comfort food and eye-catching celebration treat, which makes it a timeless dessert option.
Tips for Making the Best Butterfinger Bomb Cake
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Use a warm cake: Poke the holes while the cake is still warm to help the condensed milk and caramel soak in more deeply.
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Chill thoroughly: For best results, chill the cake for several hours or overnight so the flavors can meld and the topping sets nicely.
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Crush Butterfingers just before topping: This keeps them crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy.
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Use high-quality caramel: A good-quality caramel sauce (or homemade) elevates the flavor significantly.
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Cut clean slices: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for neat, beautiful slices.
Conclusion
The Butterfinger Bomb Cake checks all the boxes — it’s delicious, easy, affordable, and wildly satisfying. It has all the qualities you want in a dessert: visual appeal, rich flavor, and crowd-pleasing potential. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just wants to make something that looks impressive without all the fuss, this recipe is for you. It’s a cake that will become a go-to in your household — requested for birthdays, holidays, and whenever someone in your family says, “I’m craving something amazing.” Once you try it, you’ll see why so many home bakers swear by this simple, extraordinary dessert.
