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My dad and brother came into town this weekend to visit Elle – we were just back home a week ago, but they simply can’t get enough of our sweet baby girl. Not that we can blame them, she’s pretty much the cutest baby ever. Just sayin’.
Even though the road trip is pretty short, they always bring their appetites. Which happens to work out perfectly because we all know that I love to be in the kitchen. From homemade sloppy joes and crock pot carnitas to a huge breakfast and Mini Chocolate Poke Cakes – it pretty much felt like a Thanksgiving cooking marathon – minus the turkey and stuffing. And since Eric is the best sous chef and dishwasher, I was able to cook up a storm and photograph a few of the recipes to share with you guys!
First up on the list are these Mini Chocolate Poke Cakes. My mom surprised me with a box of small canning jars a few months ago and since I’m not much of a canner, I thought I’d put them to good use by baking with them. The best chocolate cake recipe is made a little more portable and delicious with the addition of caramel sauce, whipped cream and Heath candy bar bits. Plus, there’s built in portion control – which is always a bonus unless, of course, you eat two of them – like a certain someone did.
I’m not naming names, but I am saying it’s entirely possible you’ll want to eat two of them. And also that I take no responsibility for that. Chocolate is just loveable in general, then when you add toffee AND caramel? Well, let’s just say I may have created the most irresistible mini dessert you ever did see.
Take ’em along to your Easter celebrations. They travel well, and hey, the Easter Bunny might leave you extra goodies in trade.
Source Information:
4 Ounce Ball Quilted Jelly Canning Jars from Amazon
Mini Chocolate Poke Cakes
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Topping
1 cup quality caramel sauce
whipped cream or whipped topping
Heath candy bar bits
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 18 small (4 ounce) canning jars with nonstick cooking spray. Place jars on a large baking sheet. Be sure to leave room between each of the jars for air to circulate while baking.
2. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and mix on low speed until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add in the coffee stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. The batter will be very thin.
4. Using a large scoop, distribute the batter into the prepared canning jars, filling each 2/3 of the way full. Be sure you do not overfill the jars.
5. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow jars to cool for 5 minutes.
6. Once cakes have cooled for 5 minutes, use a wooden skewer to poke holes in the top of each cake. Spoon 2 teaspoons of caramel over the top of the warm cakes, allowing it to trickle into the holes. If desired, top each cake with whipped cream and Heath candy bar bits.
Notes:
- Mini Chocolate Poke Cakes are best served the day they are made; however, cakes can be stored within the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- I have never had an issue baking is canning jars; however, there is a noted risk of them shattering. Be careful and have fun!
Adapted from Hershey's
All images and text ©Follow Jamie on Instagram. We love to see what you're baking from MBA! Be sure to tag @jamiemba and use the hashtag #mbarecipes!
glass jars can be broken from the over heat right ?
Rokaya-
You will want to use oven safe glass or canning jars for this recipe. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
Hi! This recipe looks great. Thinking of making this as a birthday cake. I am wondering though–if you make this ahead of time with the caramel, will it harden over time? Or would you recommend saving putting the caramel sauce on top until you are just about to eat it? Thanks!
Jerissa-
Yes, I would definitely recommend adding the caramel to the top of cakes until right before serving. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
Hey, I was wondering if you had a great recipe for the caramel sauce? :)
Coco, my favorite caramel recipe is here: https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/fundamentals-how-to-make-homemade-caramel-sauce/
– Jamie
Hmmm… Loved this recipe.. These looks extra decadent for sure.. Will try this recipe soon .. Can you please name the best chocolate and the best cocoa powder that can be used in the baking … That would be really helpful …
Sona, I tend to use Ghirardelli cocoa powder and baking chocolate when I bake. It’s easy to find for me, and excellent quality.
– Jamie
I’m going to try this recipe tomorrow…however I only have 8oz jars…think it would work to fill the jars 1/2 full then serve with a accipiter of ice cream or whipping cream to fill the rest of the jar? Or should I use a muffin tin?
Ashlee-
I think I’d go the muffins route, but that’s completely up to you. Enjoy!
Jamie
Great idea…I can’t wait to try this. When hosting, I appreciate being able to assemble recipes a day or two in advance. Who doesn’t love presenting a freshly baked dessert in the middle of a party? I’m wondering if I can pour the cans sooner and bake them off as needed.
Karen, if you try it, I’d love to know if it works out.
– Jamie
Can these be made without the coffee?
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, they can. Substitute water instead.
– Jamie
Hi Jamie–
I noticed that when I print off one of your recipes that your website address/name is not noted. I often print recipes for future use. When I go to actually try the recipe, it is helpful to have the website noted in case I need to refer to it. But, more importantly for you, if someone asks for the recipe I can direct them to your website. More traffic for you!!! Otherwise, I would just have to tell them I got it off the internet. Just a thought!
Have a great day!!
Wow these look so beautiful! I love how dark and rich the chocolate cake looks. Not sure if I have been living under a rock but had no idea there were such a thing as jars you could bake in the oven!
Jessica-
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful day and thank you for following MBA!
-Jamie
These are so darn cute I would hesitate to eat them…. for about 3 seconds maybe lol. They look fantastic!