Holy Cow Cake

12 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 2 h 50 m Beginner
Holy Cow Cake
When you bite into a piece of this cake made with German chocolate cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, Cool Whip, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars, you can’t help but say, “Vache sainte!” (holy cow!) Speaking of cows, have you ever shooed a cow in Holly Beach?! Cows use to run wild on the beach in Holy Beach, LA - The Cajun Riviera. Most people would just shoo the cows away and get their spot on the beach.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 box (18.25 oz) German Chocolate cake mix
  • 1 squirt jar of caramel sauce
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 large container Cool Whip
  • 2 or 3 miniature Butterfinger candy bars (crushed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare and bake the German Chocolate cake according to package directions (usually 350°F for 30-35 minutes).
  2. While the cake is still hot, punch holes all over the cake with a wooden pick or skewer. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
  3. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake, spreading to cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
  4. Before serving, spread Cool Whip over the chilled cake and sprinkle crushed Butterfinger candy bars on top.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cake soggy instead of moist?

A: Make sure to punch holes that are evenly spaced but not too close together - about 1 inch apart works well. You want the sweetened milk to soak in, not pool on top.

Q: Can I make this the day before?

A: Absolutely! In fact, it's better when made ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully. Just wait to add the Cool Whip and crushed candy until just before serving.

Tips and Techniques

For even more decadence, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the Cool Whip topping just before serving. You can also experiment with different candy bars - Heath bars or Skor bars work wonderfully in place of Butterfinger.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Cool Whip: homemade sweetened whipped cream
  • Butterfinger candy bars: Heath bars or Skor toffee bars
  • German Chocolate cake mix: devil's food or regular chocolate cake mix

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • wooden pick or skewer
  • mixing bowl