Chocolate Poke Cake
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Chocolate poke cake is soaked in a rich filling and topped with thick whipped cream. Throw this together for an impressive last minute dessert!
Some of my favorite desserts start with a store bought cake mix, and this one is no exception. With a few extra additions and some pantry staples, you can easily create a drool-worthy treat in under an hour. In fact, you may already have all of the ingredients right at home!
Chocolate Poke Cake
If you love chocolate poke cake, be sure to try my Reese’s peanut butter and marshmallow smores poke cake recipes. For something with a lighter flavor, how about a lemon blueberry cake? It’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor!
I also have pudding poke cake recipes like chocolate mint and caramel apple that double as holiday desserts! For something really indulgent try our better than sex cake, it’s so good!!
Ingredient Notes
- Boxed mix – I used Betty Crocker’s Fudge mix, but most standard chocolate mixes should work as well. Or, use your favorite homemade recipe as long as it makes the same amount.
- Sour cream – Plain yogurt is a great alternative and Greek versions are the closest in texture.
- Oil – Feel free to substitute canola for the vegetable oil if needed.
- Chocolate syrup – Either homemade or store bought is fine, as long as it is the thinner version and not thick hot fudge.
- Pudding – Check the label closely to be sure it reads Instant, otherwise the frosting won’t set up correctly.
Topping Ideas
While this is certainly delicious as is, you can’t wrong with a little something extra on top! Sprinkles will create a colorful display, and drizzle of caramel makes it more interesting.
Fresh fruits like berries, cherries, and bananas add an extra punch of sweetness and can help balance the rich flavors in each bite.
Or, chop up a variety of candy bars and sprinkle them over the top to make this chocolate poke cake extra indulgent.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients. Let the milk, eggs, and sour cream rest on the counter for 30 to 45 minutes before you get started. This ensures even mixing and helps to keep the dessert moist and delicious.
- Want larger holes? Swap the fork for a large straw or the rounded end of a sturdy wooden spoon.
- Chill right away. This dessert should be refrigerated within 2 hours or the frosting can get really dark and dense. Cover leftovers with foil or plastic wrap and enjoy within 4 days for best results.
Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe FAQ
Can I make pudding poke cake ahead of time?
I recommend whipping up the frosting just before serving, but you can bake and soak the cake up to one day in advance.
What can I use in place of sweetened condensed milk?
Cream of coconut is a nice option. It will give you a little coconut flavor. Yum. Evaporated milk can be used in a pinch. It won’t have the same sweet, caramelized flavor, but the consistency is similar and will soak into the holes nicely.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
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MORE CAKE RECIPES
Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake
Chocolate Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 3 ounce package of chocolate fudge instant pudding, dry
- 5 ounces sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
Frosting
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 cake pan, set aside.
- Mix together all ingredients until fully combined and transfer to the prepared cake pan. The batter will be thick and you will need to use a rubber spatula to spread it out.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 30 minutes and stab with a fork all over the top of the cake.
Filling
- Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate syrup until fully incorporated.
- Once fully mixed, pour over the top of the holes in the cake.
Frosting
- In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the frosting ingredients until thick and fluffy.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake and top with chocolate sauce, sprinkles, or fruit, if desired.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2021
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The cake was so rich and moist I was blown away. A very tasty dessert for sure