If you’re craving a rich, decadent chocolate dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Chocolate Poke Cake.
This indulgent treat features a moist chocolate cake base, filled with creamy chocolate pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped topping.
Drizzled with chocolate syrup and finished with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, it’s a chocolate lover’s paradise in every bite.
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk (divided)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing this decadent chocolate poke cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make the process as smooth as possible:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This classic size is perfect for baking your cake and ensuring it’s not too thick or too thin. You’ll also use this dish to poke holes and pour in the pudding.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For perfectly blending your cake batter and pudding mixture.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To mix your pudding and whipped topping together.
- Fork or Skewer: To poke the holes in the cake after it’s baked.
- Spatula: To spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake once it’s cool.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredients, especially when measuring milk and powdered sugar.
Cake Preparation
Making this Chocolate Poke Cake is incredibly easy, especially with the help of a cake mix. Here’s how to prepare the cake and assemble all the delicious layers of chocolate goodness.
Baking the Cake
- Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the Devil’s Food cake mix box. Prepare the cake mix by following the package directions, which typically call for water, eggs, and oil. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything until smooth. - Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the time suggested on the box (usually 30-35 minutes). Keep an eye on it and do the toothpick test — insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. - Cool the Cake
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This step is important because you don’t want to poke holes in the cake while it’s still too hot, or it may crumble. Let it cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge for faster cooling.
Poking the Holes
Once the cake has cooled, it’s time for the fun part — poking the holes. Use a fork or a skewer to make holes all over the cake. Be sure to poke down about halfway through the cake, but don’t go all the way to the bottom. The holes will allow the pudding to seep into the cake, creating a rich, moist texture that everyone will love.
Adding the Pudding and Topping
Now that your cake is perfectly baked and full of holes, it’s time to fill it with a decadent chocolate pudding mixture and top it off with fluffy whipped topping. These layers are what make the poke cake so irresistibly delicious.
Preparing the Pudding
- Mix the Pudding
In a large bowl, combine the two boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups of milk. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend until the pudding begins to thicken, which should only take about 2 minutes. Be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results. - Pour the Pudding Over the Cake
Now, gently pour the thickened pudding over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes you’ve poked. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly over the entire surface. The pudding will settle into the cake, creating a rich, creamy layer inside every bite. Be generous with the pudding, ensuring every nook and cranny is filled.
Spreading the Whipped Topping
- Prepare the Whipped Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the whipped topping with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness. This will help balance out the richness of the pudding. - Top the Cake
Once the pudding has been poured and spread over the cake, top it with the whipped topping. Spread it evenly over the entire cake using a spatula, covering the pudding layer completely. The whipped topping adds a light and creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the rich chocolate layers.
Decorating and Serving Your Chocolate Poke Cake
Now that your cake is assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make it truly irresistible. With a few simple decorations, you can take this poke cake from great to extraordinary!
Adding the Chocolate Drizzle and Shavings
- Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup
To give your cake an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, drizzle a generous amount of chocolate syrup over the whipped topping. You can create a fun design by zig-zagging the syrup back and forth or simply drizzle in a more casual manner. Either way, it adds both flavor and visual appeal. - Garnish with Chocolate Shavings
For an elegant and indulgent touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings or grated chocolate on top of the whipped topping. You can use a bar of your favorite chocolate and a vegetable peeler to make thin curls, or finely grate the chocolate for a more subtle effect. This adds a nice texture and enhances the chocolate flavor of the cake.
Serving Your Cake
This cake is best served chilled, so let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight if you can wait) to allow all the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, simply cut into squares and enjoy the gooey, pudding-filled deliciousness!
Tips for Serving
- Pair with Ice Cream: For an even more indulgent treat, serve a slice of this poke cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat!
- Perfect for Parties: This cake is perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or family gatherings. Its decadent layers and beautiful presentation will make it a crowd favorite!
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Your Chocolate Poke Cake Fresh
To store your leftover chocolate poke cake, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious, and the chocolate flavors will continue to develop.
Freezing Your Cake
If you want to keep the cake for longer, you can freeze it! To do so, first make sure it’s completely cool, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made it.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Poke Cake is an absolute treat for any chocolate lover. With its moist cake, rich pudding filling, and creamy topping, it’s a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice by yourself, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a bite of chocolate heaven!
