Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
A Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s super easy to make. It starts with a simple chocolate cake mix, which is then poked with holes and filled with chocolate pudding to create a super moist, gooey texture. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or sprinkles, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or candy pieces for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions (usually mix the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
3. Poke the Cake:
- After the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake, about 1-inch apart. Be sure to poke all the way down to the bottom, but don’t poke through the cake entirely.
4. Prepare the Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a pudding consistency.
5. Fill the Cake with Pudding:
- Pour the prepared chocolate pudding over the top of the cake, making sure the pudding fills the holes you poked in the cake. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly over the top of the cake.
6. Chill the Cake:
- Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the pudding to set and the cake to soak up the pudding. This makes the cake even more moist and flavorful.
7. Top with Whipped Cream:
- Once the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. You can use store-bought whipped topping or whip your own heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, or sprinkles over the top for added decoration and flavor. Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie
- Slice and serve chilled for the perfect dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Poke Cake:
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Easy to Make: With a cake mix and instant pudding, this cake is quick and simple to prepare. It requires minimal effort but yields a delicious, show-stopping result.
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Moist & Flavorful: The pudding soak gives this cake incredible moisture, making every bite rich and decadent.
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Customizable: You can adjust the toppings or even use different flavors of pudding, like vanilla or butterscotch, to change things up.
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Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is perfect for any gathering. It’s easy to transport, and the rich chocolate flavor is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Poke Cake:
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Don’t Overbake the Cake: Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it can become dry. Check for doneness with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark.
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Use High-Quality Chocolate Pudding: The pudding filling is the key to this cake’s richness. Use a high-quality instant pudding mix for the best flavor.
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Let the Cake Cool Before Poking: If the cake is too hot when you poke the holes, the pudding might run off the cake. Let the cake cool slightly before poking.
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Add More Layers: For extra flavor, you can drizzle some chocolate syrup or sprinkle crushed Oreos or candy pieces between the cake layers for added crunch and flavor.
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Make It Ahead of Time: This cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better after chilling for a bit longer.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different cake flavor?
- Absolutely! While chocolate cake is classic for a chocolate poke cake, you can use any flavor of cake mix (vanilla, strawberry, etc.) and pair it with a corresponding pudding flavor.
Q: Can I make the pudding from scratch?
- Yes, if you prefer, you can make homemade chocolate pudding, but the instant pudding is quick and convenient. Just ensure the pudding is thickened before pouring over the cake.
Q: Can I freeze Chocolate Poke Cake?
- You can freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving, then top with whipped cream.