This Chocolate Poke Cake is rich, moist, and irresistibly fudgy. Made with a simple boxed cake mix, then soaked in a chocolate milk and whipped topping blend, it becomes incredibly soft and decadent. Finished with a layer of melted chocolate chips, this chilled dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream and perfect for make-ahead gatherings.
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
Starts with a time-saving cake mix
-
Ultra-moist thanks to the chocolate milk soak
-
Topped with melted chocolate for rich flavor
-
Crowd-pleaser for potlucks and parties
Ingredients Breakdown:
-
Chocolate Cake Mix (15.25 oz / 432g) – Forms the base of the cake, offering convenience and consistent texture.
-
Box Ingredients (eggs, oil, water) – Standard add-ins needed to prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
-
Frozen Whipped Topping (12 oz / 340g), thawed – Adds lightness and creaminess to the chocolate milk mixture that soaks into the cake.
-
Chocolate Milk (1 cup / 240ml) – Infuses the cake with rich chocolate flavor and extra moisture.
-
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup / 170g), melted – Poured over the top for a smooth, fudgy finish that sets as the cake chills.
Tips and Tricks:
-
Don’t skip the chill time—it enhances texture and flavor.
-
Use whole chocolate milk for a creamier result.
-
For even more indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or crushed Oreos on top before chilling.
-
Use a glass baking dish so you can see how well the chocolate milk is absorbing.
Variations and Customizations:
-
Mocha Version: Replace chocolate milk with cooled coffee or a mocha-flavored milk.
-
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake: Swirl in melted peanut butter with the chocolate topping.
-
Triple Chocolate Version: Add chocolate pudding to the topping layer before chilling.
Pairing Suggestions:
Serve this chocolate poke cake with:
Advertisements
-
Fresh strawberries or raspberries
-
A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
-
Whipped cream and chocolate curls
Storage Instructions:
-
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4–5 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Popular Questions:
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?
Yes, but keep it lightly whipped so it mixes well with the chocolate milk.
Can I use white or dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Absolutely. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—this cake actually tastes better when made a day in advance!
Advertisements
Chocolate Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Poke Cake – A moist, fudgy cake soaked in chocolate milk and topped with melted chocolate chips. Easy, decadent, and perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers
Ingredients
-
1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) chocolate cake mix
-
Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
-
1 cup (240ml) chocolate milk
-
1 container (12 oz / 340g) frozen whipped topping, thawed
-
1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
-
Preheat your oven and prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
-
Pour into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
-
Bake as directed on the box.
2. Let It Cool
-
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
3. Poke the Cake
-
Use a wooden spoon handle, chopstick, or dowel to poke holes 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart across the entire surface of the cake.
-
Be sure to poke all the way to the bottom for full absorption.
4. Make the Chocolate Cream Soak
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the thawed whipped topping and chocolate milk until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour Over the Cake
-
Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
-
You may not need all of the mixture—stop once the top looks moist but not flooded.
6. Add the Melted Chocolate
-
Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate chips evenly over the top for a rich chocolate finish.
7. Chill the Cake
-
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. This helps the cake fully absorb the flavors.
Notes
-
Make sure the cake is still warm when adding the chocolate milk mixture—this helps it absorb properly.
-
The cake will look “wet” at first but firms up beautifully once chilled.
-
This is one of the best budget-friendly chocolate cakes to serve at large gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Advertisements
Advertisements