Chocolate Poke Cake
Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. This cake starts with a rich Devil’s Food Chocolate base, infused with sweetened condensed milk and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. After soaking in this luscious mixture, it’s topped with a velvety chocolate whipped topping, creating a heavenly treat.
Finished with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of miniature chocolate chips, this cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, Chocolate Poke Cake is guaranteed to impress with its moist texture and intense chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Poke Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
1 box Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake mix
3 eggs
½ cup water
½ cup oil
14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Hershey Milk Chocolate Candy bars, broken into rectangles
Chocolate Whipped Topping:
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
Garnish:
Miniature chocolate chips
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Instructions
In a large bowl combine the powdered cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Stir well to combine the ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350*
Spray a 9 x 13 pan lightly with cooking spray
When the cake is done baking, use the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes in the cake, 3 across and 4 lengthwise
It is the best idea to poke when the cake is still slightly warm or the top crumbles easier
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the candy bar pieces.
Microwave at 30 second intervals, just until the chocolate is melted.
Pour this mix over the cake focusing over the holes.
Let the cake cool, sitting on the counter for 1 hour
Cover with plastic, set the cake into the refrigerator for 2 hours to allow the sweetened milk mix to soak into the cake.
While the cake is chilling in the refrigerator, place a medium bowl into the freezer to freeze the bowl until ready to use.
After two hours, add two cups of heavy whipped cream and mix with an electric beater until it begins to thicken.
Add in the powdered sugar, cocoa, and the vanilla extract.
Continue to mix until the frosting forms stiff peaks.Immediately spread the frosting over the cooled cake
If desired, drizzle with a chocolate syrup and sprinkle miniature chocolate chips.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Cake Base: The use of Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake mix ensures a rich chocolatey flavor and a moist texture, enhanced by eggs, water, and oil. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures an even batter.
Poking Holes: Poking holes in the cake while it’s still warm allows the sweetened condensed milk and melted Hershey’s Milk Chocolate to penetrate deeply, creating pockets of flavor and moisture throughout the cake.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture: Melting the sweetened condensed milk with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate in the microwave ensures a smooth, chocolatey mixture that seeps into the holes of the cake, intensifying its flavor and adding richness.
Chilling Process: Allowing the cake to cool on the counter and then refrigerating it for two hours ensures that the sweetened condensed milk mixture thoroughly soaks into the cake, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.
Chocolate Whipped Topping: Whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract creates a light and fluffy topping with a rich chocolate flavor. Freezing the bowl beforehand helps achieve stiff peaks quickly.
Assembly and Garnish: Spreading the chocolate whipped topping over the cooled cake creates a luxurious finish. Drizzling with Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup and sprinkling miniature chocolate chips adds both visual appeal and extra chocolate flavor.
Presentation and Serving: For best results, serve the Chocolate Poke Cake chilled after assembly. This dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where chocolate is sure to be a hit.
Variations: Consider experimenting with different types of chocolate or adding other toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate shavings to customize the cake to your taste.
Storage: Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. It can be enjoyed for several days after preparation.
Enjoyment: This recipe promises a delightful chocolate experience with its moist cake base, creamy filling, and indulgent toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for chocolate enthusiasts of all ages.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 672 kcal | Total Fat: 44.2 g | Saturated Fat: 22.5 g | Trans Fat: 1.0 g | Cholesterol: 156 mg | Sodium: 363 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 67.2 g | Dietary Fiber: 3.5 g | Sugars: 46.8 g | Protein: 9.0 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Chocolate Poke Cake?
Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert made by baking a chocolate cake, poking holes in it after baking, and pouring a sweetened condensed milk and chocolate mixture over the cake.
It’s topped with a rich chocolate whipped cream frosting and garnished with chocolate chips and syrup.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of Devil’s Food?
Yes, you can substitute Devil’s Food Cake mix with other flavors like chocolate fudge, chocolate supreme, or even a plain chocolate cake mix for this recipe.
Do I have to use Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk is crucial for adding moisture and sweetness to the cake.
It seeps into the holes poked in the cake, making it rich and delicious.
How should I poke holes in the cake?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the cake.
It’s best to do this while the cake is still slightly warm to prevent crumbling.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, Chocolate Poke Cake actually benefits from being made ahead.
After assembling and frosting, refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream for the topping?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or whipped topping mix as an alternative.
However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I freeze Chocolate Poke Cake?
It’s not recommended to freeze Chocolate Poke Cake because the texture of the frosting and the cake may change upon thawing, becoming less creamy and possibly soggy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover Chocolate Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep it covered to prevent the cake from drying out.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the garnish?
Absolutely! You can customize the garnish to your preference.
Dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate syrup can be used for a richer flavor.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions or parties?
Yes, Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for parties and special occasions because it’s rich, impressive, and can be made ahead, allowing you to focus on other preparations closer to the event.