Chocolate Poke Cake
This rich, fudgy chocolate cake is topped has a decadent filling and wonderfully creamy topping. It is so easy to make, too. If you like chocolate you are going to love this cake.
I love making poke cakes. They're easy and always a crowd-pleaser. Some of my favorite versions are Oreo, Boston Cream, Strawberry, banana, Butterfinger, and, of course, this chocolate poke cake. It starts with a cake mix that we doctor up with a rich chocolate filling and homemade chocolate whipped cream. Then, as if that isn't enough, we'll top it off with more chocolate chips and chocolate syrup. We love making it for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever the chocolate craving strikes.
Why I Love This Cake
- Super Moist: The sweetened condensed milk filling guarantees this cake will always turn out moist.
- Chocolate: This recipe uses chocolate in every layer, ensuring you get the flavor you crave in every bite. Sometimes, my family calls it Death By Chocolate cake. It's a must-try for true chocaholics.
- Serves a Crowd: Great for serving at events like reunions, potlucks, or church suppers.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Cake Mix: I used Devil's Food cake mix. You'll also need the ingredients called for on the box, typically vegetable oil, eggs, and water. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make a homemade cake.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Look for this in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Be sure to buy it, not evaporated milk, which lacks sugar.
- Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet, but dark or milk chocolate chips would work, too.
- Whipped Cream: If you don't want to make your own whipped cream, you can use Cool Whip instead.
- Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle this on top for a yummy finish. Look for it near the ice cream cones at your store. Caramel syrup would also be tasty.
❓FAQs❓
Cake is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you see raw batter, continue baking for a few minutes at a time.
Yes, make up to 1-2 days in advance. I suggest adding the whipped cream right before serving. You can also use Cool Whip, which holds up longer in the fridge.
️Krystle's Tips and Tricks️
- Line Pan: Line your pan with nonstick foil for quick and easy cleanup.
- Add filling while the cake is warm to help it soak in and evenly distribute.
- Also, be sure to poke the holes only around ⅔ of the way through the cake, or your filling will seep out the bottom.
- Cool Cake: Cool before frosting to ensure your whipped cream won't melt. Also, cool it before storing it to prevent condensation, which could lead to a soggy cake.
Poke Carefully
Poke the holes an inch or two apart using a wooden spoon. If the holes are too close, your cake may fall apart and lose structure. You won't get filling in every bite if they're too far apart.
More Chocolate Recipes I Love
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📖 Recipe
Death By Chocolate Poke Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 Box Devils Food Chocolate Cake Mix Plus the ingredients called for on the box
- (1) 14 Ounce Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
For the topping
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
- ¼ Cup + 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- Mini Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Syrup If Desired to Serve
Instructions
For the Cake
- First, bake cake according to the package directions for a 9x13 pan.
- Remove from oven and poke holes in the cake.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Heat for 30-60 seconds or until smooth.
- Pour over cake. Cool for an hour on a wire rack. Cool completely in the fridge.
For the Topping
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla.
- Evenly spread over prepared cake. If desired, drizzle with chocolate sauce and top with mini chocolate chips.
Notes
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Look for this in the baking aisle of your grocery store.
- Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet, but dark or milk chocolate chips would work too.
- Whipped Cream: If you don't want to make your own whipped cream, you can use Cool Whip instead.
- Chocolate Syrup: Look for it near the ice cream cones at your store. Caramel syrup would also be tasty.
- Chocolate Chips: Only yummy toppings would be oreo cookie crumbs, Reese's Cups, or even Snickers. You could top it with fresh fruit too. Strawberries or raspberries are my favorite.
- Line Pan: Line your pan with nonstick foil for quick and easy cleanup.
- Add filling while the cake is warm to help it soak in and evenly distribute.
- Poke the holes an inch or two apart using a wooden spoon. If the holes are too close, your cake may fall apart and lose structure. You won't get filling in every bite if they're too far apart.
- Also, be sure to poke the holes only around ⅔ of the way through the cake, or your filling will seep out the bottom.
- Cool Cake: Cool before frosting to ensure your whipped cream won't melt. Also, cool it before storing it to prevent condensation, which could lead to a soggy cake.
Nutrition
This cake is absolutely delicious and SO easy to make!!!!
This is very yummy. I was in a hurry the second time I made this cake and I used cool whip. It turned a little pink due to the cocoa powder. Is that normal!
If you don’t have a wire rack can you refrigerate in the pan it baked in??
Hi Trista,
I wouldn't stick it in the fridge to cool. If you don't have a wire wrack you could just cool it on your over (turned off) or counter.
Mmmm..... who can resist this poke cake?! It's the best !
This cake is seriously amazing!! Everyone at my house was impressed!
This Chocolate Poke Cake looks totally awesome! We love it!
This cake is so delicious with the perfect texture! Love it!
Oh my goodness! This cake is amazing and so addicting! The hubby and kids loved this recipe! Great and rich recipe. Can’t wait to make this lovely cake again!
I am a super fan of desserts! I can't ait to try this with my family in one of our gatherings. Thank you for this!
Poke cake is my go-to & I love all the different flavors you could use to make it. Chocolate is the way to go! So moist & satisfies that chocolate craving!
This looks absolutely decadent!!
I can make it happen tomorrow if you want me to come by this weekend or early afternoon or Saturday morning if that is OK with you will be there for you guys to come to my house to see the cake backers by Nicole swetz and greg on Friday night or early next week and then I will try again for sure that I will be in class on Thursday night or Monday morning so ???? is good time for you guys to go with me and
I have no idea who this comment is directed to, but don't forget to invite me 😉
If someone is lactose intolerant could you use non dairy topping (like cool whip) instead of heavy cream?
Hi Meg,
We haven't tried dairy free versions. If you do please report back.