Chocolate Poke Cake

A cake with chocolate whipped cream frosting and chocolate curls on top.

This decadent Chocolate Poke Cake is a true chocolate lovers dessert. Easy to make with a chocolate cake mix, poked holes filled with a chocolate sweetened condensed milk mixture that soaks into the cake, and topped with a homemade cocoa powder whipped cream. It's the best make-ahead dessert and everyone will love this super moist and chocolatey dessert.

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate poke cake, poke cake recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 55

Servings

Calories 373kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

1 box (13.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Chocolate Poke Filling

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Chocolate Whipped Cream & Garnish

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
milk chocolate curls (garnish, see notes)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 9x13 cake pan or baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Chocolate Cake

In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer, or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until thoroughly combined. Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan.
1 box (13.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before proceeding.

Chocolate Poke Filling

Use the end of a wooden spoon handle, or chopsticks, to poke holes all over the cake in even rows.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate has melted completely smooth.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly all over the cake, ensuring that you fill up all the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) to cool completely.

Chocolate Whipped Cream & Garnish

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or you can use a bowl and an electric hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until stiff peaks form. Start at medium speed and increase the speed to high as it thickens; about 4-5 minutes of beating.
2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Spread the chocolate whipped cream evenly over the cake, then sprinkle the chocolate curls over top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
^{*If you want to make this ahead of time, or prefer a more chilled poke cake (me!), leave the garnish off and instead cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for up to 6-8 hours (or overnight) before serving. Add the chocolate curl garnish right before serving.}
milk chocolate curls

Notes

For the chocolate curls - buy a milk chocolate bar (Hershey's, Cadbury, Lindt, etc) and use a vegetable peeler to peel along the longer side of the chocolate bar, the chocolate curls will fall right onto the cake.
It's important to let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking holes in it. This will prevent tearing when poking the holes.
Pour the condensed milk filling slowly so it seeps into every hole.
Chill the cake thoroughly for maximum moisture.
For a better chocolate flavor, make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips or a baking bar.
I prefer a more chilled poke cake so I will prepare the cake as directed, but leave off the garnish, and then cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for overnight. The poked and filled cake can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours ahead of time. Once you add the whipped cream, you should only refrigerate it for 8-12 hours so it doesn't soften or loosen too much. A super chilled poke cake is much better because the flavors have time to deepen and seep into the cake, and the chilled texture makes it taste so much better.

Nutrition