Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Death By Chocolate Poke Cake combines multiple layers of chocolatey goodness into one irresistible dessert. The moist cake serves as the perfect base, soaking up the rich chocolate pudding that fills every bite with creamy, velvety flavor. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate chips, each bite is a chocolate lover’s paradise. It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (and the ingredients required to make the cake)
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mini chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the cooled cake. Be sure to make enough holes to let the pudding soak in, but not too deep that the cake falls apart.
Make the Pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until it thickens (about 2 minutes).
Pour the Pudding: Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and spreads evenly across the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer. Then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolatey goodness.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the layers set and allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes (excluding baking time)
Cooling time: 2 hours (refrigeration time)

Variations

Peanut Butter Lover’s Version: Add a layer of peanut butter cups on top of the cake before spreading the whipped cream. Alternatively, swirl peanut butter into the whipped cream for a delicious twist.
Chocolate Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate fudge sauce over the cake after adding the whipped cream for an extra gooey, decadent topping.
Berry Delight: Add a layer of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, on top of the whipped cream for a pop of color and a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Death By Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is best enjoyed cold.
Reheating: This dessert is typically served cold and is not recommended for reheating, as the whipped cream may melt. If you prefer a warm dessert, try microwaving individual pieces without the whipped cream and then adding fresh whipped cream afterward.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can substitute a homemade chocolate cake recipe for the store-bought mix, though it will take a little more time and effort.

How long does the poke cake need to chill?

The cake needs to chill for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set properly and for the flavors to blend.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping is a convenient alternative to homemade whipped cream.

Is it possible to make this cake without the pudding?

For a lighter version, you can skip the pudding filling, though the cake will not have the same rich, moist texture.

Can I use different flavors of pudding?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other pudding flavors like vanilla or caramel to create unique variations.

How can I make this cake less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can use a sugar-free pudding mix and lower the sugar in the whipped cream, or use unsweetened whipped cream instead.

Can I freeze Death By Chocolate Poke Cake?

It is not recommended to freeze the entire cake, as the whipped cream and pudding layers may not freeze well. However, you can freeze the cake layer itself and assemble the dessert later.

What should I serve this cake with?

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the whipped cream would provide a delightful crunch to complement the rich cake and pudding.

Conclusion

Death By Chocolate Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. Its layers of moist cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream create an irresistible combination that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!