Name: Hot Chocolate Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-488417H5M44S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as required by the package); 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/2 cup chocolate chips or hot fudge sauce (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Hot Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

This cake is the perfect fusion of two beloved treats: chocolate cake and hot cocoa. The poke cake method ensures every bite is infused with rich chocolate flavor, making it irresistibly moist and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare using boxed cake mix and simple toppings, yet it tastes like a dessert from a fancy bakery. Plus, it’s crowd-pleasing, great for making ahead, and totally customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required to prepare it)
Hot cocoa mix
Sweetened condensed milk
Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips or hot fudge sauce (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 5–10 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
Mix the hot cocoa mix with sweetened condensed milk until smooth, then pour the mixture over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to fully absorb the cocoa mixture.
Spread whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top, and garnish with chocolate chips or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce if desired.
Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12 and takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 30–35 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill.

Variations

Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the hot cocoa mixture and top with crushed peppermint candies.
Spicy Chocolate: Stir a pinch of cayenne pepper and cinnamon into the hot cocoa mix for a Mexican hot chocolate flavor.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the whipped topping before serving.
Mocha Flavor: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the cocoa mix for a coffee kick.
White Hot Chocolate: Use a white cake mix and white chocolate hot cocoa mix for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 4 days. This cake is best served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture. Freezing is not recommended due to the whipped topping and marshmallows.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake that’s poked with holes after baking, allowing a filling—like pudding, sweetened milk, or jello—to soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours, making it perfect for make-ahead preparation.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. Just be sure to stabilize the whipped cream with powdered sugar or gelatin if you plan to store it for more than a day.

Is this cake served warm or cold?

It’s typically served chilled, which enhances the hot chocolate flavor, but you can let it warm slightly if desired.

Can I use different flavors of cake mix?

Yes, devil’s food or fudge chocolate cake mix both work wonderfully for this recipe.

Do I have to use mini marshmallows?

No, you can use large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces, marshmallow fluff, or even toasted marshmallows for a gourmet touch.

Can I add extra toppings?

Of course. Crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles can all be added for extra flavor and texture.

How long does this cake last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.

Can this cake be frozen?

It’s not ideal for freezing due to the whipped topping and marshmallows, which can change texture when thawed.

Can I use hot fudge sauce instead of cocoa mix?

Hot fudge sauce can be used as a topping or combined with the condensed milk for an extra-rich filling.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a traditional dessert that brings all the warmth and comfort of hot cocoa into a slice of cake. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, this dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just because you deserve something delicious. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it all winter long.