Death by Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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There’s chocolate cake, and then there’s Death by Chocolate Poke Cake – the kind of dessert that makes you weak in the knees, sends chocolate lovers into a frenzy, and has you coming back for seconds (or thirds… no judgment here). This is not just a cake; it’s a full-on chocolate experience. Picture this: moist chocolate cake infused with rich chocolate pudding, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with even more chocolate. Trust me, this is the dessert dreams are made of!

Why You’ll Love Death by Chocolate Poke Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, surprising a friend, or indulging in some self-care with a fork and your favorite show, this cake is here to make life sweeter. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

Chocolate Lover’s Delight: It’s layer upon layer of chocolate decadence, perfect for anyone who can’t get enough of the good stuff.

Easy to Make: No need for fancy baking skills here. This recipe is beginner-friendly, with straightforward steps that yield spectacular results.

Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone will rave about this cake. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a special treat.

Customizable: Add your spin with toppings like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients in Death by Chocolate Poke Cake

Here’s the magic of this cake—simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:

Chocolate Cake Mix: The base of this masterpiece. You can use your favorite brand or make a homemade version.

Chocolate Pudding Mix: This is where the “poke” magic happens, adding incredible moisture and richness.

Milk: To prepare the pudding and bring it to the perfect creamy consistency.

Whipped Topping: A light and fluffy layer that balances all the chocolatey goodness.

Chocolate Chips: Sprinkled on top for extra texture and flavor.

Chocolate Syrup: For drizzling and adding that final indulgent touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible dessert:

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package or recipe instructions. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly but not completely.

Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the cake. The more holes, the better the pudding will soak in!

Mix the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Pour the Pudding: Pour the prepared pudding over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

Add Whipped Topping: Spread an even layer of whipped topping over the chilled cake.

Decorate: Sprinkle with chocolate chips and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Get creative with your toppings to make it your own!

Serve: Slice and serve cold. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12

Calories per serving: Approximately 350 (depending on brands and toppings used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

How to Serve Death by Chocolate Poke Cake

This dessert is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

Fresh Berries: Add a tart contrast with raspberries or strawberries.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.

Espresso: A small cup of espresso or coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.

As a Standalone Treat: Let this cake shine on its own. It’s rich enough to be the star of the show.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Layer Creativity: Try adding crushed Oreos or toffee bits between the whipped topping and pudding layers.

Dietary Adjustments: Use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping for a lighter version.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It gets even better as the flavors meld!

Freezing Tips: Freeze individual slices for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
A1: Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake will work beautifully if you have the time.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Just add the whipped topping and decorations right before serving.

Q3: Can I substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
A3: Of course! Homemade whipped cream adds an extra touch of luxury.

Q4: Can I use vanilla pudding instead of chocolate?
A4: Sure! It’ll give a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and flavorful for several days.

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes! Freeze it in slices for an easy grab-and-go dessert.

Q7: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A7: Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or make two cakes to accommodate everyone.

Q8: What toppings can I add for extra flair?
A8: Crushed cookies, caramel sauce, nuts, or even sprinkles work wonderfully.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A10: Enjoy it cold! But if you’d like it warm, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.

Conclusion

Death by Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocoholics and anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. It’s rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give it a try—you deserve a slice of chocolate heaven!

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Death by Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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Indulge in this rich, decadent, and utterly chocolate-filled poke cake that’s perfect for chocolate lovers! Moist chocolate cake filled with creamy pudding, topped with a luscious whipped layer, and loaded with chocolate chips and syrup. It’s a chocolate overload you won’t forget!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
  • 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Toppings:

  • 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 cup chocolate syrup
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

  • Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
  • Mix and bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13-inch pan as directed on the package.
  • Let the cake cool slightly after baking.

Make the Pudding:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened.

Poke and Fill:

  • While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  • Pour the prepared pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly to fill the holes.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the pudding layer.
  • Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until completely cool.

Add the Toppings:

  • Once the cake is fully chilled, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top.
  • Drizzle chocolate syrup generously over the whipped topping.
  • Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and garnish with chocolate shavings or curls, if desired.

Notes

  • For even more chocolate flavor, use chocolate milk in place of regular milk for the pudding.
  • Freeze chocolate curls briefly before using to maintain their shape.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!).

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 cake)
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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