Indulgent Chocolate Poke Cake

$To make a Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the eggs, water, and oil specified on the box) - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup creamy chocolate fudge sauce - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Garnishes: chocolate shavings or cocoa powder and fresh berries Each ingredient plays a role in creating that rich and creamy taste you crave. The chocolate cake mix gives a soft base. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and moisture. Creamy chocolate fudge sauce brings deep flavor and richness. Heavy whipping cream makes the topping light and fluffy. Powdered sugar helps sweeten the whipped cream, while vanilla extract gives a nice aroma. Don’t forget the garnishes! They add a lovely touch and extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to the temperature on the cake mix box. 2. Prepare the chocolate cake mix as the box says. You usually need eggs, water, and oil. 3. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, then pour the batter inside. 1. Bake the cake according to the box instructions. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done. 2. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. 3. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes. Aim for about 20-25 holes. This helps the filling soak in. 1. In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the chocolate fudge sauce. Whisk until smooth. 2. Pour this filling evenly over the cake. Make sure it fills all the holes well. 3. Cover the cake with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better. This helps all the flavors come together. 1. In a clean bowl, mix heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. 2. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed. Do this until soft peaks form, which takes about 3-5 minutes. 1. Once chilled, spread the whipped cream on top of the cake. Use a spatula to make it smooth. 2. For garnish, add chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder. 3. If you like, serve with fresh berries for a nice touch. To keep your cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Cover it with plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and tasty. For the best flavor, chill the cake overnight. This gives the sauce time to soak in. One big mistake is overbaking or underbaking the cake. Follow the time on the box. Check with a toothpick to see if it is done. Another mistake is not poking enough holes. Make sure to poke at least 20-25 holes. This helps the filling seep through the cake. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the cake batter come together more smoothly and results in a fluffier cake. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the cake mix with wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and airy texture. Let It Chill: For the best flavor, allow the cake to chill overnight. This gives the filling time to fully absorb into the cake, enhancing the overall chocolate flavor. Garnish Just Before Serving: To keep the whipped topping looking fresh, add any garnishes like chocolate shavings or berries just before serving to prevent them from wilting. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake easily. Instead of chocolate cake mix, try vanilla or red velvet. Both options add a unique twist. The vanilla mix gives a lighter taste, while red velvet adds a fun color and flavor. You can also play with the filling. Instead of the chocolate fudge sauce, use caramel or fruit purees. Caramel adds a sweet layer while fruit purees give a fresh taste. Each option brings a new experience to this cake. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Many brands offer this, and it works just as well. You won’t lose any flavor or texture. For vegan adaptations, swap the heavy whipping cream for a plant-based cream. Coconut cream or cashew cream can work great. Just make sure to use vegan powdered sugar too. This way, everyone can enjoy this cake, no matter their diet. To keep your Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake fresh, refrigerate it right away. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing other smells from your fridge. If you want to freeze it, slice the cake first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. This method keeps the cake's flavor and texture intact. When stored in the fridge, your chocolate poke cake lasts about 3 to 5 days. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. To know if your cake has gone bad, look for changes. If you see mold or notice an off smell, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses to judge freshness. You should chill the cake for at least 4 hours. I recommend letting it chill overnight. This time helps the cake absorb the rich filling. The longer it chills, the better the flavor becomes. Yes, you can use homemade cake. Just make sure it is a chocolate cake. The texture should be moist and soft. If you use homemade, poke the holes just like with a box mix. You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. Both options work well. They provide a nice texture and flavor. You can also try using whole milk, but it may not whip as well. You can make this cake a day or two ahead. Just bake and chill it. Keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve. The flavors will develop even more, making it even tastier! This blog post showed you how to make a tasty chocolate poke cake. We covered all the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to chill your cake well for the best taste. You can also try different flavors and dietary options if you want to mix things up. With this guide, you can make a delightful dessert that will impress anyone. Enjoy every bite of your creation!$

Indulgent Chocolate Poke Cake

A rich and decadent chocolate cake filled with creamy fudge and topped with whipped cream.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 4 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the eggs, water, and oil specified on the box)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
0.5 cup creamy chocolate fudge sauce
1 cup heavy whipping cream
0.25 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
to taste chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
optional fresh berries for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the chocolate cake mix box. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, which typically includes adding eggs, water, and oil. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Bake the cake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Once the cake has cooled, take the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake—aim for about 20-25 holes. This will allow the delicious filling to seep in.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and the creamy chocolate fudge sauce until thoroughly combined. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the surface of the poked cake, ensuring the holes fill with the rich sauce.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the chocolate goodness fully.
In a clean mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Once the cake is chilled and the topping is ready, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out to your liking.
Finish by garnishing with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder. For an extra indulgent touch, consider serving with fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Chill overnight for best flavor.

Keyword chocolate cake, dessert, poke cake