Easy Hot Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe to Warm Your Heart

Creamy chocolate dreams come alive in this delectable hot chocolate poke cake that combines rich, velvety flavors with a decadent twist.

Cold winter nights call for warm, comforting desserts that wrap you in sweet nostalgia.

The cake secret lies in its unexpected moisture and intense chocolate profile.

Soft, tender layers get infused with luscious chocolate goodness that seeps into every delightful crumb.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that melts seamlessly on your palate.

The recipe transforms a classic cake into a showstopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure chocolate bliss that’s sure to become your new favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

• This hot chocolate poke cake transforms a simple box mix into a decadent dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, making you feel like a star baker with minimal effort.
• Packed with layers of marshmallow, chocolate, and whipped cream, this dessert delivers nostalgic hot chocolate flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
• Easily prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, this cake offers stress-free entertaining with maximum deliciousness, allowing you to spend more time with guests instead of in the kitchen.
• Adaptable to personal preferences, you can adjust sweetness levels, swap toppings, or experiment with different chocolate mixes, making it a versatile recipe for any chocolate lover's dream.

What You’ll Need for Poke Cake Delight

• Devil's Food Cake Mix: A rich chocolate base that provides the foundation for this decadent dessert.

• Marshmallow Fluff: Creates a gooey, sweet layer that fills the cake's poked holes.
• Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth, rich chocolate sauce for added depth of flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create a silky fudge texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious chocolate mixture.

• Heavy Cream: Whipped into a light and fluffy topping with a chocolatey twist.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the whipped cream.
• Hot Chocolate Mix: Adds a classic hot chocolate flavor to the whipped cream topping.
• Mini Marshmallows: Gives a playful and nostalgic hot cocoa-inspired decoration.

• Hot Fudge Sauce: Provides a final drizzle of chocolate indulgence just before serving.
• Water: Used to help smooth out the marshmallow fluff.

Easy Instructions for Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Base

Preheat the oven and mix Devil’s Food cake batter following box instructions.

Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow cake to cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot.

Step 2: Create Marshmallow Filling

Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes across the cake, spacing them about an inch apart.

Avoid poking all the way to the bottom.

Microwave marshmallow fluff with a splash of water in 20-second bursts until smooth.

Pour or pipe the marshmallow mixture into the cake holes, embracing the delightful messiness.

Step 3: Make Chocolate Fudge Layer

• Chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Heavy cream

Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Spread the fudge evenly over the marshmallow-filled cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for maximum decadence.

Refrigerate the cake while preparing the topping.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Topping

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Hot chocolate mix

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Spread this luxurious chocolate cream over the chilled cake.

Scatter mini marshmallows across the top for that classic hot cocoa feel.

Step 5: Final Chocolate Drizzle

Just before serving, cascade hot fudge sauce over the cake.

This adds both visual appeal and an extra burst of chocolate flavor.

Slice and serve, watching as guests dive into this irresistible dessert.

Baking Tips for a Better Poke Cake

• Poke holes carefully without piercing the cake's bottom, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor absorption.
• Use short 20-second intervals when heating chocolate and marshmallow mixtures to prevent burning and achieve smooth, creamy textures.
• Refrigerate the cake between adding fudge and whipped cream layers to help set each component and enhance overall structural integrity.
• Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which creates a stable and voluminous topping that holds its shape beautifully.
• Drizzle hot fudge sauce just before serving to maintain its glossy appearance and provide a luxurious final touch that elevates the entire dessert experience.

How to Store and Serve Hot Chocolate Cake

• Store cake covered in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 5 days in refrigerator. Keep cool to maintain texture and prevent marshmallow from drying out.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Thaw individual portions quickly at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Warm slice in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent marshmallow from becoming too runny or cake becoming dry.

Drink & Dessert Pairings for Poke Cake

• Pair Creamy Hot Chocolate Cake with Complementary Delights
• Brew Bold Espresso Shot: Cut through the cake's richness with a strong, dark espresso that highlights chocolate's deep flavor profile and cleanses the palate between decadent bites.
• Select Sweet Wine Companion: Enjoy a glass of ruby port or moscato, which mirrors the cake's sweetness while providing a sophisticated adult twist to this indulgent dessert experience.
• Match Warming Chai Latte: Blend warm spices of chai with the cake's chocolate notes, creating a comforting beverage that enhances the dessert's marshmallow and fudge layers while adding subtle complexity.
• Serve Smooth Amaretto Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of almond-flavored liqueur alongside the cake, offering a nutty undertone that complements the chocolate's intensity and provides a luxurious finishing touch.

Ways to Twist the Classic Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Cake: Replace the Devil's Food cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this decadent dessert.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative like coconut condensed milk.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar-free cake mix and replace marshmallow fluff with a sugar-free marshmallow spread. Select a sugar-free hot chocolate mix for the whipped cream topping.
• Vegan Chocolate Poke Cake: Create the cake using a vegan cake mix, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate chips. Use aquafaba instead of heavy cream for whipping and coconut cream as a base for the topping.

FAQs

• What is marshmallow fluff and can I make it at home?

Marshmallow fluff is a spreadable marshmallow cream. You can make it at home by beating egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup until fluffy and light.

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute Devil’s Food cake mix with chocolate or vanilla cake mix. Just ensure you follow the box instructions for baking.

• How do I know how deep to poke the holes in the cake?

Use a wooden spoon handle and poke holes about an inch apart, but don’t go all the way to the bottom of the pan. Leave some cake base intact to hold the fillings.

• Is hot chocolate mix necessary for the whipped cream topping?

The hot chocolate mix adds extra chocolate flavor, but you can substitute with cocoa powder or skip it entirely if you prefer a lighter topping.

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent hot chocolate poke cake brings winter comfort straight to dessert lovers’ tables. Rich chocolate layers infused with marshmallow goodness promise a delightful sweet escape you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box devils food chocolate cake mix
• 2 cups marshmallow fluff
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 23 cups mini marshmallows

Hot Chocolate Mix and Liquids:

• 2 envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Hot fudge sauce (for decoration)
• Oil (as specified on cake mix box)
• Eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
• Water (as specified on cake mix box)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to specified temperature on Devil’s Food cake box. Prepare cake batter precisely according to package instructions and transfer into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow cake to cool until warm but not hot. Using a wooden spoon handle, create evenly spaced holes approximately one inch apart across the cake surface, ensuring holes do not reach the bottom.
3. Microwave marshmallow fluff with water in short 20-second intervals until smooth and pourable. Carefully fill each hole with the marshmallow mixture, embracing the delightful messiness of the process.
4. Combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring until achieving a silky consistency. Distribute the fudge evenly over the cake, allowing it to penetrate the marshmallow-filled holes.
5. Refrigerate the cake while preparing the topping. Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and hot chocolate mix until stiff peaks form. Spread the chocolatey cream layer over the chilled cake.
6. Garnish with mini marshmallows to capture the classic hot cocoa essence. Just before serving, drizzle with hot fudge sauce to enhance visual appeal and chocolate intensity.
7. Slice and serve immediately, anticipating the cake’s rapid disappearance.

Notes

• Customize cake mix by adding instant coffee for deeper chocolate flavor, enhancing richness without overwhelming sweetness.
• Ensure marshmallow mixture flows smoothly by warming gradually and stirring frequently to prevent burning or clumping.
• Create gluten-free version using alternative cake mix or almond flour base, maintaining moisture and texture through careful ingredient selection.
• Control cake’s consistency by avoiding overmixing batter and checking doneness with toothpick test, preventing dry or dense texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg