Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe

Are you ready for a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your taste buds and make you the star of any gathering? This Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce is the ultimate indulgence—moist, rich, and oh-so-chocolatey! Imagine sinking your spoon into a luscious, fudgy cake that’s been infused with decadent chocolate sauce, then topped with even more chocolate goodness. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a sweet craving that needs satisfying. Trust me, this cake will become your go-to recipe for every chocolate lover!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce

This cake is an absolute game-changer, and here’s why you’ll adore it:

Moist and Fudgy

The poke cake technique ensures that each bite is incredibly moist, thanks to the gooey chocolate fudge sauce that’s soaked right into the cake. It’s like a chocolate dream come true!

Simple Yet Amazing

Don’t let the deliciousness fool you—this cake is surprisingly easy to make! With minimal ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready in no time.

Fudge Sauce Galore

We’re talking about a thick, velvety fudge sauce that’s poured over the cake and soaks right in. It’s the kind of sauce that makes every bite extra indulgent and utterly irresistible.

Customizable

You can make this cake your own by adding toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even crushed nuts. Want to make it extra special? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • Boxed chocolate cake mix: This shortcut helps you get a moist, tender cake without all the hassle. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate cake mix for this recipe.
  • Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Water: The liquid base for the cake batter.

For the Fudge Sauce:

  • Sweetened condensed milk: The secret ingredient for a rich and creamy fudge sauce.
  • Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor to the sauce.
  • Butter: A little butter makes the sauce extra smooth and glossy.
  • Chocolate chips: These melt into the sauce to create an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

For the Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream: A light, fluffy topping to balance out all the rich chocolate.
  • Chocolate chips: Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness.
  • Chopped nuts: Add a little crunch with crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts if you like!

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Then, take a fork and poke holes all over the cake—about 20-25 holes. Be sure not to poke all the way through the cake, just deep enough to allow the fudge sauce to soak in.

Step 3: Make the Fudge Sauce

While the cake cools, make the fudge sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate chips. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate chips have fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Pour the Fudge Sauce

Pour the warm fudge sauce over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top and allow it to soak in.

Step 5: Chill the Cake

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the fudge sauce to set and the cake to absorb all that delicious chocolate goodness.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, top the cake with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts, if desired. Slice it up, serve it to your guests (or yourself!), and enjoy every fudgy, chocolate-packed bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce

As a Showstopping Dessert

This cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. The cold ice cream paired with the warm, fudgy cake is an experience you won’t forget!

With a Cup of Coffee

Pair it with a cup of coffee or espresso for a perfect afternoon treat. The richness of the cake is beautifully balanced by the boldness of coffee.

For Family Gatherings

This poke cake is a great dessert for family gatherings. It’s easy to make in advance and can be sliced into generous portions for everyone to enjoy!

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Poking Step

The key to a great poke cake is ensuring the fudge sauce soaks in properly. Make sure to poke plenty of holes, but not all the way through to the bottom. This helps the sauce sink into the cake, giving it that rich, gooey texture.

Add Toppings to Your Liking

Get creative with the toppings! You can add chocolate sprinkles, crushed Oreos, or even caramel drizzle for an extra layer of flavor.

Make It Ahead of Time

This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving, and it will taste even better as the flavors continue to develop.

Store Leftovers Properly

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day (if it lasts that long)!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed cake mix?

A1: Yes! If you prefer to make your cake from scratch, feel free to use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of boxed mix.

Q2: How do I make the fudge sauce thicker?

A2: If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can cook it a little longer to help it thicken. Just be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?

A3: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A4: Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate cake mix for any other flavor of cake mix you prefer, like vanilla, red velvet, or even marble. Just adjust the flavor of the fudge sauce to match!

Q5: Can I make this cake without the fudge sauce?

A5: You can! If you prefer a simpler cake, you can skip the fudge sauce and just frost it with your favorite icing. But honestly, the fudge sauce really takes it to the next level!

Q6: Can I use dark chocolate chips for the sauce?

A6: Yes! Dark chocolate chips will give the fudge sauce a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Use them if you want a deeper, less sweet chocolate taste.

Q7: How can I make this cake gluten-free?

A7: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and make sure your chocolate chips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The fudge sauce is naturally gluten-free!

Q8: How long do I need to chill the cake?

A8: For the best results, chill the cake for at least 2 hours. This allows the fudge sauce to set and gives the cake time to absorb the delicious chocolate flavor.

Q9: Can I add other toppings, like fresh berries?

A9: Yes! Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries are a fantastic addition. They add a fruity, tart contrast to the rich chocolate.

Q10: Can I make this cake in advance?

A10: Absolutely! This cake is great for making ahead. Just refrigerate it after pouring the fudge sauce and chill until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce is everything a chocolate lover could dream of—rich, gooey, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake will never disappoint. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that’s sure to impress every time. So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two) and enjoy the chocolatey goodness!

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Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 servings 1x

Description

This Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines a moist, fluffy chocolate cake with gooey fudge sauce soaked right in. It’s topped with whipped cream for the perfect finish. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 cup water (or as per package instructions)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or as per package instructions)
  • 3 large eggs (or as per package instructions)

For the Fudge Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish (optional):

  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. For the Cake:

    1. Prepare the Cake:
      • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or use non-stick spray).
      • Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions (usually adding water, oil, and eggs) and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
      • Bake the cake according to the package instructions, typically for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    2. Make the Poke Holes:
      • Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using the end of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the cake, making sure to go deep but not all the way to the bottom.

    For the Fudge Sauce:

    1. Prepare the Fudge Sauce:
      • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Stir occasionally.
      • Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until completely melted and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
      • Pour the warm fudge sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it soaks into all the holes.

    For the Whipped Cream:

    1. Make the Whipped Cream:
      • In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.

    To Assemble:

    1. Serve the Cake:
      • Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream on top of the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder if desired.
      • Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the indulgent, gooey chocolate goodness!

Notes

  • You can use store-bought whipped topping if you prefer to skip making whipped cream from scratch.
  • For an extra touch, add some mini chocolate chips or crushed Oreos on top of the whipped cream.
  • The cake will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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