Raspberry Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and easy to make, then this Raspberry Chocolate Poke Cake is exactly what you need. Imagine rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a swirl of tangy raspberry sauce, all soaked in creamy chocolate pudding, and finished off with a luscious whipped topping. It’s every sweet tooth’s dream come true and a showstopper at any gathering. You won’t believe how simple it is to make, and I promise you, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Chocolate Poke Cake

Moist and Fluffy: The chocolate cake serves as a perfect base, soaking up all the flavors of the raspberry and chocolate, making each bite melt in your mouth. It’s so moist, it’s like biting into a cloud!

Flavor Combo: The sweet and tart raspberry pairs perfectly with the deep, rich chocolate. This combo is a match made in dessert heaven!

Super Easy: You’ll love how simple this cake is to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull this off. With just a few ingredients and a handful of steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert in no time.

Make-Ahead Dessert: The best part? This cake actually gets better as it sits! The flavors meld together beautifully, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time for a party, holiday, or family dinner.

Crowd-Pleasing: With both chocolate and raspberry lovers in one cake, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. You can’t go wrong with this flavor combination!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this sweet masterpiece:

Chocolate Cake Mix:

The base of this cake, it’s simple, convenient, and moist. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate cake mix or even a homemade version if you prefer.

Raspberry Jam or Preserves:

The raspberry brings a fresh, tart contrast to the rich chocolate, making each bite exciting and vibrant. Choose a high-quality raspberry preserve or jam for the best results.

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix:

This is the secret ingredient that makes the cake so gooey and creamy! The pudding mix gets soaked into the cake, creating a luscious texture.

Milk:

You’ll need some milk to prepare the pudding and help create that creamy filling that soaks into the cake.

Whipped Topping:

For that signature light and fluffy finish, a layer of whipped topping goes on top to add an extra layer of sweetness.

Fresh Raspberries (optional):

For a decorative touch and extra burst of flavor, you can top your cake with fresh raspberries.

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

Instructions

Let’s get to making this scrumptious Raspberry Chocolate Poke Cake!

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box. Prepare the cake mix as directed, then pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake according to package directions, typically around 30-35 minutes. When done, allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes, but don’t let it cool completely!

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the cake while it’s still warm. Be generous with the holes—you want to ensure the pudding soaks in everywhere for that creamy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk according to the package instructions. Once it’s fully combined and thickened, pour the pudding over the warm cake, making sure to fill in all the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam

Warm the raspberry jam in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to loosen it up, making it easier to drizzle. Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry jam all over the pudding, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl the jam into the pudding, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 5: Chill and Top

Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. Once chilled, spread a layer of whipped topping over the cake. Top with fresh raspberries for a burst of color and extra flavor, if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into this beauty and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite. It’s perfectly sweet, tangy, and chocolatey—all at the same time!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350-400 (depending on portion size and specific ingredients)

(Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chill time)

How to Serve Raspberry Chocolate Poke Cake

This dessert is a showstopper all on its own, but if you want to pair it with something extra, here are some ideas:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect partner to this rich and chocolatey dessert.

Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, enhances the fruity raspberry flavor and adds a fresh contrast to the cake’s richness.

Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a cup of coffee or a mild tea for a great balance of flavors. It’s perfect for an after-dinner treat.

Additional Tips

Make It a Day Ahead: This cake is even better the next day! If you have time, make it the day before you plan to serve it, and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight.

Experiment with Jams: Don’t limit yourself to raspberry—try other berry jams like strawberry or blueberry for a twist on this classic.

Double the Pudding: If you love extra creamy desserts, feel free to double the pudding mix for an even richer texture.

Top with Whipped Cream: If you prefer homemade, whipped cream can be used instead of the store-bought topping for a fresh and fluffy finish.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the cake moist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
A1: You can, but fresh raspberries won’t give the same rich and sweet flavor as the jam. If you prefer fresh, you can add them to the top after the whipped topping for a fresh pop of flavor.

Q2: Can I freeze this cake?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the cake without the whipped topping. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge, then add the whipped topping before serving.

Q3: Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
A3: Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake would work just as well. Just make sure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan, so the proportions stay correct.

Q4: Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
A4: Yes, you can! Vanilla or even white chocolate pudding would be delicious alternatives, but the chocolate pudding is what really gives the cake its rich flavor.

Q5: Can I make this cake without whipped topping?
A5: If you’d rather skip the whipped topping, you can make your own whipped cream or serve it without any topping at all. The cake is still delicious on its own!

Q6: How long does this cake need to chill?
A6: For the best results, chill the cake for at least 2 hours. However, it can sit in the fridge overnight if you prefer to prepare it ahead of time.

Q7: How do I make this cake extra chocolatey?
A7: To give it an extra chocolate kick, you can add mini chocolate chips to the cake mix or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

Q8: Can I use another type of jam?
A8: Of course! Feel free to experiment with strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a different flavor profile.

Q9: How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
A9: You can substitute a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular one. Just ensure the pudding and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q10: How can I make this cake even more decadent?
A10: For an ultra-decadent version, you could add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the whipped cream for an extra dose of chocolate goodness!

Conclusion

This Raspberry Chocolate Poke Cake is a dessert dream come true—rich, chocolatey, fruity, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself (because you deserve it!), this cake is bound to impress. So go ahead, get baking, and treat yourself to a slice of heaven!

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