Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

Save this recipe on:

Warm, gooey, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, this Hot Chocolate Poke Cake is what cozy winter dreams are made of. It’s everything you love about a steamy cup of hot cocoa, but transformed into a decadent, moist cake with a luscious chocolate pudding filling. Topped with whipped cream and mini marshmallows, every bite feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family movie night, or just because you need a chocolate fix, this cake is the kind of treat that gets people talking. It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to put together. The pudding seeps into the holes, making every forkful insanely moist and fudgy.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

This recipe delivers comfort and indulgence with very little effort. The cake stays soft for days thanks to the pudding, and the combination of hot cocoa mix and whipped topping gives it that nostalgic winter flavor. Plus, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert—ideal for parties or potlucks.

What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

A devil’s food or dark chocolate cake mix works beautifully here. The deeper the chocolate flavor, the better it mimics a cup of rich hot cocoa. If you only have a regular chocolate cake mix on hand, that’s fine too—just consider adding a tablespoon of hot cocoa powder to the mix for a boost of flavor.

Ingredients for the Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

This cake comes together with simple pantry staples. Each ingredient has a purpose to create a perfectly moist, chocolatey result.

• Chocolate cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water or milk
• Instant chocolate pudding mix
• Cold milk
• Hot cocoa mix
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate shavings or chips (optional, for garnish)

How To Make the Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the box instructions, using eggs, oil, and water or milk. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake as directed. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake while it’s still warm. Make sure the holes are fairly deep so the pudding can sink in well.

Step 3: Make the Pudding Filling

Whisk together the chocolate pudding mix, cold milk, and hot cocoa mix until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour it slowly over the cake, letting it fill every hole. Spread any excess pudding over the top.

Step 4: Chill and Top

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set. Before serving, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings or chips.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve chilled. Every slice delivers chocolatey comfort in every bite.

Serving and Storing This Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

This cake serves about 12 hearty portions, making it perfect for a party or gathering. You can serve it straight from the fridge, which keeps the pudding and whipped topping set and creamy. If you’d like, you can even warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring out that hot cocoa vibe.

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake actually gets better as it sits and absorbs more of the pudding.

What to Serve With Hot Chocolate Poke Cake?

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

The contrast of cold, creamy ice cream with rich chocolate cake is always a hit.

Peppermint Mocha Latte

Serve with a festive drink to amplify the holiday coziness.

Salted Caramel Sauce Drizzle

A warm drizzle of salted caramel over the top adds another layer of indulgence.

Crushed Peppermint Candy

Sprinkle some on top for a peppermint hot cocoa twist.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Pair a slice of this cake with a few fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate for a romantic dessert plate.

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee cuts the sweetness of the cake just right.

Whipped Cream and Cinnamon Dust

Extra whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon brings even more warmth.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

For the grown-ups, serve it with a boozy hot chocolate for a double dose of cozy.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re hooked on rich, cozy desserts, you’ll love these deliciously indulgent recipes:

• Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For: a bright, tangy dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Best Kentucky Butter Cake: soaked in buttery glaze and ultra-moist.
• Ooey Gooey Bars: sticky, sweet, and totally addictive.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes: bite-sized swirls of creamy cinnamon goodness.
• Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler: for a rustic and heartwarming dessert experience.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra with the toppings? Maybe a dash of cinnamon or a peppermint twist?

I love seeing your creations and reading about your delicious spins on this cake. Ask away if you have questions—we’re in this sweet journey together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and irresistible desserts on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to treat for cozy nights!

Print

Save this recipe on: