Print

Easy Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Easy Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake with a rich sweetened condensed milk and melted chocolate filling, topped with a creamy cocoa frosting and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a simple yet impressive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • Cooking spray, as needed for greasing
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more if necessary)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Grease the pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with cooking spray and dust it with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and add extra chocolate flavor.
  2. Prepare and bake the cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
  3. Poke the cake and add filling: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake, about 1 inch apart. In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the melted semisweet chocolate. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes to add moistness and rich flavor.
  4. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using a hand mixer until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing well. Beat in the heavy cream, adding more by the tablespoon if needed, until the frosting is creamy and thick enough to hold peaks.
  5. Frost and garnish: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake with an offset spatula. Finish by sprinkling mini chocolate chips across the surface for extra texture and chocolate bursts.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Adjust the quantity of heavy cream in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
  • This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For an extra touch, serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Keywords: Chocolate poke cake, easy chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, poke cake, creamy chocolate frosting, chocolate chip topping