If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavor with a delightfully moist texture, the Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce and Whipped Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake is luscious, gooey, and topped with light, fluffy whipped cream, making every bite a heavenly experience. Simple ingredients come together to create a treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, impressive enough for special occasions but easy enough for an everyday sweet craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chocolate poke cake irresistibly delicious. Each component plays a unique role, from the cake mix providing the perfect base to the fudge sauce delivering melt-in-your-mouth richness and the whipped cream adding that airy finish.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of our cake, this mix guarantees a moist and fluffy texture every time.
- Water: Helps activate the cake mix ingredients and gives the batter the proper consistency.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
- Heavy cream: Used in both the fudge sauce and whipped cream for rich, creamy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into the fudge sauce for deep, intense chocolate notes.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious smoothness to the fudge sauce.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream gently for a perfect balance.
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional): A decorative and tasty finishing touch.
How to Make Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce and Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it or using a non-stick spray. Follow the package instructions to mix your chocolate cake batter by combining the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake according to the package directions, usually for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Make the Poke Holes
Using the end of a wooden spoon handle or a straw, poke holes all over the warm cake. Be sure to pierce deeply but avoid going all the way through to the bottom. This step creates pockets that will soon be filled with luscious fudge sauce, giving the cake that signature moist and gooey texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Fudge Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and butter until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. Then remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for that perfect hint of fragrance.
Step 5: Pour the Fudge Sauce
Evenly pour the warm fudge sauce over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the poke holes you made earlier. This step transforms the cake into an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is the light, fluffy topping that balances the rich fudge so beautifully.
Step 7: Assemble and Chill
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the whipped cream over the top evenly. For an extra touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top if desired. Chill before serving to let all the flavors settle together.
How to Serve Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce and Whipped Cream Recipe
Garnishes
A swirl of extra whipped cream, some fresh berries, or delicate chocolate curls make perfect garnishes that not only elevate your cake’s presentation but complement its rich flavors harmoniously. A dusting of cocoa powder adds a rustic and inviting feel as well.
Side Dishes
This decadent chocolate poke cake goes wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness. For adults, a small glass of red dessert wine or a robust cup of coffee pairs brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into individual mini squares for a party platter or serve it layered with extra fudge sauce drizzle on dessert plates. Using colorful plates or topping each slice with a sprig of mint really makes this recipe pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store the cake covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this treat over several delicious occasions without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked but un-poked and unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before finishing with poke holes, fudge sauce, and whipped cream to retain that perfect consistency.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer it warm, try microwaving a single slice for about 15 seconds, then add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream right after for amazing results.
FAQs
Can I make the fudge sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The fudge sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stove before pouring over the cake. Just stir occasionally to keep it smooth and glossy.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips? Can I use a chocolate bar instead?
Yes, you can chop a good quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate bar into small pieces and melt it for the fudge sauce. It might take a little longer to melt, but the flavor is just as fantastic.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
For a dairy-free version, opt for a vegan chocolate cake mix, use coconut or almond milk instead of heavy cream, substitute vegan butter, and whip a coconut cream-based topping instead of traditional whipped cream.
How thick should the poke holes be?
Generally, poke holes about 1 inch apart and deep enough to reach near the bottom but not completely through. This spacing ensures the fudge sauce distributes evenly without compromising the cake’s structure.
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Definitely! If you have a favorite chocolate cake recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fudge sauce without becoming too soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce and Whipped Cream Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s wonderfully rich, creamy, and surprisingly easy to make, which means you’re just a few steps away from sharing a treasured classic with your friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite for every celebration and cozy night in!
Print
Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce and Whipped Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce is a decadent dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake base with luscious fudge sauce poured into poke holes, topped with light and creamy whipped cream. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this easy-to-make cake brings gooey chocolate goodness and a smooth texture that will delight any crowd.
Ingredients
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)
Fudge Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or spray it with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix the Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix as per the package instructions, which usually involves combining the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Create Poke Holes: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the warm cake. Make sure the holes penetrate deep into the cake but do not go all the way through to the bottom.
- Make the Fudge Sauce: In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and unsalted butter over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour Sauce Over Cake: Pour the warm fudge sauce evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the poke holes to make the cake moist and fudgy.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. This creates a light, fluffy topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream over the top. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy your indulgent chocolate poke cake!
Notes
- Make sure not to poke all the way through the cake to maintain its structure.
- The fudge sauce should be warm when poured to seep properly into the holes but not so hot that it melts the cake unevenly.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- For a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat ingredients, but this will change the richness of the cake.
- Chilling the cake slightly after adding fudge sauce can help it set before adding whipped cream.
