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Death by Chocolate Poke Cake – Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Dessert Recipe


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4.1 from 85 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time (minimum 4 hours)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

Death by Chocolate Poke Cake is an ultimate decadent dessert featuring a moist dark chocolate cake soaked with rich chocolate pudding and luscious hot fudge sauce, topped with a creamy chocolate pudding-whipped topping and chopped dark chocolate candy bars. This luscious treat is perfect for chocolate lovers craving a deeply indulgent dessert.


Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 (15 oz) box dark chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

Pudding and Filling

  • 1 (3.5 oz) package instant dark chocolate pudding
  • 4 cups milk, divided
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup dark chocolate hot fudge sauce
  • 1 (3.5 oz) package instant dark chocolate pudding

Topping

  • 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 2 dark chocolate candy bars, chopped


Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake: Make the cake according to package directions and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking pan until done and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Mix First Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 package of instant dark chocolate pudding with 2 cups of milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Poke Holes: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake to allow the pudding and fudge to soak deeply into it.
  4. Pour Pudding Mixture: Slowly pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the cake, focusing on filling the holes so the cake absorbs the flavors.
  5. Prepare Fudge Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the mixture is smooth, warm, and pourable.
  6. Pour Fudge Sauce: Slowly pour the warm fudge sauce over the cake, again ensuring it seeps into the holes for maximum decadence.
  7. Chill Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill until cooled and the pudding and fudge are set.
  8. Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the second package of instant dark chocolate pudding with the remaining 2 cups of milk until thickened. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until combined and creamy.
  9. Add Topping: Spread the pudding-whipped topping mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate candy bars generously on top for texture and extra chocolate flavor.
  10. Final Chill: Refrigerate the completed poke cake for at least 4 hours to allow all flavors to meld and set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use whole milk for creamier pudding texture.
  • Make sure the cake is slightly warm when poking holes for better absorption of pudding and fudge sauce.
  • Use quality dark chocolate candy bars to enhance the chocolate flavor on top.
  • This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavor.
  • To serve, slice with a sharp knife and use a spatula to support the soft layers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American