Hot Chocolate Poke Cake brings the cozy, indulgent flavors of hot cocoa into a moist and decadent cake form. With a marshmallow fluff filling, a rich chocolate fudge topping, and a creamy whipped chocolate topping, this cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something sweet, this poke cake will satisfy your chocolate cravings in the best possible way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the rich flavors of hot cocoa. The moist Devil’s Food cake serves as the perfect base for the gooey marshmallow filling and luscious chocolate fudge. Topped off with a whipped chocolate topping and mini marshmallows, every bite of this cake is a heavenly combination of creamy, chocolatey, and marshmallowy goodness. It’s an easy-to-make yet show-stopping dessert that will be a hit at any gathering!

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix
1 cup water (or amount as directed on the box)
3 large eggs (or amount as directed on the box)
½ cup vegetable oil (or amount as directed on the box)

Marshmallow Filling:

2½ cups marshmallow fluff
2 tablespoons water

Chocolate Fudge Filling:

1¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Whipped Chocolate Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups mini marshmallows

Optional:

Hot fudge sauce (for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bake the Cake:

Preheat your oven and mix the Devil’s Food Cake Mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a sprayed 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake as per the package instructions. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes on a cooling rack.

2. Poke the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the round handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake about 1 inch apart. Poke the holes about two-thirds of the way into the cake (don’t go all the way to the bottom).

3. Make the Marshmallow Filling:

Place the marshmallow fluff and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until melted (about 2-3 minutes). Pour the melted fluff into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the marshmallow filling into the holes in the cake, then spread the remaining fluff over the top. Place the cake in the fridge to chill.

4. Make the Chocolate Fudge Filling:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted (about 2-3 minutes). Spread the fudge filling evenly over the top of the cake. Chill the cake until the fudge is fully set.

5. Make the Whipped Topping:

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, hot chocolate mix, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped chocolate topping over the chilled cake. Garnish with mini marshmallows for that extra touch of sweetness.

6. Serve:

For added indulgence, drizzle hot fudge sauce over the top of the cake if desired. Slice and serve this decadent Hot Chocolate Poke Cake to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (including chill time)
Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Add Candy: Top with chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped chocolate bars for added texture and flavor.
Make it Vegan: Use a vegan chocolate cake mix, non-dairy whipped cream, and plant-based marshmallow fluff to make this cake vegan-friendly.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the chocolate fudge filling for a subtle, spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This cake is best served cold, but you can microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to warm up if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?

Marshmallow fluff works best for the filling since it’s already soft and spreadable. However, you can use regular marshmallows, though they may not melt as evenly or fill the holes as well.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! After assembling it, store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will meld even more after chilling.

3. Can I freeze the Hot Chocolate Poke Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before adding the topping and serving.

4. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can swap out the Devil’s Food cake mix for another chocolate cake mix or even a vanilla cake mix for a lighter flavor base.

5. How can I make the filling more decadent?

For a richer filling, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or butter to the marshmallow fluff mixture or use a richer chocolate fudge sauce.

6. Can I serve this cake without the whipped topping?

While the whipped topping adds a wonderful lightness and creamy texture, you can omit it and just serve the cake with marshmallows and chocolate sauce for a more intense chocolate flavor.

7. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the fudge filling?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for the fudge filling, depending on your preference for sweetness.

8. How do I keep the cake from being too soggy?

Make sure to let the cake cool slightly before poking the holes. Also, avoid overfilling the holes with the marshmallow fluff, as this can make the cake too soggy.

9. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or sprinkle them on top of the whipped topping for some added crunch.

10. How do I make the cake fluffier?

If you want a fluffier texture, you can add an extra egg to the cake mix or use cake flour instead of regular all-purpose flour for a lighter, airier cake.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, with its rich and creamy layers of cake, marshmallow filling, chocolate fudge, and whipped topping. This indulgent dessert is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to holiday parties. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting flavors of hot cocoa in cake form!