If you have a serious sweet tooth and love chocolate in all its glory, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe. It’s a luscious chocolate cake that gets all its moist, fudgy goodness from rich chocolate fudge sauce filling every nook and cranny after poking holes in the baked cake. Topped off with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and optionally sprinkled with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether it’s for a celebration or simply to brighten up your day, this recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with staple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Each one plays an essential role—whether it’s the chocolate cake mix for the foundation, the fudge sauce for irresistible richness, or the whipped cream for that light, creamy finish. Here’s everything you’ll want ready before you dive in:
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base of the cake, providing a balanced chocolate flavor and perfect texture with minimal fuss.
- Water (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender, usually adjusted according to package instructions.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps keep the cake beautifully soft.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For the luscious fudge sauce, creating a silky, smooth chocolate coating.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into the cream to make that irresistible fudge sauce.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds depth and shine to the fudge sauce without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds aromatic warmth to both fudge and whipped topping.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped up to create the light, fluffy layer that balances the dessert’s decadence.
- Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape beautifully.
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional): Perfect for garnish that adds elegant finishing touches and extra chocolate flair.
How to Make Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake won’t stick. Follow the cake mix box instructions, typically combining water, oil, and eggs, and pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When it’s done, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once the cake has cooled enough to handle, grab the end of a wooden spoon or a sturdy straw, and poke holes all over the surface. Make sure the holes are deep but don’t pierce through the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial because it allows the fudge sauce to seep deep into the cake layers, making each bite deliciously moist and decadent.
Step 3: Make the Fudge Sauce
In a small saucepan, gently heat 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the flavors. Pour this warm fudge sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into all the holes you made.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
While the fudge sauce soaks in, prepare the whipped cream topping. Beat together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This fluffy cream topping adds a light contrast to the rich fudge sauce and moist cake.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top. For an extra-chocolatey presentation, sprinkle chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder if you like. Then chill the cake so the flavors meld beautifully before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate this cake from delicious to spectacular. Fresh chocolate shavings add texture and elegance, while a light sprinkling of cocoa powder gives a dusting of intense chocolate aroma. For a festive touch, a few raspberries or a sprig of mint can brighten the plate with color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve slices of this Chocolate Poke Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for the perfect balance between warm and cold, creamy and rich. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can also add a refreshing contrast to the chocolaty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Try cutting the cake into mini squares and serving them in clear dessert cups with an extra drizzle of fudge sauce on top. You can also layer pieces with whipped cream and berries for an indulgent trifle-style dessert. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce can redefine the classic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake moist and prevent the whipped cream from drying out. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for savoring over several days or sharing with guests.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake if you want to save it for longer. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding fresh whipped cream to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer your cake slightly warmed, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whipped cream topping, which is best served cold and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix for the Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake will work wonderfully. Just make sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold the fudge sauce without becoming too soggy. The key is to have a moist but well-structured cake that absorbs the fudge beautifully.
How long should I let the fudge sauce soak into the cake?
It’s best to pour the fudge sauce over the cake while it’s still warm so it seeps deeply and evenly into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely after adding the sauce, at least one to two hours, so the flavors fully meld and the texture becomes delightfully gooey.
Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the fudge sauce?
Yes! You can adjust the type of chocolate to suit your taste. Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier sauce, while dark chocolate will make it richer and more intense. Semi-sweet is a good balance, but feel free to experiment.
Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?
Chilling helps the fudge sauce set into the cake and the whipped cream stabilize, resulting in cleaner slices and a more enjoyable texture. While you can serve it sooner, chilling overnight is ideal for the best flavor and presentation.
Can I make the fudge sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the fudge sauce in advance and gently reheat it before pouring over the cake. Just be sure not to overheat, as the sauce needs to be warm but not hot to properly soak into the cake holes.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe is the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence, delivering a dessert that feels special yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Whether you’re surprising your family or treating yourself after a long day, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy chocolate cravings like no other. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and indulgent Chocolate Poke Cake with Fudge Sauce is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. A moist chocolate cake is baked, then poked with holes and filled with a decadent homemade fudge sauce that seeps into every bite. Topped with freshly whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, this cake balances creamy textures and deep chocolate flavors for a truly irresistible treat.
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 Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter: Following the package instructions, combine the chocolate cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. 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 the cake and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Make Poke Holes: Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to go deep but avoid poking all the way through the bottom.
- Prepare the Fudge Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and unsalted butter until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour the Sauce: Immediately pour the warm fudge sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into all the poke holes for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the whipped cream generously over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Cut into squares and serve this decadent dessert to your guests.
Notes
- Be sure not to poke holes too deep that they pierce the bottom of the cake, to hold in the fudge sauce better.
- Use a gentle folding technique when mixing the cake batter to keep it light and fluffy.
- For a richer fudge sauce, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream as listed.
- Allow cake to cool properly before adding whipped cream to prevent it from melting.
- Chocolate shavings can be made by using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
