Thank you for being here, my chocolate-loving friend If there’s ever been a dessert that lives up to its dramatic name, this Death By Chocolate Poke Cake is it. We’re talking a rich Devil’s Food cake soaked with warm, melted chocolate condensed milk, topped with fluffy chocolate whipped cream, and finished with chocolate chips and syrup. Every forkful is indulgent, moist, and unapologetically chocolatey.
This is the cake I make when someone says, “I want ALL the chocolate.” And trust me—no leftovers survive.
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Overview of Death By Chocolate Poke Cake
A poke cake is exactly what it sounds like: you bake a cake, poke holes all over it, then pour something luscious on top so it soaks into every crumb. In this case, that “something” is warm chocolate condensed milk infused with melted chocolate bars. Finish with a cloud of chocolate whipped cream and extra chocolate on top, and you’ve got a dessert that’s legendary.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Ultra-moist, soak-in-every-bite texture
- Deep, rich chocolate flavor
- Easy to make but wildly impressive
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays
- A true chocolate lover’s dream
What It Tastes Like
Think hot fudge cake meets chocolate cream pie—intense chocolate flavor balanced by light, fluffy whipped topping.
Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)
Chocolate Poke Cake
- 1 (15.25 oz) box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (1.55 oz each) milk chocolate Hershey bars, broken into pieces
Chocolate Whipped Cream Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
- Chocolate syrup or fudge sauce, for drizzling
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Offset spatula
Substitutions & Add-Ins
- Swap Hershey bars for dark chocolate for a deeper bite
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding before whipped cream
- Use chocolate condensed milk if available
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for contrast
How to Make Death By Chocolate Poke Cake
This recipe is easy, forgiving, and dangerously delicious
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions. Prepare batter using eggs, oil, and water. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Let cool for 10 minutes.
2. Poke the Cake
Using a wooden spoon handle or skewer, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Make the Chocolate Soak
Heat sweetened condensed milk gently and stir in broken chocolate bars until fully melted and smooth.
4. Soak the Cake
Slowly pour warm chocolate mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into every hole. Let cool completely.
5. Whip the Chocolate Cream
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble
Spread whipped cream evenly over cooled cake. Finish with chocolate chips and syrup.
7. Chill
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving for best texture.
What to Serve with Death By Chocolate Poke Cake
- Fresh berries for balance
- Strong coffee or espresso
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Extra napkins (you’ll need them!)
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Pour the chocolate soak while warm
- Let the cake cool completely before topping
- Chill before slicing for clean cuts
- Don’t over-whip the cream
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze slices (without whipped cream) up to 2 months
- Make-ahead: Best when made a day in advance
General Information
Poke cakes became popular in mid-century American kitchens for their ease and incredible moisture. This chocolate version takes the idea to the extreme—layering textures and chocolate upon chocolate for a truly unforgettable dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely—any sturdy chocolate cake works.
Is this overly sweet?
It’s rich, yes—but the whipped cream balances it beautifully.
Can I use Cool Whip instead?
You can, but homemade chocolate whipped cream is next-level.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the whipped cream topping.
Conclusion
This Death By Chocolate Poke Cake is indulgent, dramatic, and completely irresistible. It’s the dessert you make when you want to impress—or when chocolate cravings hit hard. One bite and you’ll understand why it never lasts long.
If you love chocolate desserts, try these next:
- Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/
- Banana Chocolate Chip Cake → https://poulef.com/banana-chocolate-chip-cake/
- Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal → https://poulef.com/healthy-carrot-cake-baked-oatmeal/
- Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Cookies → https://poulef.com/oatmeal-cottage-cheese-cookies/
- Flourless Banana Muffins → https://poulef.com/flourless-banana-muffins/
Interactive Corner
Did you make this chocolate masterpiece?
Leave a review and share your slice on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Your chocolate dreams fuel my oven
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Slice)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520 kcal | 62g | 7g | 28g | 46g |
11 Outrageously Decadent Death By Chocolate Poke Cake Secrets (Pure Chocolate Bliss)
- Total Time: 3 hrs (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Ultra-rich Death By Chocolate poke cake soaked in warm chocolate condensed milk and topped with fluffy chocolate whipped cream.
Ingredients
1 box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup water
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
2 milk chocolate Hershey bars, broken
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
⅓ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips
Chocolate syrup for topping
Instructions
1. Bake cake according to box directions in a 9×13 pan.
2. Cool slightly and poke holes all over.
3. Heat condensed milk and melt chocolate bars into it.
4. Pour warm chocolate mixture over cake.
5. Cool completely.
6. Whip cream with sugar, cocoa, and vanilla.
7. Spread whipped cream over cake.
8. Top with chocolate chips and syrup.
9. Chill before serving.
Notes
Best chilled before slicing.
Pour chocolate soak while warm.
Use high-quality cocoa for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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