11 Outrageously Decadent Death By Chocolate Poke Cake Secrets (Pure Chocolate Bliss)

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By Gianna Poulef

Chocolate Poke Cake

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)

This Now, Make It Later!

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
  • 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:

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)

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatSugar
520 kcal62g7g28g46g
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11 Outrageously Decadent Death By Chocolate Poke Cake Secrets (Pure Chocolate Bliss)


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • 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

Scale

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
11 Outrageously Decadent Death By Chocolate Poke Cake Secrets (Pure Chocolate Bliss)
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

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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