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Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly rich, this Hot Chocolate Poke Cake brings your favorite winter drink to life in cake form. With layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy marshmallow, whipped topping, and a fudgy drizzle, it’s the ultimate cozy dessert. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or a comforting night in, this easy recipe is packed with nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re looking for quick dessert ideas, easy cake recipes, or a winter-inspired treat, this one is sure to be a hit. Think of it as your new favorite dessert idea for cold nights, blending sweetness, texture, and a touch of festive flair.


Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix

3 eggs (or as required on box)

1/2 cup vegetable oil (or as required on box)

1 cup water (or as required on box)

1 cup hot fudge sauce

1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate sauce

Optional crushed peppermint, chocolate curls, or sprinkles


Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions and prepare the batter as directed.

2. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed (typically 30–35 minutes).

3. Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes.

4. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or thick straw to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the cake surface.

5. Warm the marshmallow creme slightly and spread it evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes.

6. Drizzle the warm (not hot) fudge sauce over the cake, focusing on filling the poked holes.

7. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.

8. Mix whipped topping with vanilla extract if using, then spread evenly over the chilled cake.

9. Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top, and drizzle with melted chocolate or reserved fudge.

10. Garnish with crushed peppermint, chocolate curls, or sprinkles if desired.

11. Slice, serve chilled or at room temperature.

12. Optional: Toast marshmallows with a kitchen torch for a toasted finish.


Notes

Chill the cake at least 2 hours before topping to ensure clean layers and the best texture.

Warming the marshmallow creme slightly makes it much easier to spread.

For an extra cozy feel, torch the mini marshmallows on top for that classic toasted marshmallow flavor.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Hot chocolate poke cake, winter dessert, easy cake, holiday cake, chocolate dessert