The first time I made this Cocoa Poke Cake, snow was falling outside, and the smell of rich chocolate filled the kitchen. It felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket after a long day. Each bite is soft, gooey, and tastes like sipping hot cocoa by the fire — only better.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hot Cocoa Poke Cake
Hot Cocoa Poke Cake is the ultimate easy chocolate dessert. It’s rich, moist, and bursting with deep cocoa flavor. The warm fudge seeps into every hole, and the fluffy marshmallow layer adds a sweet, creamy surprise. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home with friends.
You can serve it chilled, and it stays soft for days. Plus, the whipped hot chocolate topping feels like frosting made of clouds.
What Is a Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a simple cake baked in a pan, then poked with holes all over before adding fillings or sauces. The holes let those delicious layers soak right in, making the cake incredibly moist.
The name comes from the fun step of “poking” it. That step makes the difference between a good chocolate cake and a Cocoa Poke Cake that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry staples for this one, and most are probably already in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)
- 1 jar of marshmallow creme (7 oz)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 jar of chocolate fudge sauce (11.25 oz)
- 1 tub whipped topping, thawed (8 oz)
- 2 packets hot chocolate mix (about ¼ cup)
Toppings
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Tip: Any favorite chocolate cake mix works great. I used Duncan Hines Devil’s Food for its deep cocoa flavor and soft crumb.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to package directions. Let it cool completely.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke holes about 1 inch apart.
- In a bowl, microwave marshmallow creme with water for 20 seconds. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave for another 10 seconds.
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cake, pressing gently so it fills every hole.
- Warm the fudge sauce slightly as directed on the jar. Pour and spread it evenly over the cake. Let it cool.
- In another bowl, fold the hot chocolate mix into whipped topping until creamy. Don’t overmix — use a rubber spatula and light strokes.
- Spread the cocoa whipped topping over the cake and chill for at least one hour.
- Before serving, sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top. Slice and enjoy that first dreamy bite.
Tips for the Best Cocoa Poke Cake
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Never heat marshmallow creme in its jar; transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl first.
- Avoid overmixing the whipped topping, or it may lose its fluff.
- If using a glass pan, check for doneness five minutes early.
- Add mini marshmallows right before serving to keep them soft and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This Cocoa Poke Cake shines at Christmas gatherings, family dinners, or snowy movie nights. Serve it chilled for the perfect texture — creamy, rich, and a little fudgy in every bite.
It also pairs beautifully with a mug of real hot cocoa or coffee. Try it alongside my Triple chocolate indulgence for special occasions or my Moist and rich chocolate zucchini bread for a chocolate lover’s dream table.
Hot Cocoa Poke Cake Recipe Card
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Cocoa Poke Cake Recipe | Rich, Moist & Irresistibly Chocolatey
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, gooey, and irresistibly chocolatey, this Hot Cocoa Poke Cake layers moist chocolate cake with marshmallow creme, hot fudge, and whipped cocoa topping for a comforting dessert perfect for holidays or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme
2 tablespoons water
1 (11.25 oz) jar chocolate fudge sauce
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed
2 packets hot chocolate mix (about ¼ cup)
1½ cups mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare chocolate cake in a 9×13 inch pan according to box directions. Let cool completely.
2. Use a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the cake.
3. Microwave marshmallow creme and water in a bowl for 20 seconds. Stir until smooth. Microwave 10 seconds more if needed.
4. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cake, gently pressing so it fills the holes.
5. Warm chocolate fudge sauce slightly as directed on the jar and spread evenly over the cake. Let cool.
6. Fold hot chocolate mix into whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. Do not overmix.
7. Spread whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
8. Before serving, top with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Use any favorite chocolate cake mix; Duncan Hines Devil’s Food works great.
If using a glass pan, check doneness 5 minutes early.
Do not microwave marshmallow creme in its original container.
Avoid overmixing whipped topping to keep it fluffy.
Add mini marshmallows just before serving to keep them soft.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
More Such Recipes
If you love festive treats, check out:
- Festive patriotic poke cake idea
- Easy Oreo ice cream cake – no bake dessert
- Chocolate crinkle cookies for the holidays
- Banana chocolate chip cookies for quick cravings
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a poke cake?
It’s a cake baked normally, then poked with holes so toppings or fillings can seep in, making it soft and flavorful all through.
What is chocolate poke cake?
Chocolate poke cake is a variation where you use chocolate cake and pour over rich sauces like pudding, fudge, or sweetened milk to create a moist, gooey dessert.
What is Kamala Harris’ favorite cake?
In interviews, Kamala Harris mentioned she enjoys classic chocolate cake, which makes this recipe a fun nod to that timeless favorite.
Why do they call it poke cake?
Because you literally poke it! The holes help soak in sweet mixtures like marshmallow fluff or chocolate sauce, giving every bite extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Cocoa Poke Cake is comfort in dessert form. It’s rich but light, sweet but not heavy, and so easy anyone can make it.
Try it this Christmas or whenever you crave a taste of cozy nostalgia. If you make it, tag your photos or share your story with me on Pinterest or Facebook.