This Chocolate Poke Cake uses a mixture of condensed milk and chocolate chips to elevate your chocolate box cake mix into an ultra-flavorful, super-moist cake that you can make with just 2 extra ingredients!
As a busy mom who LOVES a good kitchen hack, I spent countless hours testing How to Make Boxed Cake Mix Better (see the post for results!). In my research, I came across poke cakes and just knew I needed to put my own spin on them and share it with you!
It’s called poke cake because as soon as you get the cake out of the oven, you poke little holes in the top before pouring over a chocolate condensed milk mixture, allowing the moisture and flavor to seep in and infuse the cake.
Between this chocolate version and my Irish Cream Poke Cake, I’m confident I can take any chocolate cake mix and make it extra impressive with just a few more ingredients and a little extra effort; both of which have a big impact without too much hassle.
Ultra Moist Chocolate Cake Ingredients
You can use any chocolate box cake mix, including Devil’s Food Cake. I went with a Betty Crocker Super Moist Dark Chocolate cake mix because it was on sale, and it turned out great!
Note that depending on the cake mix you choose, the ingredients required may differ slightly. Follow the directions on the back of the box to make the chocolate cake.
Aside from that, you’ll need a can of sweetened condensed milk and some dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (I always use dark).
Chocolate Poke Cake with Sweetened Condensed Milk Tips and Tricks
How to Make Chocolate Poke Cake
Bake the chocolate cake in a greased 9×13 baking pan exactly as directed on the back of the box. As soon as it comes out of the oven, poke holes in the top, about 1 inch apart. I use a stainless-steel reusable straw, but a skewer or the back of a wooden spoon works, too.
You don’t want the holes too small (like the holes you would get from a toothpick), because you want enough space for the thick condensed milk mixture to sink in.
It’s also important that the holes aren’t too close together, because this may cause your cake to turn out a little soggy.
Melt the chocolate chips and condensed milk together in 3-second intervals in the microwave, whisking until the mixture is nice and smooth. Pour it over top of the cake and watch as it sinks into the holes.
You can use a spatula to encourage the mixture into the holes or just allow it to sit on top. This poke cake is flavorful enough to serve as is, or you can opt to finish it with some frosting.
How I Store Leftover Classic Chocolate Poke Cake
Because this super-moist chocolate cake contains a dairy-based filling, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Put it in an airtight container, where it will last a good 5-7 days.
Fresh cake will stay safe at room temperature for about 2 hours, so plan accordingly when serving.
Though I’m usually a huge proponent of freezing leftovers, it’s important to note that this cake isn’t the best candidate for freezing. The texture does tend to change upon thawing.
That being said, if you want to freeze extra poke cake, do so in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months and allow it to thaw at room temperature.
Chocolate Poke Cake with Condensed Milk
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEEquipment
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-oz) box chocolate cake mix (or Devil's Food)
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup chocolate chips (I use dark)
Instructions
- In a 9×13-inch baking pan, bake the chocolate cake exactly as directed on the cake mix box.1 (15.25-oz) box chocolate cake mix
- Right when you take the cake out of the oven, while it's still hot, use a reusable straw, wooden skewer, or the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake. Aim for about 1-inch apart. Too many holes will oversaturate your cake and potentially make it soggy.
- Add the condensed milk and chocolate chips to a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high in 20-second intervals, whisking in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and integrated into the condensed milk.1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup chocolate chips
- Pour the condensed milk mixture over the cake in an even layer and watch as it sinks into the holes. If you want to, you can run a spatula over the top, encouraging the mixture into the holes.
- You can serve it as is or frost it! I highly recommend this Chocolate Fudge Frosting (my favorite- as pictured!).
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