This Hot Fudge Poke Cake features a moist chocolate cake with a hot fudge filling that is topped with whipped cream. This easy and delicious cake is the perfect summer dessert!
This poke cake recipe starts with a boxed cake mix to speed up the prep work. All you need is chocolate cake, hot fudge, and frozen whipped topping!
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Make this delicious poke cake and you can enjoy all the flavors of a delicious hot fudge sundae in a cake! This easy dessert can be made with just a few simple ingredients.
And you can add your favorite sundae toppings to create a dessert that’s perfect to serve for any occasion.
Poke cakes are a favorite at our house. They are always so moist and there are so many different varieties that you can make. We love this Patriotic Poke Cake - which is perfect for the Fourth of July, Lemon Meringue Poke Cake and Pineapple Poke Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.
To make this easy chocolate poke cake, you’ll need:
- Chocolate cake mix
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Hot fudge
- Whipped topping
- Chocolate syrup
- Rainbow sprinkles
How To Make Hot Fudge Poke Cake
Start by preparing the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. The cake should be baked in a 9x13 baking dish and allowed to cool completely before you start adding all the hot fudge filling and toppings.
Once the cake is cool, it’s time to start adding your fudge. First, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a wooden skewer to poke holes all over the cake. This will help the fudge soak into the cake, adding a ton of delicious chocolate flavor to each bite.
After that, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake. Use a flat spatula to spread the milk evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it drips into all the holes.
Next, heat the hot fudge according to the instructions on the jar. This will make it easier to spread the fudge and allow it to soak into the cake as it cools. Once the chocolate is melted, pour it over the top of the cake and spread it evenly. Make sure to work the fudge into the holes as you spread it.
Now that the cake is covered in condensed milk and hot fudge, place it in the refrigerator to chill. Cover the pan and refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to give the cake plenty of time to absorb all the sauce.
After chilling your cake, spread the frozen whipped topping over the top of the entire cake. Then return it to the refrigerator to chill for another hour. When you’re ready to serve the hot fudge cake, decorate the top of the whipped cream with chocolate sauce and rainbow sprinkles before slicing.
How To Store
Since this cake has whipped topping on top, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the pan and keep it in the refrigerator or transfer the leftover pieces of cake to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.
It's important to keep the cake covered while it’s being stored in the refrigerator. This will help protect the cake and keep the whipped topping from separating while it chills.
Recipe FAQs
Since this cake needs to be chilled before you serve it, it’s perfect for making ahead of time. While the cake should be chilled for at least one hour after adding the whipped topping, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day before serving.
If you’re planning on preparing your cake in advance, make sure to leave the sprinkles and hot fudge off the top while it’s being stored in the refrigerator. The colors from the sprinkles may begin to run as the cake chills. Simply wait until you’re ready to serve your chocolate cake before adding the decorations on top.
This cake would taste amazing warm. But if you want to eat a warm slice of poke cake, it’s a good idea to leave off the whipped topping until you are ready to serve your cake. After slicing the cake, place the slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to warm it up. Then you can top the piece of cake with whipped topping, frosting or ice cream before serving.
Poke Cake Topping Ideas
There are tons of possibilities when it comes to topping this hot fudge sundae cake! Dress up your chocolate cake with your favorite sundae toppings to create an amazing dessert.
Try these other topping ideas to add even more flavor to your chocolate cake:
- Maraschino cherries
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts or pecans
- Mini M&Ms or Toffee bits
- Crushed Oreos
- Mini marshmallows
- Sliced strawberries or bananas
- Caramel sauce
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I hope you enjoy this Hot Fudge Poke Cake! If you try this recipe, please come back and rate it and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from you!
Hot Fudge Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, prepared in an 9x13 pan
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 11.5 ounce jar hot fudge, warmed
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Chocolate syrup and rainbow sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix in a 9x13 pan according to the instructions on the box. Allow the cake to cool completely, then use a wooden stick or handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake and spread it into the holes.
- Heat the fudge in the microwave then pour the warm hot fudge over the cake and spread it evenly over the top.
- Cover the pan and place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Remove the cake from the fridge and spread the whipped topping over the top of the cake. Return the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
- When you’re ready to serve the cake, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top of the whipped cream layer and decorate with rainbow sprinkles before cutting into slices.