Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a fun, poke cake method. This delightful treat is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration that calls for something sweet. The moist chocolate cake, topped with creamy marshmallow whipped cream and decadent chocolate ganache, offers a unique twist that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Decadent Flavor: With layers of chocolate and marshmallows, this cake satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 12-16 servings, it’s great for gatherings and parties.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix in your favorite candies or nuts for added texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this delicious Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake, gather your tools. Having everything you need on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zip-lock bag
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 cake pan: Ideal size for baking the cake evenly while allowing room for the filling.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when whipping cream to stiff peaks.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Perfectly melts chocolate without burning, ensuring a smooth ganache.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 15.25 oz box Devils Food Chocolate Cake Mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
For the Filling
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For the Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 7 oz. (about 2 cups) marshmallow fluff
For the Ganache Drizzle
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
How to Make Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Prepare the batter as directed on the box and pour it into a greased 9×13 cake pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until melted; stir until smooth.
- If too thick, microwave briefly again; if too thin, let it cool slightly before pouring into holes in the cake.
Step 4: Cool and Refrigerate
- Spread any remaining filling over the top of the cake.
- Allow it to cool for about an hour at room temperature before refrigerating until completely cooled.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Topping
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla; continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold in marshmallow fluff until combined.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream
- Spread marshmallow whipped topping over cooled cake evenly.
Step 7: Prepare Ganache Drizzle
- Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth.
- Transfer melted ganache into a zip-lock bag and cut off one corner to pipe over the top of your cake.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to create swirls with the ganache for decoration.
Now you have a show-stopping Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every slice!
How to Serve Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its appeal. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement this rich treat perfectly.
Enjoy with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing, vanilla ice cream balances the chocolate richness of the cake.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Adds a refreshing twist and a pop of color to your dessert plate.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the cake.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas provide an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the chocolate.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Caramel Sauce: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the cake’s sweetness.
- Raspberry Sauce: This tangy sauce adds a beautiful color contrast and a fruity flavor burst.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans can bring warmth and depth to the dessert experience.
Serve with Coffee
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: A cup of coffee serves as a perfect accompaniment, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Espresso: For those who prefer a stronger flavor, espresso pairs well with rich desserts like this poke cake.
How to Perfect Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
To ensure your Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the cake batter, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Check Cake Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
- Cool Before Topping: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent melting and sogginess.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts or flavored chips in place of chocolate for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Serving side dishes alongside Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake can create a complete dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds extra indulgence and can be dolloped on each slice.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast, making it lighter on the palate after rich chocolate cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, can balance out the sweetness beautifully.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These are not only visually appealing but also enhance the chocolate theme of your dessert table.
- Brownie Bites: Mini brownies can elevate your dessert offering while keeping with the chocolate decadence.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in different flavors for variety alongside your poke cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes that can affect your cake’s success.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool before adding the filling is key. If you pour the chocolate ganache into a hot cake, it may not soak in properly.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is crucial in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk to ensure the right texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Using warm ganache: Pouring warm ganache into the holes can make it runny. Let it cool to a pourable consistency before using.
- Neglecting toppings: Skipping the whipped cream topping can result in a less decadent dessert. The marshmallow fluff adds essential flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Freezing Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake.
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade chocolate cake! Just ensure it is baked in a similar size pan.
How long does this Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake last?
When stored properly, this cake lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months if frozen.
What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff?
You can substitute with homemade marshmallow or even whipped cream mixed with powdered sugar as an alternative topping.
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake, use gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check all other ingredients for gluten content.
Final Thoughts
The Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for any chocolate lover. Its rich flavors combined with light textures create an irresistible treat. You can customize it by adding nuts or different toppings, making it versatile for any occasion!
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 16 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this heavenly Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake. This delightful treat features a moist chocolate cake that is punctured to create pockets for a luscious filling of sweetened condensed milk and rich chocolate ganache. Topped with a fluffy marshmallow whipped cream, it’s the perfect combination of creamy and decadent flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, this poke cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it chilled or warm, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box Devils Food Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (for filling)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (for topping)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 7 oz marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake mix per package instructions; bake in greased 9×13 pan for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled slightly, poke holes in the cake with a wooden spoon handle.
- Microwave condensed milk, chocolate chips, and heavy cream until smooth; pour into holes.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating until fully chilled.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; fold in marshmallow fluff and spread over cooled cake.
- Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream for ganache; drizzle over the top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
