This Chocolate Mocha Cake is a decadent chocolate poke cake with a creamy coffee-flavored pudding layer, topped with fluffy whipped cream and rich chocolate shavings. It's a poke cake recipe that's easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
Table of contents
The best part? This poke cake with pudding starts with a boxed cake mix, so it's simple yet absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, this is it!
Other poke cake recipes you might enjoy are Blueberry Poke Cake and Fresh Peach Poke Cake. Or, if you want to try something completely different, check out this delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake!
Why We Love This Chocolate Mocha Poke Cake
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients.
- A rich and moist chocolate poke cake that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- The instant coffee pudding gives it a mocha twist that coffee lovers will adore.
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Recipe Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Mix - Use your favorite brand of chocolate cake. I like using chocolate fudge cake mix or devil's food cake mix. Most all cake mixes call for water, oil, and eggs.
- Vanilla Pudding - You will need a small box of instant vanilla pudding mix.
- Instant Coffee - This is used to turn the vanilla pudding into a delicious coffee-flavored pudding! This pudding is delicious by itself with a bit of whipped topping!
- Whipped Topping - Cool Whip works great if you would rather use it than whipping your own cream.
- Chocolate Shavings - In place of the chocolate shavings, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the cake.
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven and prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Most cake mixes require water, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake as directed. Once baked, allow the cake to cool on a wire rack.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. If you prefer bigger holes, use a larger spoon handle to create space for the pudding to seep in.
Step 3: How to Make Instant Coffee Pudding
Dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water. Add milk to the mixture until it reaches 1¾ cups.
In a medium bowl, mix the coffee-infused milk with the instant pudding mix as per the package directions. Let the pudding thicken slightly, then pour it over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Refrigerate the cake while preparing the whipped topping.
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Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping
Beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until it thickens slightly. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until it forms soft peaks. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Shavings
Use a vegetable peeler to shave chocolate from the dark chocolate bar. Sprinkle the shavings over the cake for the perfect finishing touch.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the pudding to set. Slice, serve, and enjoy this rich and creamy chocolate mocha cake!
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FAQ's and Substitutions
A poke cake is a cake that has been poked with holes after baking and then filled with a liquid or pudding for added flavor and moisture.
A wooden spoon handle works great! The bigger the holes, the more pudding seeps in, making each bite extra delicious.
Since it has pudding and whipped cream, keep it covered in the fridge to prevent it from drying out.
If you want to save time, store-bought whipped topping works just as well.
Mom Tip
If you are not in the mood for cake but want a delicious dessert, make the coffee pudding and top it off with whipped topping. Super simple and yummy!
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Printable Recipe
Chocolate Mocha Cake - The Ultimate Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce Chocolate Cake Mix chocolate fudge or devil's food
- 3 Eggs *
- ½ cup Canola Oil * or vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ cup Water *
Mocha Pudding
- 3.4 ounce Vanilla Pudding
- 3 teaspoons Instant Coffee
- 1 tablespoon Hot Water
- 1 ¾ cups Milk
Whipped Topping
- 1 cup Whipping Cream
- ¼ cup Powdered Sugar
- .25 ounce Dark Chocolate Bar
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions. Cool the cake on a wire rack when it is done baking.
Make the Instant Coffee Pudding
- Put instant coffee granules in a two-cup measuring cup. Add about one tablespoon of hot water to dissolve the granules. Add milk to the coffee to equal 1 ¾ cups.
- Add the coffee/milk mixture to the instant pudding and mix according to the package directions. Let the pudding thicken slightly, then pour it over the cake, filling the holes.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator while making the whipped topping.
Prepare the Whipped Topping
- Beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until it thickens slightly. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until it forms soft peaks.
- Carefully spread the whipped topping over the cake.
Top with Chocolate Shavings
- Use a vegetable peeler on the chocolate bar to make chocolate shavings. Sprinkle the chocolate over the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for an hour or so. Serve and enjoy!
Susan
Hello! Can this be made with a homemade cake and in a 9” round cake pan?
Keri
Hi
I have not tried it. If you do let me know how it works!