Chocolate Poke Cake

Chocolate lovers, get ready. This simple chocolate poke cake dessert packs so much chocolate in each little bite. It starts off with a decadent chocolate cake which is moist and rich in chocolate. Once baked, it’s filled with a chocolate sauce and then topped with silky smooth chocolate frosting. Told you it was simple! And the best thing is, it’s a crowd pleaser! I guess you’re taking it to your next gathering now right?

Nick’s favorite thing…

I absolutely adore how simple this cake is to make but how delicious it is. It’s no secret that I have a deep adoration for all things chocolate. This cake celebrates that but in such a simple and delicious way. I love the addition of coffee in it too because it helps elevate the chocolate flavor in such a spectacular way.

You know what I love the most? The salt on top. Let me tell you why…

What does Chocolate Poke Cake taste like?

The salt on top, coupled with the coffee helps elevate chocolate in a really interesting way. The coffee intensifies the chocolate, but the salt makes it tastier and almost contrasts the sweetness making the cake even more delicious!

What are the ingredients I need?

Boiling water – the boiling water in this recipe will help dissolve the coffee powder and make this cake so much more moist!

Instant coffee powder – This is instant coffee powder that will help elevate the chocolate flavor.

Buttermilk – the buttermilk helps make the cake more moist. You can use milk in it’s place.

All-purpose flour – also known as plain flour.

Cocoa powder – this is unsweetened cocoa powder.

Baking powder – this will help the cake rise.

Bicarb soda – also known as baking soda.

Salt – I used fine salt.

Unsalted butter – you can use salted if you wish.

Caster sugar – also known as superfine.

Brown sugar – light dark or regular will work.

Vanilla extract – always use good quality vanilla extract. Especialy in chocolate desserts. It makes all the difference!

Eggs – I used large eggs.

Sweetened condensed milk – regular or skim is fine. (not pictured)

Dark chocolate – I used dark (semi-sweet) cooking chocolate.

Powdered sugar – also known as icing sugar.

Sea salt flakes – This is optional but so recommended!1

Let’s go through each step.

Cake

1. Add the boiling water and instant coffee powder to a large heat proof jug and whisk until dissolved.
2. Add the buttermilk and whisk. Set aside.

3. To a large mixing bowl add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarb soda and salt and use a whisk to combine. Set aside.
4. To a separate large mixing bowl add the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk using an electric hand mixer until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes.

5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing each time and scraping before each addition.
6. Next, Add half the dry ingredients and half the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.

7. Add the remaining wet and dry and repeat.
8. Pour the batter into the baking tin and spread using a spatula. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes. Once baked, allow to cool completely.

Chocolate Glaze

1. Add the chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and salt to a heatproof bowl
2. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time until smooth. About 90 seconds.

3. Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the chocolate cake.
4. Pour the warm chocolate glaze on top.

5. Spread around to fill all the holes. Set aside to cool at room temperature.

Frosting

1. Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until pale and fluffy.
2. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and salt and mix on low speed to begin with until no dry ingredients are showing. Gradually go up to high speed for 3-4 minutes until well combined. Scraping down at least once to make sure everything is mixed properly.

3. Spread the frosting on top of the cake.
4. Finish by sprinkling with chocolate shavings

5. And sea salt flakes.

My Top Tips!

• When pouring the chocolate syrup on top, don’t wait for it to cool. Do it as soon as it’s finished being made while it’s warm so that it soaks into the cake.
• Pop the kettle on for the boiling water part. You won’t regret it. It makes the cake even more moist!

Gave this a go? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Hungry for more? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok for more great recipes!

Other Recipes You Might Like!

• Chocolate Cake – this is my tried and tested chocolate cake recipe!

• Flourless Chocolate Cake – gluten free and simply divine!

• Double Chocolate Mousse Cake – Like eating chocolate air!

• Easy Chocolate S’mores Cake – indulgent chocolate cake!

• Chocolate orange Cupcakes – Classic flavor combo!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @thescranline on Facebook and Instagram!