Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey into the realm of chocolate with our incredibly decadent Death By Chocolate Poke Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece designed for the most ardent chocolate enthusiasts. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake, lovingly poked with holes, then drenched in luscious dark chocolate pudding, followed by a generous layer of ooey-gooey chocolate sauce. But we don’t stop there! This sensational dessert is then crowned with a divine, mousse-like chocolate topping and finally, for that irresistible crunch and ultimate chocolate overload, a mountain of chopped dark chocolate candy bar. Can you truly handle this level of chocolate bliss? We dare you to try!

Death By Chocolate Poke Cake: A Symphony of Decadence

You might want to find a comfortable seat and perhaps say a little prayer, because what you are about to embark on is pure, unadulterated indulgence. This isn’t merely a dessert; it’s a declaration of love for chocolate. Our Death By Chocolate Poke Cake is designed to satisfy every conceivable chocolate craving, pushing the boundaries of richness and flavor without being overly complicated to prepare. If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that promises an explosion of chocolate in every bite, then this is the recipe you absolutely HAVE to make – and soon!

When a profound craving for chocolate strikes, there’s only one logical response: go all out! We’ve meticulously layered this cake with so much chocolate that we almost needed a chocolate intervention. But fear not, this isn’t just any chocolate; this is *serious* dark chocolate, designed to cure even the most severe chocolate deprivation. Each component is carefully selected to contribute to a multi-dimensional chocolate experience, ensuring every forkful is a revelation. From the deep cocoa notes of the cake to the creamy texture of the pudding and the satisfying chew of the candy bar, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and intense flavors.

Feast your eyes upon this majestic dark chocolate cake, a deep, rich foundation for the extravagance to come. It’s generously infused with luscious dark chocolate pudding, which seeps into every crevice, making the cake incredibly moist and flavorful. A cascade of warm, gooey dark chocolate topping coats the surface, adding another layer of intense cocoa. Marrying these sensational layers is a divine, mousse-like chocolate whipped topping that provides a light, airy contrast to the dense cake. And for good measure – because too much chocolate is never enough – we crown this masterpiece with a full, giant-sized dark chocolate bar, roughly chopped to provide delightful texture and an extra burst of chocolate in every bite. Truly, be still my heart! We told you this would be an experience!

For many, this cake is the embodiment of a dream come true – a chocolate fantasy brought to life. Others might simply wonder what irresistible temptation they’ve gotten themselves into! Apparently, some of us don’t need help finding temptation; we can conjure it all by ourselves, and lucky for you, we’ve found it and perfected it! This cake is an undeniable hit for any true chocolate lover, a guaranteed showstopper at potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. But be forewarned: people *WILL* ask for the recipe, so be sure to have it readily available to share your secret to chocolate nirvana.

Simple Ingredients for a Seriously Indulgent Chocolate Poke Cake

One of the beauties of this incredibly rich dessert is that it comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create this masterpiece. We leverage convenient pantry staples to build layers of complex chocolate flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Death By Chocolate Poke Cake:

Ingredients List:

• For the Cake:
• 1 package (15.25 oz.) dark chocolate cake mix (any brand you prefer for a rich base)
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 box (3.56 oz.) instant Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Pudding mix (or your favorite instant dark chocolate pudding)
• 2 cups cold milk (for the first pudding layer)
• 1 box (12.8 oz.) Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate topping (often found near ice cream toppings)
• For the Topping:
• 1 box (3.56 oz.) instant Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Pudding mix (the second box for the mousse-like layer)
• 2 cups cold milk (for the second pudding layer)
• 1 container (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip, for a light, airy texture)
• 1 Giant Hershey Dark Chocolate candy bar (6.8 oz.), roughly chopped (for garnish and an extra chocolate kick)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake

Creating this show-stopping dessert is easier than you might think! Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to bake your way to chocolate heaven. The key is allowing ample cooling time for the flavors to meld and the cake to properly set.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Base: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the dark chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan that has been lightly greased and floured. Bake as directed on the box until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Poke and Drench: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, while it’s still hot, prepare the first layer of pudding. In a medium bowl, whisk together one box of the instant dark chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Immediately, using the round handle of a wooden spoon or a similar blunt object, poke holes all over the surface of the hot cake, spacing them about an inch apart. Slowly and carefully pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the entire cake, making sure to fill each hole. This step is crucial for infusing the cake with incredible moisture and flavor.
3. Chocolate Topping Layer: Take the Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate topping and remove the lid. Microwave it for approximately 45 seconds, or until it becomes warm and pourable. This makes it easier to spread smoothly. Drizzle and spread this warmed chocolate topping evenly over the pudding-soaked cake. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling period is vital for the pudding and sauce to set properly.
4. Create the Mousse Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the second box of instant dark chocolate pudding mix with the remaining 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Then, gently and carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping. This creates a light, airy, mousse-like chocolate layer. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
5. Final Flourish and Chill: Take your giant dark chocolate candy bar and roughly chop it into small pieces. Sprinkle these chopped chocolate pieces generously over the top of the cake, creating a beautiful and delicious garnish. Once fully assembled, cover the cake and refrigerate it for a minimum of 4 hours. This chilling time allows all the layers to set, firm up, and for the flavors to fully meld together, resulting in the perfect texture and taste. Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting for Your Poke Cake Perfection

Even though this Death By Chocolate Poke Cake recipe is straightforward, a few tips and tricks can help ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time. If you have questions or encounter any issues, this section is here to guide you to chocolate success!

Poke Cake Pro Tips:

• Pudding Substitutions: If you’re having trouble locating Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Pudding mix at your local grocery store, don’t fret! Any brand of instant chocolate pudding mix will work wonderfully. For an even deeper chocolate flavor, you could even try a fudge or triple chocolate instant pudding.
• Finding Chocolate Topping: The chocolate topping is usually found in the baking aisle alongside other dessert sauces or in the ice cream aisle with other ice cream toppings. If you can’t find Hershey’s specific brand, a good quality hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup can be a suitable alternative. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its own layer.
• Ensuring Moistness: When pouring the first pudding layer, take your time. Pour slowly and steadily, allowing the pudding to truly seep into every hole and saturate the cake. This is what gives poke cakes their signature moist texture.
• Chilling is Key: Do not rush the refrigeration step! The minimum 4 hours allows the cake to fully absorb the pudding, the chocolate topping to set, and the mousse layer to firm up, creating distinct, delicious layers that hold together beautifully when sliced. Overnight chilling is even better!
• Cutting Clean Slices: For neat slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. Repeat this process for each slice. This prevents the chocolate layers from sticking to the knife and creates clean, impressive servings.
• Serving Suggestions: This cake is phenomenal on its own, but you can elevate it further with a dollop of extra whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings just before serving.
• Customizing the Candy Bar: While a Giant Hershey Dark Chocolate bar is recommended for its classic flavor and size, feel free to experiment with other dark chocolate bars, or even add some crushed chocolate cookies for extra texture.

With these insights, you’re well-equipped to create a truly spectacular Death By Chocolate Poke Cake that will be the talk of any gathering.

Discover More Irresistible Poke Cake Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of poke cakes, you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of these fun, flavor-infused desserts to explore. Each offers a unique twist on the classic concept, making them perfect for any season or occasion. Once you master the Death By Chocolate version, why not try one of these other fantastic poke cake creations?

Explore Our Other Delicious Poke Cake Creations:

• Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake: A fruity and vibrant option for those who love a tangy counterpoint to sweetness.
• Boozy Strawberry Margarita Poke Cake: A fun, adult-friendly dessert perfect for summer parties.
• Waffle Cherry Brownie Poke Cake: An inventive combination of textures and flavors for a truly unique dessert experience.
• The Ode to Elvis Poke Cake: A nod to the King with a peanut butter and banana twist.
• Chocolate Wasted Poke Cake: For those who thought “Death By Chocolate” wasn’t enough, this one takes it a step further!

Rating: 4.46 from 909 votes

Servings:

24
servings

Death By Chocolate Poke Cake

By
Jamie Sherman

This Death By Chocolate Poke Cake is for the serious chocolate lover! A chocolate cake that has been poked, filled, and covered with so much chocolate … Can you handle it?

Prep:

20
mins

Cook:

33
mins

Total:

53
mins

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Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Hand Mixer
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 package dark chocolate cake mix, 15.25 oz.
• Ingredients listed on the box to make the cake
• 1 box instant Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Pudding mix, 3.56 oz.
• 4 cups milk, divided
• 1 box Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate topping, 12.8 oz.

For the topping:

• 1 box instant Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Pudding mix, 3.56 oz.
• 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed, 8 oz.
• 1 Giant Hershey Dark Chocolate candy bar, chopped, 6.8 oz.

Instructions

1. Bake the cake according to package directions using a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the first pudding mix with 2 cups of milk in a medium bowl. Poke holes in the hot cake with the round end of a wooden spoon and slowly pour this mixture over the cake, trying to fill the holes.
3. Microwave the chocolate topping (with the lid off) for about 45 seconds or until it pours easily. Pour evenly over the top of the cake. Let the cake cool completely.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the second pudding mix with the additional 2 cups of milk. Carefully fold in the whipped topping. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the chopped candy bar over the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Store the cake (covered) in the refrigerator.

Notes

• If you cannot find Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Pudding at your local store – you may substitute any instant chocolate pudding in its place.
• The chocolate topping is typically found near the ice cream toppings section at most large grocery stores.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g,
Calories: 252kcal,
Carbohydrates: 37g,
Protein: 4g,
Fat: 10g,
Saturated Fat: 5g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g,
Trans Fat: 0.003g,
Cholesterol: 5mg,
Sodium: 336mg,
Potassium: 248mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 23g,
Vitamin A: 77IU,
Vitamin C: 0.03mg,
Calcium: 98mg,
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Originally published on July 25, 2016. Updated on June 21, 2020, and further expanded in 2023 for enhanced clarity and SEO.