Dessert

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

Introduction

Warm, rich, and delightfully gooey, this Hot Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate chocolate treat for cozy nights. Layers of chocolate cake, marshmallow fluff, and creamy hot cocoa whipped cream come together for a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.

The image shows a square slice of layered dessert on a white plate with a textured pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown chocolate cake with lighter cream-colored spots embedded inside. Above this is a thin, uneven layer of thick, dark chocolate sauce spreading downward. Next, there is a thick, smooth light brown cream layer forming the main upper section of the dessert. The top is generously covered with small white marshmallows, drizzled with thin lines of dark chocolate sauce. One marshmallow sits on the plate near the dessert, and a silver fork is placed next to the plate. In the background, there is a blurred green bowl with white dots filled with more marshmallows, and some green pine branches with red berries are also softly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (oil, eggs, water)
2 cups marshmallow fluff
2 tablespoons water
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 cups mini marshmallows
Hot fudge sauce for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the cake in a 9 x 13-inch dish following the directions on the cake mix box. Allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cake about an inch apart. Poke down about two-thirds of the cake’s height, avoiding going all the way through.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallow fluff and 2 tablespoons water. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour or pipe the mixture into the holes, then spread the remaining fluff evenly over the top of the cake. Refrigerate the cake.
Step 4: In another microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted. Spread this chocolate mixture over the marshmallow layer and refrigerate until set.
Step 5: Beat 2 cups heavy whipping cream with vanilla and instant hot chocolate mix until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream mixture over the chilled cake and top with mini marshmallows.
Step 6: Before serving, drizzle with hot fudge sauce if desired for an extra touch of chocolate decadence.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Freeze mini marshmallows before garnishing to keep them fluffy longer.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the chocolate layer.
For a festive twist, add crushed peppermint candy on top along with mini marshmallows.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing to soften the whipped topping. This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated overnight for easy make-ahead dessert.

How to Serve

A square piece of cake sits on a white plate with a textured edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is dark brown chocolate cake with creamy white chunks inside, the middle layer is a light brown whipped cream or mousse, and the top layer is a pile of small white marshmallows. A rich dark chocolate drizzle flows over the marshmallows and slightly onto the sides of the middle layer. One marshmallow has fallen onto the plate at the front right corner. In the background, there is a green bowl with white marshmallows and some blurred colorful decorations, all on a softly lit white marbled setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! A moist homemade chocolate cake will work beautifully and add a personal touch to the recipe.

What can I substitute for marshmallow fluff?

You can use homemade marshmallow cream or melt mini marshmallows with a little water to create a similar texture.

Olivia Monroe