Peppermint Poke Cake (Printable Version)
Chocolate cake soaked with peppermint-vanilla pudding, chilled and finished with whipped topping and crushed peppermint.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
→ Peppermint Pudding Filling
05 - 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
06 - 2 cups cold milk
07 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
08 - 2 to 3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
→ Topping and Garnishes
09 - 1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
10 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
11 - Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Blend using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
03 - Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
04 - Allow cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create evenly spaced holes across the surface, approximately 1 inch apart.
05 - In a medium bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring if using. Whisk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
06 - Immediately pour prepared pudding over the cooled cake, spreading it gently and pressing pudding into each hole with a spatula.
07 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding is set throughout.
08 - Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
09 - Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the surface.
10 - Cut cake into pieces and serve chilled for optimal texture and flavor.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- The chocolate-mint surprise in every bite always gets people talking and smiling.
- It’s so easy to put together, but it looks (and tastes) as if you spent hours—my ultimate secret weapon for festive gatherings.
02 -
- If the cake is too hot, the pudding just disappears—patience pays off.
- Letting the poked cake briefly cool before pouring pudding makes every layer perfect and distinct.
03 -
- If you want peppermint flavor to sing, add a few drops to the cake batter itself.
- A thin knife or spatula helps spread pudding evenly, reaching every last hole for maximum creaminess.