Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is an indulgent dessert that any chocolate lover will adore. This delightful cake combines rich chocolate flavors with a sweetened condensed milk ganache, topped with fluffy marshmallow whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake stands out for its moist texture and playful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious cake.
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate and marshmallow creates a rich taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for various occasions, this poke cake works well at family gatherings or as an everyday treat.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in the fridge overnight.
- Impressive Presentation: The swirled ganache topping adds a professional touch to your homemade dessert.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help streamline the baking process and ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zip-lock bags
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 cake pan: The perfect size for baking your poke cake evenly.
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream effortless, ensuring you achieve stiff peaks quickly for the topping.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 15.25 oz box Devils Food Chocolate Cake Mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
For the Filling
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For the Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 7 oz. (about 2 cups) marshmallow fluff
For the Ganache Drizzle
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
How to Make Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Bake your cake according to the box directions in a 9×13 cake pan.
Step 2: Poke Holes
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake. Set aside to cool slightly before preparing the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and chocolate chips. Microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth. Stir until fully melted; it should be pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, reheat slightly. If it’s too thin, let it cool to thicken a bit. Transfer this mixture into a measuring jug and pour it into the holes of the cake. Spread any remaining mixture on top of the cake. Allow it to cool for about an hour before refrigerating until completely chilled.
Step 4: Make the Topping
Whip heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Gradually mix in marshmallow fluff until well combined. Spread this mixture over the cooled cake.
Step 5: Drizzle with Ganache
Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth. Transfer this mixture into a zip-lock bag; cut off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the chocolate ganache over the top of your cake and use a toothpick or skewer to create swirls for decoration.
Enjoy serving this delectable Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake at your next gathering!
How to Serve Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a comforting dessert at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
For a Classic Dessert
- Serve chilled: This cake is best served cold, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Pair with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the richness of the cake perfectly.
With Fresh Fruits
- Add strawberries: Freshly sliced strawberries add a refreshing touch and balance the sweetness.
- Include raspberries: The tartness of raspberries contrasts wonderfully with the sweet marshmallow topping.
As a Party Treat
- Create mini servings: Cut the cake into small squares and serve on dessert plates for easy sharing.
- Use decorative plates: Presenting each piece on vibrant, fun plates can elevate your dessert table.
With Drizzled Sauces
- Top with caramel sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Use chocolate syrup: A simple chocolate drizzle enhances the cake’s indulgent appeal.
How to Perfect Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
Perfecting your Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature helps in creating a smoother batter.
- Poke evenly: When poking holes in the cake, make sure they are evenly spaced for better absorption of the filling.
- Chill before serving: Letting the cake chill in the refrigerator allows the ganache and topping to set properly, resulting in better texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or peppermint to customize your poke cake flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
To complement your Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake, consider pairing it with these delicious side dishes. They will enhance your meal and provide delightful contrasts.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances out the rich chocolate flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing counterpoint to the dense cake.
- Chocolate Mousse – Light and airy, chocolate mousse makes an elegant partner for this decadent dessert.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of softness and sweetness.
- Coffee or Espresso – A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate flavor while providing a cozy touch.
- Cheesecake Bites – These small bites offer creamy richness that pairs well with the chocolatey goodness of poke cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake, a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for a perfect dessert.
- Skipping the cooling step: Make sure to allow the cake to cool before adding the filling. This prevents the chocolate ganache from sinking too much into the cake.
- Not poking enough holes: Poking holes all over the cake ensures that every piece gets a taste of the chocolate ganache. Don’t skimp on this step!
- Using cold ingredients: Let your heavy cream and other ingredients come to room temperature before whipping them. This helps achieve better volume and texture in your whipped topping.
- Rushing the chilling process: Allowing the cake to chill completely is essential for setting. Patience will pay off with a well-structured dessert.
- Forgetting to mix well: When preparing the ganache, make sure to stir until fully smooth. An uneven mixture can lead to inconsistent flavors in your poke cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm but not hot.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake.
Can I use different types of cake mix?
Yes! While this recipe uses Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet.
How do I make my Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake even more chocolatey?
Consider adding chocolate syrup drizzles or using dark chocolate chips in the ganache for an extra rich flavor.
What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?
You can make a homemade version by mixing powdered sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites. Alternatively, whipped cream can be used as a topping.
How long does it take to prepare this poke cake?
The total time is approximately 1 hour, including baking and cooling. Prep time is around 30 minutes while cooking takes another 30 minutes.
Can I customize toppings on my Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, sprinkles, or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different flavors or toppings as desired. Give this delightful recipe a try and impress your guests with its decadent layers!
Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake, a heavenly treat that combines rich chocolate cake with a luscious sweetened condensed milk filling. Topped with fluffy marshmallow whipped cream and a decadent chocolate ganache drizzle, this dessert is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Its moist texture and playful presentation will leave your guests asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and make ahead, this poke cake delivers impressive flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box Devil's Food Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (for filling)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (for topping)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 7 oz marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and bake the cake according to package instructions in a 9×13 pan.
- Once baked, poke holes in the warm cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- For the filling, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl; heat until smooth.
- Pour filling into holes of the cake; refrigerate until chilled.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form; fold in marshmallow fluff and spread over cooled cake.
- Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream for ganache; drizzle over the top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
