Poke cakes are a beloved dessert for their incredible moistness and ease of preparation, and when you combine that with the trusted recipes of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, you’re in for a treat! This decadent chocolate poke cake, inspired by Ree’s style, is no exception. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a delightful homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
What makes poke cake so special? The magic lies in the “pokes” – holes made after baking that allow a luscious liquid to seep through, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful cake from the inside out. Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for their approachable style and comforting flavors, making them ideal for home bakers of all skill levels. Her take on poke cake elevates this classic dessert with rich chocolate flavors and a simple yet satisfying frosting.
This recipe adapts the essence of Pioneer Woman’s baking philosophy: generous portions, straightforward instructions, and maximum flavor payoff. Forget complicated techniques; this cake comes together with ease, promising a deeply chocolatey experience that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this Pioneer Woman inspired poke cake recipe a breeze to follow and a joy to share.
Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe – Pioneer Woman Inspired
This recipe uses readily available ingredients and simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Nonstick baking spray
- 1 (16-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Easy-to-Follow Instructions:
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Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package directions. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. For easy transport and extra depth, a disposable foil pan works wonderfully.
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Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the chocolate cake mix as directed on the package in your prepared pan. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly.
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Poke the Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or chopsticks to poke holes generously across the entire surface of the cake. Don’t be shy – the more holes, the moister the cake!
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Make the Chocolate Soak: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Alternatively, melt them in a double boiler on the stovetop. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup of milk until well combined.
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Soak the Cake: Slowly and evenly pour the chocolate mixture over the warm cake, making sure to saturate every part and let it seep into all those holes. This is where the magic happens! Allow the cake to cool completely, letting the chocolate soak in.
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Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, instant chocolate pudding mix, and cocoa powder. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
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Frost the Cake: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until it’s light and fluffy. Spread this luscious frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake.
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Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the top of the frosted cake generously with mini chocolate chips for added texture and visual appeal. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake with Dark Chocolate Chips and Sweetened Condensed Milk Soak
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Style Poke Cake
- Pan Perfection: Using a disposable foil pan, especially a deeper one, is ideal for poke cakes. It provides extra room for the soak and frosting, and makes transporting the cake a breeze.
- Chocolate Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips in the cake. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips would be delicious additions or substitutions.
- Frosting Fun: If you’re not a fan of whipped topping, you can use a classic chocolate buttercream frosting instead. For an extra Pioneer Woman touch, consider a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the rich chocolate cake.
- Make Ahead Magic: Poke cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert! You can bake and soak the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this decadent chocolate poke cake chilled for the best texture and flavor. It’s delicious on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream would make it even more indulgent.
This Pioneer Woman inspired chocolate poke cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and incredible taste make it perfect for any occasion. Bring it to your next potluck, enjoy it with your family, or simply treat yourself to a slice of chocolatey heaven. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a moist and flavorful dessert!
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