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Decadent Hot Cocoa Poke Cake

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A cozy, indulgent chocolate poke cake soaked with a homemade hot cocoa mix and topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for chilly evenings and simple to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 cup hot water (warm but not boiling)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch processed if possible)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings or sprinkles, dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the cake mix box instructions, combining cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth but do not overbeat.
  3. Pour batter into the baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake using a wooden skewer or fork.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla with hot water until smooth. Pour this mixture gently over the cake, letting it seep into the holes evenly. Slightly shake the pan to distribute the cocoa mix.
  6. Let the cake cool completely so the cocoa mixture sets inside.
  7. In a chilled bowl, beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  8. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  9. Add optional toppings such as mini marshmallows or a dusting of cocoa powder.
  10. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Space poke holes about 1 inch apart for best cocoa absorption. Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for smoother flavor. Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping frosting for better texture. Let cake chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture. Variations include adding peppermint extract for a minty twist or using gluten-free cake mix for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa poke cake, chocolate poke cake, easy chocolate dessert, cozy dessert, homemade hot cocoa cake, chocolate cake with frosting

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/decadent-hot-cocoa-poke-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-dessert-idea/