Peppermint Poke Cake (Printable View)
Chocolate cake filled with peppermint vanilla pudding, chilled and finished with whipped topping and crushed candy.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Cake
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
→ For the 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)
→ For the Topping
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)
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Blend with an electric mixer or whisk according to package directions until smooth.
03 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
04 - Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
05 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes over the entire surface of the cake, spacing about 1 inch apart.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using) until thickened, about 2 minutes.
07 - Immediately pour and gently spread the pudding over the cooled cake, using a spatula to press the filling into the holes.
08 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the filling is set.
09 - Evenly spread thawed whipped topping over the chilled cake.
10 - Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cake is lusciously moist as the peppermint pudding seeps into every bite, making leftovers just as good as the first slice.
- It’s satisfyingly easy to put together, even if you get a late-night craving or need a last-minute party treat.
02 -
- If you don’t let the cake cool at least 10 minutes, the pudding filling will run right through and make a mess.
- Chilling the assembled cake is non-negotiable for the poke effect: the pudding needs time to settle into the holes and create that dreamy texture.
03 -
- If you want bolder flavor, add a drop of peppermint extract to the whipped topping.
- To make neat slices, wipe your knife clean after each cut for defined layers.