Peppermint Poke Cake (Print Version)
Soft chocolate cake soaked with peppermint pudding, chilled and topped with whipped topping and crushed candies.
# What You Need:
→ Cake
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
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 Prepare:
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 following package directions until batter is smooth.
03 - Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
04 - Cool cake for 10 to 15 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes across the surface, approximately 1 inch apart.
05 - In a medium bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring until thickened, about 2 minutes.
06 - Pour pudding evenly over the cake, spreading and pressing gently with a spatula to fill the holes.
07 - Cover pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until pudding is set.
08 - Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over chilled cake.
09 - Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or chips if desired.
10 - Cut cake into squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The ease of boxed cake mix with the surprise of a cool, minty filling is a shortcut you have to try at least once.
- It looks so festive topped with vibrant crushed peppermint candies, but nobody guesses how little effort it takes.
02 -
- If you rush pouring the pudding before it thickens, it can run right through your cake and pool at the bottom—ask me how I know.
- Crushing peppermint candies is easier if you freeze them for 10 minutes first—they shatter instead of getting sticky.
03 -
- If you want more mint, sprinkle a few drops of extract into the cake batter but don&apost overdo it.
- Let the whipped topping thaw fully in the fridge for the silkiest finish on top—it spreads so much better.