Peppermint Poke Cake (Print Version)
Chocolate cake soaked with peppermint vanilla pudding, chilled and topped with whipped topping and crushed candy canes.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Base
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 Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl, blend chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil as directed on the package until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
03 - Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes across surface spaced about 1 inch apart.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk instant pudding mix, cold milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using) for about 2 minutes until thickened. Immediately pour pudding evenly over the cake, spreading and gently pressing pudding into the holes with a spatula.
05 - Cover cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until pudding is set.
06 - Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake surface.
07 - Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips as desired.
08 - Cut into portions and serve chilled.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- A burst of mint tucked into every bite feels like a party trick for your taste buds.
- It looks festive but couldn't be easier to throw together, even with a bustling kitchen.
02 -
- Don’t rush the chilling time—the filling needs it to firm up or you’ll have a gooey mess.
- Sprinkling candies over the cake right before serving keeps them from melting into the topping.
03 -
- Use a measuring jug for pouring the pudding so you can direct it into each hole.
- Sneak a taste before chilling to make sure the peppermint flavor sings—if not, swirl in a drop more next time.