Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake with Ganache and Shavings

This decadent chocolate poke cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that features a moist chocolate base soaked with luscious ganache and topped with silky whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Each bite is a luxurious blend of intense cocoa flavor and creamy textures—perfect for true chocolate enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is more than just moist—it’s infused. The poke technique allows the chocolate ganache to seep deep into the cake, ensuring every forkful is rich and flavorful. The fluffy whipped topping and chocolate shavings add a beautiful finish, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, or celebratory events where you want to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Hot water or brewed coffee
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (for ganache)
• Heavy cream (for ganache and topping)
• Powdered sugar (for whipped topping)
• Chocolate bar (for shavings)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients. Stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the top.
6. Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth to form ganache.
7. Pour the ganache slowly over the cake, letting it fill the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
8. Whip remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over cooled cake and top with chocolate shavings.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling and assembly time: 1 hour
Total time: about 2 hours

Variations

• Salted Caramel Version: Add a layer of caramel sauce before the whipped topping and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Mix a swirl of peanut butter into the ganache before pouring.
• Mocha Flavor: Add espresso powder to the cake batter and ganache for a coffee-chocolate blend.
• Frosting Swap: Use chocolate buttercream instead of whipped cream for a denser topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor and texture, allow slices to come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. This cake freezes well: wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a sheet cake that’s poked with holes after baking and filled with a liquid or sauce to enhance moisture and flavor.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, a chocolate cake mix can be used to save time. Follow the box instructions for baking.

How do I keep the ganache from pooling?

Pour slowly and spread with a spatula to ensure it flows evenly into the holes.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better the next day after the ganache has fully soaked into the cake.

How deep should I poke the holes?

Poke about two-thirds through the cake, deep enough to hold the ganache but not all the way to the bottom.

What kind of chocolate is best for ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich, smooth ganache.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used, though homemade has a fresher flavor.

What’s the best way to make chocolate shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler to shave a chocolate bar directly over the cake just before serving.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

Yes, because of the whipped topping and ganache, this cake should be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Decadent chocolate poke cake with ganache and shavings is a dessert that delivers on both flavor and presentation. With its deeply moist texture, creamy ganache filling, and elegant topping, it’s the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover. Whether for a casual get-together or a formal event, this cake is bound to impress and satisfy.

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