Chocolate Poke Cake with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Fudge
A decadent chocolate cake made by poking holes throughout a baked chocolate cake and flooding it with sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge. The liquids soak into the cake, creating pockets of rich sweetness in every bite. Topped with whipped topping and crushed toffee candy bars, this crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any time you want an impressive cake without complicated techniques. The poke method ensures the cake stays incredibly moist and develops intense chocolate flavor as it sits.
Ingredients
- 1 18 1/4 ounce box betty crocker fudge cake mixany chocolate cake mix1:1
works with any brand
- 1 ⅓ cups water, for cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil, for cake mix
- 3 eggs, for cake mix
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 16 ounce jar mrs richardson's hot fudgechocolate syrup3/4 cup
less thick but still delicious
- 1 8 ounce container Cool Whip, to top
- 2 ⅞ ounces Skor candy bars, broken into pieces, to topHeath bars or crushed chocolate cookies1:1
similar crunch and sweetness
Instructions
- 1
Bake cake according to package directions
- 2
Immediately after baking poke holes all over cake with end of wooden spoon
- 3
Pour condensed milk over cake filling holes as much as possible using spatula to scrape milk from edges into holes
- 4
Melt hot fudge and pour over cake covering top and filling holes using spatula to scrape fudge from edges into holes
- 5
Before serving top with whipped topping and crushed candy bars to cover holes
Tips
Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to make evenly spaced holes about 1 inch apart for best absorption
Let the cake cool slightly before adding toppings so the condensed milk and fudge don't make the whipped topping melt
Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and set properly
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days
Can be made 1 day ahead, add whipped topping just before serving
Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't skip poking holes or the liquids won't absorb properly
Don't add whipped topping while cake is warm or it will melt
Substitutions
similar crunch and sweetness
works with any brand
less thick but still delicious
FAQ
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix
Yes, any chocolate cake recipe will work. Just make sure to poke the holes while the cake is still warm for best absorption of the liquids.
What if I don't have Skor or Heath bars
Crushed chocolate cookies, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips work well as alternatives for the topping crunch.
How long will this cake keep in the refrigerator
The cake will stay fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they meld together.