Peppermint Poke Cake (Printable)
Chocolate cake soaked with peppermint pudding, chilled and topped with whipped topping and crushed candies.
# What You'll 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 Layer
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 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 oil. Beat according to package directions until smooth.
03 - Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
04 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
05 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly over the cake, spacing about 1 inch apart.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix, cold milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring, if using, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
07 - Immediately pour pudding over cake, gently spreading and pressing it into holes with a spatula.
08 - Cover and refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour, or until pudding is set.
09 - Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over chilled cake.
10 - Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, if using.
11 - Slice and serve cold.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- This cake hides a secret layer of cool peppermint pudding that surprises everyone with the first forkful.
- The crushed peppermint on top gives every bite a festive crunch — it instantly became my go-to for potlucks and parties.
02 -
- If the pudding isn’t poured while thick but still pourable, it won’t seep into the cake and can sit awkwardly on top.
- I learned to poke the holes slightly wider than I thought necessary for that dramatic pudding layer everyone loves.
03 -
- Don’t skip letting the cake cool before poking—the holes will hold better and not tear the crumb.
- A tiny bit of extra peppermint extract in the pudding, but not too much, makes the flavor shine without turning overpowering.