Pudding Poke Cake
A delightful layered dessert featuring moist cake topped with creamy chocolate pudding, creating a rich and indulgent treat perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Its combination of soft cake and smooth pudding appeals to all ages, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake mix as directed on the package for a 13 x 9-inch cake.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Poke holes down through the cake to the pan with the round handle of a wooden spoon, spacing holes about 1 inch apart.
- Combine the pudding mix with the confectioners sugar in a large bowl.
- Gradually stir in the cold milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for no more than 1 minute.
- Quickly pour half of the pudding mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to fill the holes.
- Let the remaining pudding sit for 1 minute, then spoon and swirl it over the cake's surface.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. If you want to lighten the dessert, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk. You can also use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a double chocolate treat. Ensure the cake cools slightly before poking holes to prevent the pudding from running off.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pudding poke cake chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or whipped cream for added texture and flavor. Consider offering a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent touch. This cake is perfect for gatherings and complements other American recipes like Tarts.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm. Avoid heating the entire cake to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pudding Poke Cake contains roughly 433 calories, with 5g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix, such as vanilla or butterscotch. Each will give the cake a unique twist. Just ensure the pudding complements the cake flavor well.
How long does this cake need to chill?
Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the pudding to set properly and enhances the flavors. For the best texture, overnight chilling is recommended.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is great for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).