Chocolate Espresso Poke Cake

Who doesn’t love a quick and easy dessert?  Chocolate espresso poke cake is simple to make and so rich and delicious.   It’s the perfect dessert for a table full of company or a family evening at home.

To make one chocolate espresso poke cake, you’ll need one chocolate cake mix plus all the ingredients called for on the package {eggs, oil, water}, 1 cup chocolate espresso chips {plain chocolate chips are a great substitute if you can’t find espresso flavor}, 2 boxes of instant chocolate pudding, 3 cups milk, 2 tablespoons instant powdered coffee granules, and whipped cream or cool whip.

Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan according to package instructions and let cool completely.

While the cake is cooling, whisk together both packages of chocolate pudding mix and 3 cups milk.  Refrigerate until it reaches pudding consistency.  In a small cup or bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons water with 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules and stir into the pudding.

Once the cake has cooled completely, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake.  I poke them about at about one inch intervals and poke through 3/4 of the cake’s thickness.

Spoon the coffee pudding mixture over the cake …

… and use a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Serve in squares with a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip on top and garnish with chocolate covered espresso beans or chocolate espresso chips.

The pudding sinks into all those holes, creating a moist and delicious cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

If you do happen to have leftovers, cover the pan with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Want another version of poke cake?  Try this pumpkin caramel poke cake {it sounds perfect for fall!}.

For more great dessert recipes, be sure to check out this chocolate espresso ganache cheesecake {can you tell I have a thing for coffee and chocolate flavors blended together?} …

… flavorful tortilla apple dumplings …

… and oven baked brownie s’mores.