Peppermint Poke Cake (Printable version)
Soft chocolate cake filled with peppermint vanilla pudding, chilled and topped with whipped cream and crushed candies.
# What you'll need:
→ For the Cake
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
→ For the Pudding Filling
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)
→ For the 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)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - Combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth, following box directions.
03 - Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
04 - Remove from oven and allow cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
05 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create holes all over the surface at 1-inch intervals.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring until thickened, about 2 minutes.
07 - Immediately pour pudding over cake. Use a spatula to gently press and spread pudding into the holes and across the surface.
08 - Cover pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set.
09 - Once chilled, evenly spread thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer.
10 - Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings or chips on top.
11 - Cut into squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together with a handful of shortcuts but looks like you spent hours—nobody ever suspects how easy it is!
- Every bite delivers creamy, minty comfort that works as both a crowd-pleasing showstopper and a weeknight treat.
02 -
- One year I rushed and poured hot pudding on the cake—the result was a soggy mess, so always let both cool before combining.
- If you crush candies ahead of time, they’ll turn sticky—break them up just before you decorate.
03 -
- Pouring the pudding very slowly lets it soak into every hole, creating perfect stripes of minty goodness.
- Sprinkle toppings just before serving—any earlier and humidity will melt your crunch.