Description
Peppermint Poke Cake is the kind of easy dessert that instantly feels festive the moment it hits the table. This soft chocolate cake is soaked with a creamy peppermint filling, topped with a fluffy frosting layer, and finished with crushed candy canes for a cool holiday crunch. It is perfect for Christmas dessert spreads, easy party desserts, holiday baking, family gatherings, and make-ahead sweet treats when you want simple food ideas that still look special.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
5. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm cake.
6. In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
7. Slowly pour the peppermint mixture over the cake, making sure it sinks into the holes.
8. Let the cake cool completely.
9. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
11. Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake.
12. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top.
13. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not pour the filling over a completely cooled cake, or it will not soak in as well and you will miss that soft, creamy poke cake texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
Keywords: peppermint poke cake, holiday dessert, christmas cake, easy dessert, chocolate peppermint cake, make ahead dessert, party dessert, festive cake