Name: Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake with Ganache and Shavings
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee; 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups whipped cream or chocolate frosting; 1 dark chocolate bar (for shaving)

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Decadent chocolate poke cake with ganache and shavings is an indulgent dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake base with a rich, glossy ganache poured into tiny holes, allowing every bite to be deeply chocolatey. Finished with whipped cream or frosting and chocolate shavings, it’s a treat that delivers flavor and texture in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is incredibly moist, intensely chocolaty, and visually appealing. The ganache seeps into the cake, making it rich and fudgy, while the shavings add a touch of elegance. It’s simple enough for casual gatherings and impressive enough for celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Hot water or brewed coffee

For the ganache:

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Heavy cream

For the topping:

Whipped cream or chocolate frosting
Dark chocolate bar (for shaving)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Combine with the dry ingredients.
Stir in hot water or coffee until smooth. The batter will be thin.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a wooden spoon handle.
Heat cream until just simmering, pour over chocolate chips, and stir to form a smooth ganache.
Pour ganache over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Once cool, spread whipped cream or frosting over the top, and finish with chocolate shavings.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling and topping time: 1 hour
Total time: about 2 hours

Variations

Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle salted caramel over the ganache before adding whipped cream.
Peanut Butter Version: Swirl melted peanut butter into the ganache before pouring.
Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of mint extract to the ganache and top with mint chocolate shavings.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top.

Storage/Reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. To freeze, wrap slices individually and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. This cake should not be reheated.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake poked with holes and filled with sauce or cream to infuse flavor and moisture.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, for convenience, use a chocolate cake mix and follow the poke and ganache steps as described.

How do I make smooth ganache?

Use high-quality chocolate and warm cream; stir gently until silky and fully combined.

Should I refrigerate this cake?

Yes, especially if topped with whipped cream. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Can I use milk chocolate for ganache?

Yes, but it will be sweeter and less intense than semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

Do I have to use whipped cream?

No, chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting also works beautifully.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes, it’s actually better after a few hours as the ganache sets and flavors meld.

What tool is best for poking holes?

A wooden spoon handle or a thick straw creates holes that are ideal for ganache to fill.

How do I make chocolate shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler on a room-temperature chocolate bar for delicate curls.

Is coffee necessary?

No, but it deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.

Conclusion

Decadent chocolate poke cake with ganache and shavings is a rich, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers intense chocolate flavor and luxurious texture. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, it’s a surefire favorite for any occasion.

Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake with Ganache and Shavings

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Decadent chocolate poke cake with ganache and shavings is a rich, moist dessert where chocolate ganache seeps into the cake, creating a deeply chocolaty bite. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls, it’s both elegant and indulgent.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Add to dry ingredients and mix.
Stir in hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and thin.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake is warm, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon.
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth ganache forms.
Pour ganache evenly over the cake, letting it fill the holes. Cool completely.
Spread whipped cream or chocolate frosting over the top.
Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings and sprinkle over the frosted cake. Chill before serving.

Notes

Use brewed coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor—it won’t make the cake taste like coffee.
The cake improves after a few hours as the ganache sets and flavors meld.
Chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting can be used instead of whipped cream.