Yields: 15 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Bake & Cool time: Approx. 1.5 – 2 hours Chill time: 2.5+ hours total Calories: Approx. 531 kcal per serving
Indulge in this intensely chocolatey cake, featuring a moist chocolate base soaked in a rich chocolate-condensed milk mixture, and topped with a decadent mocha buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- Cooking spray
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting pan
- 1 box (standard size, approx. 15.25 oz / 432g) chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
For the Chocolate Poke Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (approx. 170g) semisweet chocolate chips, melted
For the Mocha Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups (approx. 300g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3/4 cup (approx. 70g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons instant espresso powder (New Addition)
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, plus potentially 1-2 tablespoons more
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer (hand-held or stand)
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or offset spatula
- Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease the 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray, then lightly dust the inside with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. Prepare the chocolate cake mix batter following the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake according to package directions (typically 25-35 minutes), or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke: Transfer the baked cake (still in the pan) to a wire rack and let it cool completely, about 1 hour. Once cool, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Make and Apply Poke Filling: Gently melt the semisweet chocolate chips either in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals (stirring well after each) or in a double boiler until smooth. In a small bowl, combine the melted chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk and stir until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the poked cake, using a spatula to gently spread it and encourage it into the holes.
- Chill Cake Base: Cover the cake pan loosely and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly.
- Prepare Mocha Frosting: While the cake chills, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, stir the instant espresso powder into the vanilla extract until dissolved. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar, sifted cocoa powder, and pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth. Add the espresso-vanilla mixture and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Beat again until the frosting is light, creamy, and holds peaks. If the frosting seems too stiff, beat in more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Frost and Garnish Cake: Remove the chilled cake from the refrigerator. Spread the mocha buttercream frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula or rubber spatula. Sprinkle generously with chocolate shavings or curls.
- Final Chill: Cover the cake loosely again and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the frosting to firm up.
- Serve: Cut the chilled cake into 15 portions. Serve cold. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 15)
- Calories: approx. 531 kcal
- Total Fat: approx. 27g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 16g
- Total Carbohydrates: approx. 70g
- Dietary Fiber: approx. 3g
- Total Sugars: approx. 55g
- Protein: approx. 4g* (estimate, depends heavily on cake mix brand)
- Sodium: approx. 180mg (estimate, depends heavily on cake mix brand and salt added)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in this modified recipe, including estimates for a standard chocolate cake mix preparation. Actual values may vary significantly based on specific brands of cake mix, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, cream fat content, and precise measurements.)
