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–+ servings

Peppermint Poke Cake

Sally Thompson
This festive Peppermint Poke Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert—cool, minty, creamy, and irresistibly chocolatey. With its rich devil’s food base, peppermint pudding center, and fluffy whipped topping sprinkled with crushed candy canes, this easy recipe is perfect for holiday parties, winter dessert ideas, and even make-ahead Christmas treats. If you're looking for a quick holiday dessert, this one delivers both flavor and flair without the stress. Ideal for holiday potlucks, easy baking ideas, and fun food ideas for Christmas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1 package 3.4 oz peppermint pudding mix (or vanilla pudding + 1/2 to 1 tsp peppermint extract)
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 container 8 oz whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions
 

  • 1. Preheat oven and prepare cake mix according to box instructions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch pan and bake as directed (usually 28–32 minutes).
  • 2. Let the cake cool for about 10–15 minutes.
  • 3. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart and two-thirds deep.
  • 4. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • 5. Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes with a spatula.
  • 6. Refrigerate the cake for 30–60 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
  • 7. Once chilled, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake.
  • 8. Right before serving, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the whipped topping.
  • 9. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Chill the cake thoroughly before adding the whipped topping to keep it firm and layered.
For best texture, crush candy canes just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Substitute vanilla pudding with peppermint extract if peppermint pudding isn't available.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 280mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32g
Keyword chocolate mint cake, Christmas cake, easy dessert, holiday cake, peppermint poke cake
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