Ingredients required for boxed cake mix or homemade cake (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
Filling Options (choose one or mix and match):
1boxinstant chocolate pudding mix + 2 cups milk3.9 oz
1cupcaramel sauce (slightly warmed)
1cupsweetened condensed milk
Toppings:
½cupswhipped cream or whipped topping
½cupchocolate ganacheoptional
½cupcrushed candy bars, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles
Instructions
Bake the Cake
Prepare the Batter: Make the chocolate cake batter according to the boxed mix instructions or your homemade recipe.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
Poke and Fill the Cake
Poke Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes throughout the cake, about 1 inch apart.
Prepare Filling: If using pudding, whisk the mix with milk until thickened. Warm caramel sauce slightly for easier pouring.
Fill the Cake: Pour the filling over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Spread any excess evenly across the surface.
Chill the Cake
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Add Toppings and Serve
Whipped Cream: Spread whipped cream or whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
Optional Ganache: Drizzle chocolate ganache over the whipped cream for extra richness.
Decorate: Add crushed candy bars, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for texture and presentation.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.