Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake Recipe

Indulge in our Dreamy Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake Recipe

Chocolate lovers dream of decadent desserts that tantalize their taste buds with rich, velvety espresso infused mocha poke cake hiding layers of delightful surprise.

The deep, robust coffee notes dance perfectly with smooth chocolate undertones.

Each slice promises a heavenly journey through moist cake textures and intense flavors.

Creamy filling seeps into carefully poked holes, creating magical moisture in every bite.

Soft, indulgent layers promise a dessert experience that transcends ordinary sweet treats.

The combination of espresso and chocolate transforms an average cake into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

FAQs

  • What makes the espresso syrup special?

The espresso syrup combines brewed espresso and sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich, sweet liquid that adds intense coffee flavor and moisture to the cake when poked into the holes.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can substitute espresso with strong brewed instant coffee or dissolved coffee granules. Just ensure the coffee is concentrated and flavorful to maintain the recipe’s robust coffee profile.

  • How do I know when the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is fully baked. The cake should also have a slight spring when gently pressed in the center.

Espresso Mocha Poke Cake: What Makes It Stand Out

  • Brew Bold Flavors: This cake transforms ordinary dessert into a coffee lover's dream with rich espresso and mocha layers that dance on your taste buds.
  • Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Impressive Party Pleaser: Wow guests with a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but can be prepared in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.
  • Chill and Enjoy: The refrigeration process intensifies the mocha flavor, creating a cool, refreshing treat that's perfect for beating the heat and satisfying sweet cravings.

Gather These Essentials for Coffee and Chocolate Bliss

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure to the delicate cake.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture.
  • Milk: Provides smoothness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm background flavor.
  • Hot Espresso: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake.
Topping and Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk, Brewed Espresso: Creates a rich, sweet syrup that infuses the cake with intense coffee flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the creamy frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate depth to the frosting.
  • Coffee Granules: Enhances the mocha flavor of the whipped cream.

Quick Directions for an Impressive Dessert

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Crack in the eggs, pour in milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

Whisk everything until smooth.

Slowly drizzle in hot espresso, stirring gently to create a rich, velvety batter.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create Espresso Magic

Combine brewed espresso with sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl.

Grab a wooden spoon handle and poke holes all over the cooled cake.

Slowly drench the cake with the espresso mixture, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Step 4: Craft Mocha Whipped Cream

In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Gently fold in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Dissolved coffee granules
  • Vanilla extract

Continue whipping until the cream forms stiff, dreamy peaks.

Step 5: Frost with Flair

Spread the mocha whipped cream evenly across the chilled cake.

For an extra touch of elegance, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle chocolate shavings.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Slice and serve the cake straight from the refrigerator.

Each bite promises a burst of espresso-infused chocolatey bliss.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Moist Texture

  • Use freshly ground espresso beans for the most robust flavor and grind them just before brewing to ensure maximum taste and aroma.
  • Poke holes carefully and evenly across the cake to help the espresso syrup distribute uniformly, preventing soggy spots and ensuring each bite is consistently delicious.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip faster and achieve more stable, fluffy peaks with less effort.
  • Choose high-quality dark cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor that enhances the overall mocha experience.

Ideas for Flavor Swaps and Additions

  • Gluten-Free Espresso Mocha Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Coffee Lovers Cake: Substitute milk with almond milk, use coconut cream for whipped topping, and replace condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Espresso Chocolate Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, incorporate sugar-free chocolate powder, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining intense coffee and chocolate notes.
  • Vegan Coffee Mocha Poke Cake: Use flax eggs, coconut milk, vegetable oil, and dairy-free chocolate alternatives to create a completely plant-based dessert that retains the original recipe's decadent characteristics.

Serving Up Espresso Mocha Poke Cake with Style

  • Coffee Lover's Dream: Serve this cake at a cozy afternoon gathering with friends who appreciate rich, intense coffee flavors.
  • Weekend Dessert Delight: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the deep espresso notes and create a decadent experience.
  • Elegant Presentation Tip: Dust the top with cocoa powder in a delicate pattern or garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans for a sophisticated touch.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance, allowing the espresso syrup to fully penetrate and intensify the cake's flavor profile.

How to Store This Caffeinated Treat

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to slightly warm the cake. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to refresh the texture.
  • Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the whipped cream and enhance flavor.
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Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake Recipe

Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate espresso mocha poke cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its intense coffee-chocolate fusion. Creamy layers meld perfectly, offering a luxurious experience that satisfies deep chocolate cravings and provides a smooth, indulgent escape you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup hot coffee

Espresso and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups brewed espresso
  • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream and Pudding Ingredients:

  • 1 package (3.9 ounces/110 grams) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Cocoa powder
  • Chocolate-covered espresso beans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture.
  2. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, blending until smooth. Gradually introduce hot espresso, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent batter texture.
  3. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from the center. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Create an espresso syrup by mixing brewed espresso with sweetened condensed milk. Puncture the cooled cake thoroughly with a wooden spoon handle, creating multiple absorption points.
  5. Slowly drizzle the espresso syrup across the cake, ensuring it penetrates the created holes. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 1 hour to allow complete syrup absorption.
  6. Prepare the mocha whipped cream by whipping heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, dissolved coffee granules, and vanilla extract.
  7. Continue whipping the cream mixture until stiff peaks develop, creating a rich and stable frosting.
  8. Spread the mocha whipped cream evenly across the chilled cake, covering the surface completely. Optional: Dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle chocolate shavings for additional decoration.
  9. Refrigerate the cake until serving time. Slice and serve chilled to maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version.
  • Create dairy-free option by substituting milk with almond or oat milk, and using coconut cream for whipped topping.
  • Enhance coffee flavor by using dark roast espresso or adding espresso powder directly into cake batter for more intense taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 398 kcal
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 237 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 57 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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