Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake Recipe

Do you love coffee and chocolate? Then you're in for a real treat with this irresistible Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake. This rich, moist dessert combines the best of both worlds: the bold flavor of espresso and the sweet, creamy indulgence of mocha. Perfect for coffee lovers, this poke cake is the ultimate dessert for special occasions or when you just want to pamper yourself with something heavenly. Keep reading to learn how to make this crowd-pleaser from scratch!

this Recipe

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What is an Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake?

An Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake is a rich chocolate cake that’s poked with holes after baking, and then filled with a luscious espresso-infused syrup. Once the cake absorbs all that flavorful espresso, it’s topped with a decadent mocha frosting or whipped topping. Each bite is an explosion of flavors—deliciously moist cake soaked in bold espresso and topped with a layer of creamy mocha goodness.

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Ingredients List for Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make the base of the cake:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup of whole milk
• ¼ cup of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of hot water

Ingredients List for the Espresso Infusion and Mocha Topping:

For the espresso filling and mocha topping, you'll need:

• 1 cup of freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ¼ cup of powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoon of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder (for stronger flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

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Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to customize your Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients like baking soda and cocoa powder are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy options such as almond milk and coconut cream. Be sure to check that the sweetened condensed milk is also dairy-free, as many stores now sell coconut-based versions.
• Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated espresso or coffee if you prefer to reduce the caffeine content but still want the rich flavor of coffee in your cake.
• Alcoholic Twist: For an adult version, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Baileys into the espresso mixture for an extra depth of flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down the process of making this delicious cake, step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer to beat everything together on medium speed until smooth.

Step 4: Add Hot Water

Gradually pour in the hot water while mixing. The batter will be thin, but this is what makes the cake so moist. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. Be sure to poke deep enough to allow the espresso filling to soak through.

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How to Cook Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 7: Prepare the Espresso Filling

While the cake is cooling, prepare the espresso filling. In a small bowl, combine freshly brewed espresso and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well mixed.

Step 8: Pour Espresso Mixture Over the Cake

Slowly pour the espresso mixture over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake absorb the espresso for at least 30 minutes, or until it is completely cool.

Step 9: Make the Mocha Whipped Topping

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder. Whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has absorbed all the espresso and has fully cooled, spread the mocha whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. You can use a spatula to smooth out the frosting or pipe it for a more decorative finish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Poking Deep Enough: Be sure to poke deep holes so the espresso mixture can soak all the way through the cake.
• Pouring the Espresso Too Quickly: Pour the espresso mixture slowly to give the cake enough time to absorb it. If you rush, the mixture may pool on top and not soak in properly.
• Not Letting the Cake Cool Before Adding Topping: Don’t frost the cake while it’s still warm, as this will cause the whipped topping to melt.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it. Here are a few ideas:

How to Serve Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake

• Chilled: This cake is best served chilled. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
• With Extra Coffee on the Side: Serve each slice with a shot of espresso or a cup of coffee to enhance the mocha flavor profile.
• Garnish with Chocolate Shavings or Espresso Beans: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each slice with chocolate curls, espresso beans, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

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Presentation Ideas for Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake

For a visually stunning presentation, consider these options:

• Layered Mocha Swirls: Use a piping bag with a star tip to create beautiful swirls of mocha whipped topping on each slice.
• Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a simple yet classy finish.
• Add Coffee-Themed Garnishes: Top each slice with a chocolate-covered espresso bean or a few finely ground coffee granules for an added touch of sophistication.

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Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavor improves as the espresso has more time to soak in!
• Whipped Topping Stability: If you want the whipped topping to hold its shape longer, you can add a stabilizer like gelatin or mascarpone cheese.
• Layering for Extra Flavor: For a layered effect, you can split the cake in half horizontally and add a layer of mocha frosting between the two layers before adding the final topping.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
A: Yes, you can use instant coffee, but the flavor may not be as strong. For best results, use espresso or strong brewed coffee.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this cake without the whipped topping. Once ready to serve, thaw it and add the mocha topping before serving.

Q: How long can I store the cake?
A: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it moist.

Q: Can I use a store-bought cake mix for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a chocolate cake mix will work. Just follow the instructions on the box for baking, and then proceed with the espresso infusion and toppings.

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Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the combination of coffee and chocolate, and this Espresso Infused Mocha Poke Cake delivers both flavors in an indulgent, satisfying dessert. Whether you're making it for a party or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its rich espresso filling and creamy mocha topping, it’s bound to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients and try this recipe today—your taste buds will thank you!

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