CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE

CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE
We had this for Scott's birthday 2015.  I let the pudding sit too long and was too thick to go into holes.  It was still super yummy with it at the top. I thought the frosting would be too sweet but it all went well together and wasn't too sweet.  But there was lots of sugar...think next time I might try reducing it some.  Went really well with vanilla ice cream (Fred Meyer crushed vanilla bean - yum!)

Saw this on facebook; http;//www.spendwithpennies.com/chocolate-poke-cake

Cake
1 3/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs 
1 cup hot chocolate, cooled
1 T lemon juice
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla

Chocolate Pudding Layer
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
3 T cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 1/4 cup milk
1 T butter


Frosting
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cake
Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour a 9x13.  Combine milk & lemon juice and set aside.  Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda & baking powder in a large bowl.  Add eggs, hot chocolate, soured milk, oil and vanilla.  Beat medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into 9x13.  Bake 30-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Don't overcook.  Start checking at 30 minutes.  Pour warm pudding over warm cake.  Tap the pan allowing the pudding to seep into the cake.  Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. (Frost after slightly cooled - about 30 minutes)

Chocolate Pudding
In a saucepan combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt, mix well.  Add in cold milk, stir until combined.  Turn heat to medium high stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.  Allow to boil for 1 minute while stirring, remove from heat and stir in butter.  Allow to cool for 5 minutes stirring occasionally so a skin doesn't form on the top.

Poured Frosting
In a saucepan, combine milk, butter & sugar over medium high heat.  Bring to a rolling boil and allow to boil 45 seconds.  Remove from heat and add chocolate chips.  Whisk until smooth and shiny and immediately pour over the cake.  Refrigerate until set.