Name: Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 chocolate cake mix (including the ingredients called for on the box); 1 (12.8 oz) jar of hot fudge; 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups milk; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon mint extract; Green food coloring, a few drops; 1 cup Andes mint chopped candies

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 44 reviews

If you have a soft spot for minty chocolate desserts that feel like a little slice of heaven, you are going to adore this Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe. Combining rich chocolate cake, gooey hot fudge, creamy pudding, and that unmistakable refreshing mint flavor from Andes candies, this dessert strikes an unbeatable balance between indulgence and fun. Whether it’s a family celebration, a potluck, or just a weekend treat, this poke cake brings layers of lusciousness that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dessert in a clear glass square dish with three visible layers: a dark brown base layer, a thick light green middle layer with a smooth, creamy texture, and a top layer sprinkled with small dark brown and white square chocolate pieces and tiny dark brown chocolate chips, evenly spread over the green layer. A piece is cut out and placed on a white plate in the bottom right corner, showing the layers clearly. The dish sits on a tan and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface with a wooden block that has a green label in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe is easier than you might think, thanks to a straightforward list of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the chocolate cake forms the sturdy, moist base; hot fudge seeps into those poked holes to add decadence; pudding and whipped topping bring creaminess and lightness; and of course, the green food coloring and Andes mint candies add vibrant color and signature mint-chocolate flair.

Chocolate cake mix (including box ingredients): The foundation of the dessert, providing a rich and fluffy texture that soaks up all the tasty fillings.
12.8 oz jar of hot fudge: Smooth and sweet, it melts perfectly into the cake’s holes for that ooey-gooey chocolate goodness.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Adds a silky layer of chocolate creaminess that complements the cake without weighing it down.
2 cups milk: Used to prepare the pudding mix, balancing richness with moisture.
2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, it creates a light minty topping.
1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while helping it to stiffen up nicely.
1/2 tsp mint extract: Infuses the whipped topping with that iconic Andes Mint flavor in every bite.
Green food coloring: Just a few drops make the mint topping visually pop, giving it that classic minty vibe.
1 cup Andes mint chopped candies: The pièce de résistance, adding crunch and bursts of mint-chocolate goodness sprinkled on top.

How to Make Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get your 13×9 inch baking dish ready by greasing and flouring it. This simple prep step ensures that your cake will come out easily and maintain its shape after baking—no one wants to lose that perfect structure before getting to the best part, the fillings.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Cake

Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter. Pour it evenly into your prepped pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The chocolate cake here needs to be moist yet firm to hold all the delicious layers that follow.

Step 3: Poke the Cake and Add Hot Fudge

Once your cake has cooled slightly but is still warm enough to absorb flavors, carefully poke holes all over the surface using something like a wooden spoon handle. Next, heat the jar of hot fudge in the microwave for about 30 seconds to get it smooth and pourable. Drizzle the hot fudge generously over the cake, letting it seep into every little crevice you just poked—this is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Pudding Layer

Let the cake cool completely before mixing the instant pudding with 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk it well for around 2 minutes until thickened, then gently pour this chocolate pudding over the cooled cake. Pop it in the refrigerator for about an hour, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Whip the Creamy Mint Topping

Time to make the fluffy topping that makes this cake truly unforgettable. Whip your cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar and the mint extract, continuing to beat until you reach stiff peaks that hold their shape. Stir in green food coloring until the hue is just right, then spread the minty whipped cream evenly over your set pudding layer.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

Finish by sprinkling chopped Andes mint candies all over the top for a little crunch and extra bursts of mint chocolate flavor. Store the cake in the refrigerator and give it time to chill completely—this helps all the layers perfect their harmony.

How to Serve Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe

A square piece of dark chocolate cake with a thick, smooth layer of light green frosting on top, sprinkled with small chocolate curls. The cake looks moist and dense with a few chocolate bits inside. The slice sits on a white plate, placed on a beige checkered cloth, with the rest of the cake in a clear glass baking dish in the background. The background includes a white marbled surface and a green sign partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkling of extra chopped Andes candies adds texture and makes your Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe visually irresistible. You can also add a few whole candies for that elegant touch or a light dusting of cocoa powder for contrast. Mint leaves can provide a fresh pop of green and an aromatic hint.

Side Dishes

Serve this poke cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pairing cold creaminess with warm, rich cake. Fresh berries or a fruit salad can help to balance the dessert’s richness with their bright, juicy flavors. A cup of hot coffee or mint tea rounds out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Andes Mint Poke Cake into individual trifle glasses for mini layered desserts, or arrange slices on a decorative platter with extra crushed Andes candies sprinkled around for visual drama. For gatherings, a cake stand elevates it, literally and figuratively, making it the centerpiece dessert everyone will flock to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap. This will maintain the freshness and moisture for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually develop more depth after a day, so leftovers are a delicious bonus.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake if you want to save some for later. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped and stored properly, it can keep up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, and give the whip topping a gentle re-fluff if needed.

Reheating

Since this is a layered cake with pudding and whipped cream, reheating is best avoided. Instead, enjoy it chilled or bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture. Reheating may cause the toppings to separate or lose their fluffiness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake works wonderfully and adds a personal touch, but using a box mix keeps things quick and consistent—perfect for busy days when you want a stellar dessert fast.

Do I need to use green food coloring?

Green food coloring isn’t essential for flavor but it gives the whipped cream topping that classic mint look that makes the Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe visually fun and inviting. You can skip it or experiment with pastel shades for a different vibe.

What if I don’t have Andes mint candies?

You can substitute with any mint chocolate candies or even peppermint bark. The key is to have that cool mint flavor combined with chocolate crunch to mimic the original experience as closely as possible.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like dairy-free chocolate cake mix, non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, and dairy-free pudding, you can adapt this recipe. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

How far in advance can I prepare the cake?

This cake actually benefits from resting a few hours up to overnight in the fridge. That said, it’s best made no more than a day ahead to ensure the whipped topping is fresh and tasty when served.

Final Thoughts

Making the Andes Mint Poke Cake Recipe is like treating yourself to a perfectly layered dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of silky chocolate, minty whipped cream, and fudgy pockets make every bite a celebration of flavors. I encourage you to dive into this recipe—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will easily become one of your favorite go-to desserts for any occasion.