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The holiday season is here! This excites me because I get to enjoy all of my favorite holiday flavors, especially this Peppermint Mocha Poke Cake. It just doesn’t feel like the holidays until we go to Walmart and stock up on our favorite International Delight® Seasonal Creamers.
If you are like me, you have to spend the next month and a half savoring the pumpkin, peppermint, and sugar cookie everything, before they are gone until next season. I will have to stock up on International Delight® Seasonal Creamers so I can make the holidays last as long as possible.
International Delight® Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer is a great way to stir liquid holiday cheer into your daily cup of coffee. Not only does International Delight make the perfect cup of coffee, it’s also a great ingredient to use in recipes.
You can also add seasonal flavors to just about any baked good. Just replace all, or part, of the liquid in a recipe with your favorite flavor.
And, it’s not just baked goods, you can add International Delight® Creamers to homemade ice cream, no-bake cheesecakes, and dessert sauces. Have a look at my recipe for Sugar Cookie Ice Cream, it only requires 3 ingredients, and you don’t need an ice cream maker!
This recipe was originally published in November 2017 and updated in December 2025. The ingredients stayed the same, but the method was improved to include cooling time after the cake comes out of the oven and additional time for the pudding to set. New photos and a video were also added.
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Ingredient Photo: Peppermint Mocha Cake
Ingredient Notes and Swaps
- Cake Mix: I use any type of chocolate box cake mix—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, fudge, or devil’s food all work really well. Use whatever you have on hand because this recipe is super flexible.
- Peppermint Mocha Creamer: Instead of adding water to the cake batter, I use peppermint mocha creamer. It gives the cake a subtle mocha flavor with just the right hint of peppermint.
- Pudding: I like chocolate pudding for extra richness, but vanilla or cheesecake also taste amazing—there are really no wrong answers here.
- Eggs: Three room temperature large eggs help the cake mix blend smoothly and bake up fluffier.
- Oil: I use canola oil but vegetable oil works great too. An equal amount of melted butter or unsweetened applesauce are also great alternatives to oil.
- Milk: You’ll use milk to make the pudding. I recommend regular dairy milk for the best texture—other types may work, but they won’t set quite as firmly.
- Whipped Topping: I use Cool Whip because it’s quick and convenient, but homemade whipped cream also works if that’s more your style.
- Peppermint Candies: I usually chop up peppermint patties, but crushed peppermint candies like candy canes or starlight mints add a fun crunch and extra peppermint flavor.
How to Make Peppermint Mocha Poke Cake
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find more detailed instructions as well as ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
Mix the cake batter and pour it into a prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake according to the package directions.
Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then poke holes evenly across the top.
In a medium bowl, mix the pudding and milk until smooth.
Pour the pudding over the cake, using a spatula to gently spread it and help the pudding fill the holes.
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
Finish by sprinkling the chopped peppermint candies on top.
Storage
Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just use your favorite store bought or homemade gf chocolate cake.
Yes! This cake is actually better after a few hours in the fridge. Making it a day ahead gives the pudding and whipped topping time to fully set.
Absolutely. Any flavored coffee creamer will work. Peppermint mocha gives the strongest flavor, but vanilla, mocha, or even plain milk or water can be used.
At our house, when we make a pot of coffee everyone seems to gather around. There is something about a warm cup of coffee that attracts people. We always keep plenty of International Delight® creamers in the fridge, so everybody can personalize their cup of coffee with the flavor they love the most. I can’t actually pick a favorite, they are all so yummy!
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Peppermint Mocha Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 boxed chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup International Delight® Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding 3.9 ounces
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 tub whipped topping 8 ounces
- peppermint patty candies
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray.cooking spray
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, International Delight® Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer, eggs, and oil until well combined.1 boxed chocolate cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup International Delight® Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer, ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 34–38 minutes, or according to the package directions. Let the cake sit for about 5 minutes.
- While the cake is still warm, poke holes evenly over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- In a medium bowl, mix the pudding and milk. Pour it evenly over the cake, using a spatula to gently push the pudding into the holes. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.1 box instant chocolate pudding, 2 cups cold milk
- Carefully spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.1 tub whipped topping
- Top with chopped peppermint patties.peppermint patty candies
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Very good, everyone loves it… I used York peppermint pudding instead of chocolate. Wasn’t sure if cake was supposed to cool or not before adding the pudding so I poked hot then cooled then added pudding the. Cool whip, wasn’t sure if I should have don’t the rest hot too?
The cake cools a bit while I mix the pudding and let it set a few minutes. Then I top the pudding with the Cool Whip right after I put the pudding on. I put the Cool Whip on in several dollops and take care not to mix the Cool Whip into the pudding. I am glad everyone liked it!
Confession time: I have never made poke cake before! Your recipe looks so easy and delicious, I think I will give it a try soon! #client
They are yummy and the possibilities are nearly endless. Thanks!
That looks super rich and tempting!
Thanks, Angie!