MAKES 1 (9 X 13-INCH) CAKE
Cappuccino, lattes, and other coffee drinks took the country by storm a few years back when Starbucks and other shops began flavoring, frothing, and decorating the delicious hot drinks. Now, if baristas had a competition on what to serve with those coffee drinks, this delicious Cappuccino Poke Cake would surely win. Pour a cup and enjoy a piece of this poke cake.
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (15.25- to 18-ounce) box dark chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
CREAMY ESPRESSO SAUCE:
¼ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 cup vanilla chips
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl using a handheld mixer on low speed, beat together the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, oil, and espresso powder. Scrape down the sides of the bowl well and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
MAKE THE CREAMY ESPRESSO SAUCE: In a 2-cup microwave- safe glass bowl, stir together the heavy cream and espresso powder to combine. Stir in the vanilla chips. Microwave on Medium (50%) power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
Poke holes evenly over the baked cake using a drinking straw. Slowly pour the Creamy Espresso Sauce over the cake, filling all the holes. Let cool completely.
Frost the cake with the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight before serving.
Substitute Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or White Chocolate Frosting for the frozen whipped topping, if desired.
Do you like your cappuccino flavored? If so, stir 2 tablespoons flavored liquid coffee creamer into the warm and melted Creamy Espresso Sauce. Choose flavors such as hazelnut or amaretto, or use your favorite flavor.
Garnish the top of the cake with chocolate-covered espresso beans, if desired.