Chocolate-Cola Poke Cake

MAKES 1 (9 X 13-INCH) CAKE

Adding cola to a chocolate cake batter and then drizzling that cake with a delicious chocolate-and-cola syrup is an unbeatable combination! This cake is moist and bursting with flavor that can’t be beat.

Nonstick cooking spray

1 (15.25- to 18-ounce) box chocolate cake mix

Eggs and oil as directed on the cake mix box

1 cup cola-flavored soda (see Tip)

CHOCOLATE-COLA SYRUP:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup cola-flavored soda

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, substituting the cola-flavored soda for the water called for on the box. Bake according to the package directions for a 9 x 13-inch cake.

Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.

Poke holes evenly over the baked cake with a drinking straw.

MAKE THE CHOCOLATE-COLA SYRUP: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the cocoa powder. Stir in the soda and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth.

Slowly pour the Chocolate-Cola Syrup over the cake and use the tip of a table knife to smooth and fill the holes. Cover and refrigerate the cake for 1 hour.

Frost the cake with the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour or up to overnight before serving.

TIP

If the cake-mix box recommends an amount of water greater than 1 cup, add water to the soda so it equals the amount called for on the cake-mix box.