Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like uniting the worlds of dessert and wine, and let me tell you, this red wine chocolate cake is pure magic on a plate—it’s like hosting a sophisticated party for your taste buds without ever leaving the kitchen!

Decadent and detailed, this poke cake hits all the right flavor notes. Red wine and chocolate combine beautifully, and although the former was a real keeper, we tinkered with the latter.

Indulgence is always the order of the day when it comes to these cakes, and this one is no exception. We fed the cake itself a bit of chocolate chip goodness.

Frost it, or top it with fresh whipped cream and berries, and you’re in chocolate-everything heaven.

Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; primary source of carbohydrates.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; high in simple carbohydrates.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants; offers intense chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent; helps cake rise.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent giving cake a light, airy texture.
• Red Wine: Contributes flavor and moisture; contains antioxidants.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide sweetness and depth; high in flavonoids.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; high in fat.
• Buttermilk: Contributes moisture; slightly tangy and helps with leavening.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moistness; provides essential fats for texture.

Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup red wine (additional for poking)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make this Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm it up. Prepare a cake pan that is 9 inches (23 cm) across and round in profile by greasing it.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine all of the following ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Using a whisk, mix them together well.

3. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients: the egg, buttermilk, 1/2 cup red wine, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until you have a smooth batter that is well mixed and homogeneous.

4. Transfer the mixture into the baking pan and even out the surface using a spatula.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then move it to a wire rack so that it can cool completely.

7. When it has cooled, take a skewer or fork and use it to make holes all over the top of the cake.

8. 1 cup of additional red wine poured slowly over the cake; allowing it to seep into the holes. Note: Improve wording to be more active.

9. To prepare the chocolate ganache, take a small saucepan and heat the heavy cream in it over medium heat. Don’t let it heat too long—just until it’s very close to simmering. Remove the saucepan from the burner, and pour in the chocolate chips. Stir the mixture until it’s completely smooth and homogeneous, which may take a minute or two. If the ganache seems excessively thick or if any bits of chocolate don’t seem to be melting, return the saucepan to low heat and continue stirring.

10. Spread the chocolate ganache over the cake that has been soaked with wine, taking care to ensure it is even. Wait until the ganache has set fully before you cut into the cake and serve it to your lucky guests. Enjoy!

Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9-inch round cake pan
3. Mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spatula
7. Toothpick or cake tester
8. Wire rack
9. Skewer or fork
10. Small saucepan
11. Stirring spoon (for ganache)
12. Knife or spreader (for ganache)
13. Serving plate

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour?There you have it! In a pinch, you can substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. But don’t use self-rising flour because it has baking powder and salt added.
• What type of red wine is best for this recipe?A dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the chocolate flavor and works well.
• Is there an alternative to buttermilk?You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and allowing it to sit for a few minutes.
• Can this cake be made without alcohol?Although red wine is a major flavor component, you can substitute with grape juice or milk, although you will change the flavor profile.
• How should I store the cake?Keep the cake in an air-tight container in the fridge for as long as 4-5 days.
• Can I make the poke cake ahead of time?It is possible to prepare the cake a day ahead, keeping it in the refrigerator until needed, and then decorating it just before serving.
• What can I use instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?Dark chocolate chips or small pieces of a chopped chocolate bar can be used as an alternative.

Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

All-purpose flour: Substitute a whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the same amount.
Coconut sugar or light brown sugar can replace granulated sugar in equal measure.
Buttermilk: Substitute with 1/2 cup milk combined with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Allow this to sit for 5 minutes before using.
Non-alcoholic red wine: Combine grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Oil, contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, with no trans fat or cholesterol. Replace the oil in any recipe for cookies or quick breads (like cornbread) with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or canola oil. Note: Canola oil has a slightly nutty taste, and coconut oil is quite robust. If replacing using either of these oils, expect a different flavor in your baked goods.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Make sure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a smoother cake texture.

2. Wine Quality Use a good-quality red wine for both the batter and the soaking step. The flavor of the wine will be infused into the cake, so choosing a wine you enjoy drinking will enhance the overall taste.

3. Ganache Texture Adjustment If your ganache is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of butter or more cream to achieve a smoother, shinier finish. This also adds a little extra richness to the ganache.

4. Cooling the Cake Allow the cake to cool completely before soaking it with the additional red wine. This ensures that the cake has set properly and can absorb the wine evenly without becoming too soggy.

5. Decorative Presentation For an extra touch, consider topping the ganache with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt. The contrast will enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor.