Preheat your oven to 175°C and prepare a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray or butter. Follow the box instructions to mix and bake the chocolate cake until a toothpick comes out clean today.

Let the chocolate cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes before you start the poking process. Cooling it slightly helps the cake hold its shape when you begin making the holes later today.

Use the round handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm chocolate cake. Ensure the holes are spaced evenly so every bite of your Pioneer Woman Espresso Poke Cake Recipe is soaked.

Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, cooled espresso, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl until very smooth. This mixture is the secret to getting that intense coffee flavor deep inside the moist cake crumb.

Slowly pour the espresso mixture over the entire cake and ensure it fills every single hole completely today. Use a spatula to spread it gently so the liquid absorbs into the cake very evenly and slowly.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least three hours. Chilling is the most important step in how to make Pioneer Woman Espresso Poke Cake taste professional and firm.

Spread the whipped topping over the surface of the chilled cake using a clean, large rubber spatula. If you love experimenting with rich silky toppings you might also enjoy making a homemade velvety cream that works beautifully on many chilled desserts.

This creamy layer adds a beautiful and light contrast to the rich chocolate and bold espresso flavors today.

Sprinkle the dark chocolate shavings over the top of the whipped topping for a very elegant finish. These shavings add a nice texture and make your homemade dessert look like a very expensive bakery treat.

Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into twelve even squares for your hungry party guests today. Wipe the knife with a clean cloth between cuts to keep the edges looking crisp and very neat.

Serve the chilled slices on small dessert plates and watch them disappear very quickly at your dinner party. This Pioneer Woman Espresso Poke Cake Recipe is best enjoyed while it is still cold from the fridge.