Red Wine Poke Cake

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a 9"-x-13” pan with cooking spray and dust with cocoa powder. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Place on cooling rack.

2 . Stage

In small sauce pan over medium heat, whisk together wine, water, and sugar. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until syrupy in consistency, 35 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes, then fold in whipped topping. 

3 . Stage

Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over cake. Pour red wine filling into poked holes and spread with a spatula. Refrigerate while making ganache. 

4 . Stage

Make ganache: Place chocolate chips in a large, heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cream, wine, and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly, 6 to 7 minutes. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit undisturbed, 5 minutes, before whisking together until smooth. Pour over cake and smooth with a spatula. Garnish with chocolate curls and return to refrigerator to set ganache, 20 to 25 minutes. Slice into squares and serve.