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St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating Irish heritage, good food, and, of course, a little indulgence! And what better way to mark the occasion than with a luscious Irish Cream Poke Cake? This boozy, coffee-infused chocolate cake is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert, combining rich flavors, a creamy texture, and a festive kick of Irish cream liqueur.
If you love moist chocolate cake, espresso, and a fluffy whipped topping, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a special dessert to enjoy with family and friends.
So, let’s get baking and make your St. Patrick’s Day extra sweet! 🍫☕🍀
🎂 What Makes This Cake Special?
1. A Classic Poke Cake with an Irish Twist
Poke cakes are known for their ultra-moist texture, thanks to the delicious liquid filling that seeps into every bite. Instead of traditional fillings like pudding or Jell-O, this cake is soaked with a dreamy blend of sweetened condensed milk and Irish cream liqueur.
2. Coffee + Chocolate = Perfection ☕🍫
The combination of espresso and chocolate cake creates a deep, rich flavor that perfectly complements the Irish cream soak. If you love a good Irish coffee, you’ll adore this cake!
3. A Cloud of Whipped Irish Cream Topping
Forget boring frosting—this cake is crowned with a luxurious mousse-like topping made with espresso, heavy cream, and even more Irish cream. It’s light, fluffy, and simply irresistible.
4. Easy to Make, Hard to Resist
Using a boxed German chocolate cake mix makes this recipe super easy, while the homemade soak and whipped topping give it that homemade touch. The hardest part? Not sneaking a bite before serving!
🍀 Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe
🍽️ Servings: 12
⏱️ Prep Time: 30 mins
⏱️ Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
🥃 Ingredients
For the Cake:
✅ 1/2 cup vegetable oil (plus more for greasing)
✅ 3 Tbsp. instant espresso powder
✅ 1 (15.25-ounce) box German chocolate cake mix
✅ 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
For the Soak:
✅ 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
✅ 1 cup Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
For the Whipped Topping:
✅ 1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
✅ 1/4 cup powdered sugar
✅ 2 cups heavy whipping cream
✅ 2 Tbsp. instant espresso powder
✅ 1/2 cup Irish cream
For Garnish:
✅ Dark chocolate shavings
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Bake the Cake 🍰
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon espresso powder and 1 cup water.
3️⃣ Add the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil, then whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Prepare the Irish Cream Soak 🥃
1️⃣ In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup Irish cream.
Step 3: Poke & Soak the Cake
1️⃣ Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Using the rounded handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
3️⃣ Slowly pour the Irish cream soak over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
4️⃣ Let the cake cool completely (about 45 minutes).
Step 4: Make the Irish Cream Whipped Topping
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp espresso powder and ½ cup Irish cream until the espresso dissolves.
2️⃣ In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, stir together the pudding mix, powdered sugar, and espresso-Irish cream mixture.
3️⃣ With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
4️⃣ Increase to medium-high speed and beat until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 5: Assemble & Chill the Cake
1️⃣ Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
2️⃣ Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for the best flavor!).
Step 6: Garnish & Serve! 🍫
1️⃣ Just before serving, sprinkle the cake with dark chocolate shavings.
2️⃣ Slice, serve, and enjoy the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat! 🎉
🍀 Tips & Variations
✔️ Make It Family-Friendly:
Want to enjoy this cake without alcohol? Substitute:
- ½ cup of non-alcoholic Irish coffee creamer instead of Irish cream in the soak.
- ½ cup extra heavy cream in the topping.
✔️ Try Different Liqueurs:
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the Irish cream for Kahlúa (for a mocha vibe) or Amaretto (for a nutty twist).
✔️ Chocolate Lover’s Dream:
For an extra chocolatey kick, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before serving.
✔️ Perfect Pairing:
Serve this cake with a cup of Irish coffee (hot coffee + Irish cream) for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day experience! ☕🥃
Irish Cream Poke Cake
This Irish Cream Poke Cake is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! With its rich chocolate base, boozy Irish cream soak, and fluffy espresso-infused whipped topping, it’s a dessert that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just treating yourself, this cake will be the star of the show. 🍀✨
So, grab your whisk, pour yourself a glass of Irish cream, and let’s celebrate in the sweetest way possible!
Sláinte! 🥂 🍀
