Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe: A Decadent Dessert for Adults
A playful, boozy twist on classic desserts that elevates any celebration.
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make yet utterly indulgent, look no further than Irish Cream Poke Cake. This playful, crowd-pleasing treat is perfect for celebrations, whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day, a dinner party, or any occasion that calls for something a little extra. With a chocolate cake base, a sweet and boozy soak, and a fluffy, coffee-laced topping, this cake is as delicious as it is memorable—just keep in mind, this is strictly for the adults!
What Is a Poke Cake?
If you’re not familiar with poke cakes, they’re exactly what they sound like: cakes that are baked, then “poked” with holes and filled with a delicious liquid or sauce—often Jell-O, sweetened condensed milk, or pudding—that infuses the cake with extra moisture and flavor. The result is a ultra-moist, decadent dessert that’s easy to slice and serve.
Why This Irish Cream Poke Cake Stands Out
What sets this Irish cream poke cake apart is its grown-up twist. Instead of the typical fruit or pudding fillings, this cake is soaked in a rich mixture of sweetened condensed milk and Irish cream liqueur, giving it an irresistible flavor and tender texture. The crowning glory is a fluffy, espresso-spiked whipped cream topping that ties everything together in coffee and cream harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll use mostly pantry staples and a few special ingredients to create a dessert that’s both accessible and a little bit fancy:
- Vegetable oil – for greasing the pan and adding moisture to the cake
- Instant espresso powder – for a deep coffee flavor throughout the cake and topping
- German chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz) – a convenient shortcut for rich chocolate flavor
- Eggs (large, at room temperature) – to bind the cake
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can) – for the luscious soak
- Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys, 1 cup total) – for an adults-only kick
- Vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz box) – to stabilize the whipped topping
- Powdered sugar – for sweetness in the topping
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups) – for a light, airy mousse
- Dark chocolate shavings – for garnish and an extra touch of indulgence
Directions: How to Make Irish Cream Poke Cake
This cake is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, thanks to the convenience of a cake mix and a few smart shortcuts. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little vegetable oil. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder with 1 cup of water until dissolved. Add the German chocolate cake mix, eggs, and ½ cup vegetable oil, then whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake the cake according to the package directions, usually 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Irish Cream Soak
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the can of sweetened condensed milk with ½ cup of Irish cream liqueur in a large measuring cup or medium bowl.
Using the rounded handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. Slowly pour the condensed milk and Irish cream mixture over the cake, letting the liquid seep into the holes and infuse every bite with creaminess and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely, about 45 minutes. This rest time lets the soak absorb, ensuring your cake is moist and delicious.
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Step 3: Prepare the Espresso-Irish Cream Topping
In another bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of Irish cream liqueur and 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder until the powder is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Whip Up the Mousse Topping
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the vanilla instant pudding mix, powdered sugar, and the espresso-Irish cream mixture. Start the mixer on low speed and gradually add the heavy whipping cream. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Increase the speed to medium-high and whip until the mixture is thick and holds stiff peaks, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spread the fluffy mousse topping evenly over the cooled cake. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set. Just before serving, garnish with dark chocolate shavings for a finishing touch.
Make It Kid-Friendly (Optional)
Because of the generous amount of Irish cream liqueur, this dessert is best reserved for adults. If you’re hosting a family-friendly event or just prefer an alcohol-free version, you can still capture the delicious flavors of Irish cream coffee without the booze:
- For the soak: Substitute ½ cup of non-alcoholic Irish coffee creamer for the Irish cream liqueur.
- For the topping: Replace the Irish cream liqueur with ½ cup of heavy cream.
- Follow the recipe directions as written for the best results.
This swap lets everyone enjoy the cake’s creamy, coffee-infused flavor without the alcohol.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This cake serves about 12–16, depending on how generously you slice it. It’s ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a special treat for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Here are some tips for serving and storing:
- Serving: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Pair with a cup of coffee or espresso for an extra decadent experience.
- Storage: This cake can be made up to one day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the cake and soak one day, chill, then add the mousse topping and garnish on the day you plan to serve.
Why This Recipe Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Irish Cream Poke Cake is a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- Easy Preparation: Using a cake mix and a few simple steps means anyone can pull this off, even if baking isn’t your forte.
- Wide Appeal: The combination of chocolate, coffee, and cream appeals to almost everyone, especially those who love Irish cream liqueur.
- Special Occasion Magic: It’s a little bit fancy, but not fussy—perfect for celebrations without the stress of complicated pastry techniques.
Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe at a Glance
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Bake Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling) |
| Servings | 12 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Variations and Additions
While this recipe is delicious as written, you can also get creative with variations:
- Change the Cake Flavor: Use a devil’s food or regular chocolate cake mix for a slightly different chocolate experience.
- Add Layers: Spread a layer of caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped nuts between the cake and the mousse topping for extra texture.
- Make It Extra-Decadent: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream on each slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Irish Cream Poke Cake Alcohol-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the Irish cream liqueur in the soak with ½ cup of non-alcoholic Irish coffee creamer and use ½ cup of heavy cream in place of the Irish cream in the topping. This keeps the creamy, coffee flavor while making the cake safe for everyone.
What’s the Best Irish Cream Liqueur to Use?
Baileys is the classic choice, but you can use any quality Irish cream liqueur. Alcohol content and flavor profiles can vary, so pick one you enjoy drinking for the best results.
Can I Use Homemade Irish Cream?
Absolutely. A homemade Irish cream will work beautifully in this recipe, but the alcohol content should be considered if serving to guests.
How Far in Advance Can I Make This Cake?
The cake can be assembled, soaked, and chilled up to one day in advance. For the best texture, add the mousse topping and garnish just before serving.
Is This Cake Freezer-Friendly?
Because of the mousse topping, freezing is not recommended. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Irish Cream Poke Cake is a dessert that impresses with minimal effort. It’s moist, rich, and bursting with the classic flavors of Irish cream coffee. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want to treat your guests to something special, this cake delivers. With easy swaps for an alcohol-free version, it can be enjoyed by everyone—though the adults might miss that boozy kick!
So grab a cake mix, your favorite Irish cream, and get ready to make a dessert that will be the talk of your next gathering. One bite, and you’ll understand why this poke cake is downright decadent.
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