The moment you take a bite of Irish Cream Poke Cake, you’ll be transported to a world of creamy bliss and delightful sweetness. Imagine the rich, velvety layers mingling with hints of chocolate and coffee, all wrapped in a soft sponge that practically begs for another slice. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just trying to impress your friends at a casual dinner party.
Now, let’s be honest here: who doesn’t love a poke cake? It’s like an edible hug that says, “Hey, I care about you!” And when you throw in the magic of Irish cream flavor—without the actual booze—you get a cake that tastes like an indulgent treat but is still family-friendly. Just wait until your taste buds dive into this delightful creation!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Irish Cream Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The flavor profile is a heavenly mix of creamy and sweet with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.
- Visually, it’s as stunning as it is delicious, with layers that beckon you to indulge.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at any gathering or even as an everyday dessert!
Ingredients for Irish Cream Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This will be the backbone of your cake; use a good quality flour for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s texture.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that fluffy cake texture; make sure it’s fresh!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Eggs: Use large eggs; they provide moisture and richness.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps your cake moist and tender.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; feel free to use any milk alternative if needed!
- Irish Cream Coffee Creamer: This gives your poke cake its signature flavor without any alcohol content.
For the Topping:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: You’ll whip this into fluffy peaks for an indulgent topping.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate flavor to your frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the whipped cream perfectly; adjust to taste!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Irish Cream Poke Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangular baking dish—this will ensure your cake comes out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, mix eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and Irish cream coffee creamer until smooth. Combine both mixtures and stir until just blended.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Step 4: Poke Holes
Once cooled, grab a fork (or any sharp object you can find) and poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake—about every inch or so. This step is crucial as it allows all that delicious filling to seep into every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Add the Filling
In a separate bowl, blend some additional Irish cream coffee creamer with sweetened condensed milk (you can also add chocolate syrup if feeling adventurous). Pour this mixture over the poked cake slowly so it seeps in fully.
Step 6: Whip Up Topping
In another mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while continuing to whip until you achieve stiff peaks.
Now spread this decadent cream over your cooled cake like you’re frosting your favorite guilty pleasure!
Transfer to plates and serve chilled for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy each slice knowing you’re indulging in something truly special that brings joy with every bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful Irish Cream Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience!
- Each bite combines moist cake, sweet cream, and a hint of coffee flavor.
- Perfect for celebrations or simply when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Your taste buds will thank you!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking your cake according to the package instructions. While it cools, prepare the poke filling using sweetened condensed milk and coffee. Poke holes in the cooled cake and pour the mixture over it. Chill to let the flavors meld.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the coffee for espresso if you’re feeling adventurous! You can also add chocolate chips for extra indulgence or top with whipped coconut cream for a delightfully rich finish. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Irish Cream Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you need to reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but enjoy it cold too!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Ensure your cake is completely cool before pouring the filling to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t skip chilling time; it enhances flavor and texture beautifully.
When I first made this Irish Cream Poke Cake for my friend’s birthday, everyone was raving about how delicious it was. The smiles around the table made every bit of effort worthwhile!
FAQs :
What is Irish Cream Poke Cake?
Irish Cream Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of vanilla cake with a creamy, luscious topping. Instead of using alcohol, this recipe employs a flavorful mix of coffee and cream extracts to create a similar taste experience. The cake is soaked in a sweet mixture, allowing every bite to be infused with flavor. It’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations, bringing everyone together to enjoy a slice of this decadent treat.
How can I make Irish Cream Poke Cake without gelatin?
To make an Irish Cream Poke Cake without using animal-derived gelatin, simply use plant-based alternatives like agar-agar or pectin. These ingredients will help achieve the right consistency for your filling or frosting without compromising on taste or texture. Additionally, ensure you use a non-alcoholic substitute like coffee or cream extract to enhance the flavor while keeping it suitable for all guests.
Can I use different flavors in my Irish Cream Poke Cake?
Absolutely! You can customize your Irish Cream Poke Cake by experimenting with various flavors. Try using chocolate cake instead of vanilla for a richer taste or add fruit juices like orange or raspberry to the soaking liquid for a fruity twist. You can also incorporate flavored extracts such as almond or coconut to create unique variations that cater to your preferences and delight your guests.
How do I store leftover Irish Cream Poke Cake?
To store leftover Irish Cream Poke Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain its freshness. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice securely in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat even later!
Conclusion for Irish Cream Poke Cake :
In summary, the Irish Cream Poke Cake is a rich and creamy dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. By substituting traditional ingredients with flavorful alternatives like coffee and cream extracts, you can create a delicious cake that everyone will love. Remember that customization is key; feel free to experiment with various flavors and plant-based gelling agents. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this cake promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert!
Irish Cream Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Irish Cream Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines moist vanilla cake with the rich flavors of Irish cream, coffee, and chocolate. This family-friendly treat features a creamy topping that makes it ideal for celebrations or as an everyday indulgence. Easy to prepare, each slice promises a sweet escape into creamy bliss that will impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup Irish cream coffee creamer
- For the Topping: 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rectangular baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, milk, and Irish cream creamer; combine both mixtures until blended.
- Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake with a fork at one-inch intervals.
- Mix additional Irish cream creamer with sweetened condensed milk and pour over the cake.
- Whip cream with cocoa powder and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; spread over the cake.
- Chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. - Consider adding chocolate chips or using espresso instead of coffee for added flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
