Irish Cream Poke Cake: A Decadent Dessert with a Touch of Luck

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 20, 2025

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A Family Tradition with a Boozy Twist

Every year, as St. Patrick’s Day approached, my family had a tradition. We’d gather in my grandmother’s kitchen, wearing every shade of green imaginable, as she prepared a feast of corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. But the highlight of the night was always dessert. My grandmother had a knack for making cakes that weren’t just delicious—they were special, full of warmth, love, and a little bit of fun.

One year, in an effort to add something new to the table, I decided to make a poke cake. I had recently discovered how soaking a cake in flavored liquid transformed its texture into something irresistibly moist and decadent. And what better way to celebrate the holiday than by adding Irish cream to the mix?

As I pulled the cake from the oven, poked holes into its warm surface, and poured the rich, creamy mixture over the top, I knew this would become a new family favorite. When I served it that evening, my grandmother took a bite, smiled, and said, “Well now, that’s a cake worthy of a toast.” And with that, the Irish Cream Poke Cake became a St. Patrick’s Day staple in our home.

If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—or any occasion where you want to impress with a creamy, chocolate-mint infused delight—this cake is a must-try.

Why This Irish Cream Poke Cake Is So Special

1. The Perfect Blend of Flavors

This cake brings together the smooth, rich taste of Irish cream, a hint of mint, and the classic sweetness of vanilla cake. The combination is bold yet balanced, making it a crowd-pleaser for both dessert lovers and Irish cream enthusiasts.

2. Moist and Luscious Texture

Thanks to the poke cake technique, every bite of this cake is infused with creamy, boozy goodness. The sweetened condensed milk and Irish cream soak into the cake, creating a texture that’s ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth, and utterly irresistible.

3. A Festive and Fun Dessert

With its hint of green, chocolate sprinkles, and Andes mint chips, this cake is perfectly themed for St. Patrick’s Day. But it’s also a great choice for birthdays, dinner parties, or any gathering where you want to serve something unique and delicious.

4. Easy to Make, Yet Impressive

Using a boxed cake mix as a base means this recipe is accessible to all skill levels, yet the Irish cream infusion and homemade touches make it feel like a bakery-quality treat.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

This cake actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities without last-minute stress.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Cake Base:

1 box white cake mix
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
3 eggs
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring (optional)

For the Irish Cream Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup Irish cream liqueur

For the Topping:

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup Andes baking chips
Chocolate sprinkles

How to Make It (Directions)

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix cake batter ingredients, adding green food coloring if desired.
Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Poke & Soak

While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over it using the handle of a wooden spoon.
Mix sweetened condensed milk and Irish cream, then pour over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Frost & Decorate

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
Sprinkle with Andes baking chips and chocolate sprinkles.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutritious Bites (Nutritional Info per Serving)

Calories: ~350 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~4g
Fat: ~15g
Sugar: ~30g

How to Serve This Irish Cream Poke Cake

This cake is already delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few serving ideas:

1. Pair It with a Warm Drink

A slice of this cake goes beautifully with:

A cup of Irish coffee (coffee with Irish whiskey and whipped cream)
A creamy hot chocolate to complement the sweetness
A glass of Bailey’s over ice for a double dose of Irish cream goodness

2. Add a Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel

A light drizzle of chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or Irish cream glaze adds an extra layer of decadence.

3. Serve with a Side of Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent experience, pair the cake with:

Vanilla bean ice cream for a classic touch
Mint chocolate chip ice cream to match the cake’s minty notes
Coffee-flavored ice cream to complement the Irish cream

4. Make It a Layered Dessert

Instead of a traditional sheet cake, bake the cake in round pans and layer it with the Irish cream mixture and whipped topping for a stunning layered poke cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake that has been poked with holes so that a liquid or filling can seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful. In this case, sweetened condensed milk and Irish cream are poured over the cake, infusing it with a creamy, boozy richness.

2. Can I Make This Cake Alcohol-Free?

Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Irish cream liqueur with:

Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer
A mix of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and cream to mimic the taste of Irish cream

3. Does the Alcohol Bake Out?

Since some of the Irish cream is in the cake batter and some is in the filling, the alcohol in the batter does bake out, but the alcohol in the filling remains. If serving to those who prefer an alcohol-free dessert, use an Irish cream substitute.

4. How Long Does This Cake Last?

Stored in the refrigerator, this cake lasts 3-4 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop, making it even better the next day.

5. Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?

Yes! While white cake mix is the classic choice, you can also use:

Chocolate cake mix for a rich, mocha-like flavor
Yellow cake mix for a slightly denser, buttery taste
Devil’s food cake mix for an ultra-chocolatey version

6. How Do I Prevent the Cake from Getting Too Soggy?

To keep the cake from becoming overly wet:

Let it cool slightly before pouring the filling to prevent it from breaking apart.
Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours so the liquid fully absorbs.

7. Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Store-Bought?

Yes! If you prefer a homemade touch, whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then spread it over the cake.

8. Can I Freeze This Cake?

It’s best to freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the whipped topping and decorations.

9. What Other Toppings Can I Use?

In addition to chocolate sprinkles and Andes mint chips, try:

Crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist
Shaved dark chocolate for a gourmet look
Toasted coconut flakes for a tropical contrast

10. Can I Make This as Cupcakes?

Yes! Bake the cake batter as cupcakes, then use a straw or skewer to poke holes before drizzling the Irish cream mixture over each one. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Conclusion: A Cake Worth Celebrating

This Irish Cream Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday gathering, or simply because you love rich, boozy desserts, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and just the right amount of Irish charm.

The poke cake technique ensures every bite is moist and flavorful, while the light whipped topping and festive chocolate-mint garnish make it as beautiful as it is delicious. And with its easy-to-make, customizable nature, it’s a cake that can be enjoyed by both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

So raise a fork and celebrate the magic of Irish cream in the most delicious way possible—with a slice of this decadent, creamy, and unforgettable cake. Cheers!