Name: Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 1 package 13-1/4 ounces chocolate cake mix; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup canola oil; 1 cup water; 2 (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup cold whole milk; 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 5 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur; 1/4 cup baking cocoa; 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar; Chocolate sauce, for decorating; Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings, for decorating

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a boozy twist, then I’m about to share your new favorite treat: the Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe. This cake is like a chocolate lover’s dream infused with that smooth hint of Irish cream liqueur that’s impossible to resist.

The image shows two square pieces of layered chocolate cake in a white ceramic baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and moist cake, the middle layer is creamy pale yellow custard, and the top layer is light brown whipped cream with a soft and smooth texture. Both pieces are topped with dark brown chocolate drizzle and small chocolate curls scattered on top. The edges of the cake pieces show slight crumbs, and the baking dish has some crumbs and smudges from serving photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This poke cake has quickly become one of my go-to desserts for gatherings and cozy nights in. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy Irish cream pudding, and fluffy chocolate whipped cream just hits that perfect sweet spot every single time.

Decadently Moist: The pudding filling seeps deep into the cake, making every bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
Easy to Make: Using a boxed cake mix makes this indulgent dessert approachable for any level of baker.
Rich Irish Cream Flavor: The Irish cream liqueur ties everything together with just the right boozy touch.
Beautiful Presentation: Topped with chocolate whipped cream and garnished with chocolate sauce and chips, it’s perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of convenience and decadence, using simple ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, pick a good-quality boxed chocolate cake mix and fresh dairy products for the best results—and don’t skimp on the Irish cream liqueur; it’s the star player here!

Flat lay of a small heap of rich dark brown chocolate cake mix powder, three large whole eggs with smooth beige shells, a small pool of pale golden canola oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with clear water, two small white bowls each containing fine pale yellow instant vanilla pudding powder, a white ceramic bowl holding thick heavy whipping cream, another bowl with cold whole milk showing its creamy white color, a small white bowl filled with amber Irish cream liqueur, a white bowl with deep brown baking cocoa powder, a white bowl of fine white confectioners' sugar, a small white bowl filled with glossy dark chocolate sauce, and a neat pile of mini dark chocolate chips and delicate chocolate shavings all evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate cake mix: The base of our cake, providing a deep chocolate flavor with minimal effort.
Eggs: They help give structure and richness to the cake batter.
Canola oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the chocolate taste.
Water: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a soft crumb.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Forms the luscious filling that soaks into the cake.
Heavy whipping cream: Used both in the pudding filling and whipped topping for creaminess and volume.
Whole milk: Helps the pudding mix set with the right consistency.
Irish cream liqueur: Infuses the cake with that unmistakable smooth, boozy Irish cream flavor.
Baking cocoa: Adds depth and richness to the chocolate whipped cream topping.
Confectioners' sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream lightly without granularity.
Chocolate sauce: For drizzling on top to add an extra layer of chocolate decadence.
Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings: Perfect finishing touches that add texture and visual appeal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and occasions. Whether you want to dial up the Irish cream flavor or add a seasonal twist, it’s all about making this luscious dessert your own!

Double the Irish Cream: For a richer, boozier cake, I like to increase the Irish cream liqueur in both the filling and topping by an extra 2 tablespoons each. Just be sure not to add too much liquid, or the pudding might not set as nicely.
Non-Alcoholic Version: If you’re serving kids or anyone avoiding alcohol, substitute the Irish cream liqueur with an equal amount of cold brewed coffee or Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer. It still captures that signature flavor without the kick!
Seasonal Spice Addition: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the chocolate whipped cream topping gives this cake a cozy, warm note—perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Gluten-Free Switch: Try using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix as the base for those with gluten sensitivities. The pudding and whipped topping remain just as luxurious and delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe

A close-up view of smooth, thick chocolate batter being poured from a container into a white rectangular baking dish, filling it with a rich brown layer that has a creamy texture and small air bubbles, resting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix and Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the chocolate cake mix with 3 large room-temperature eggs, ½ cup canola oil, and 1 cup water. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat everything together for about two to three minutes until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Pour this luscious batter into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—watch for that delightful chocolate aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes. After baking, let the cake cool for around five minutes, just enough so it's still warm but not hot to touch, because the next step requires it to be slightly cooled.

Step 2: Poke Perfect Holes in the Cake

Grab the handle end of a wooden spoon or a clean wooden dowel and start poking holes across the cake about 1 inch apart. I wiggle the spoon slightly to widen the holes just enough so that the pudding filling will soak in deeply. A key tip here: be careful not to poke all the way through to the bottom of the pan—you want the filling to absorb inside the cake, not leak out beneath!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Irish Cream Pudding Filling

In a clean large bowl, add both 3.4-ounce packets of instant vanilla pudding mix. Pour in 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 cup cold whole milk, and ½ cup Irish cream liqueur. Then whisk vigorously for two to three minutes until everything blends into a smooth, lump-free filling. Quick tip: instant pudding sets fast, so whisk briskly and immediately pour it over the cake to keep it nice and fluid for soaking.

Step 4: Pour and Chill the Filling

Slowly pour the pudding filling over the cake, aiming to fill each hole evenly. Starting in the center helps distribute the filling deeper into the cake. Once poured, gently spread any remaining filling evenly across the cake’s top using a spoon or offset spatula. Cover the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for two full hours—this chilling step lets the filling fully set and infuse into every bite of cake.

Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Irish Cream Topping

About 10 to 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, prepare the decadent topping. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer), combine 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 5 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur, ¼ cup baking cocoa, and ¼ cup confectioners' sugar. Beat everything together until stiff peaks form—that’s when your cream holds its shape perfectly and looks rich and fluffy.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Take your cake out of the fridge and spread the chocolate whipped cream topping evenly across the surface. Now, drizzle with luscious chocolate sauce and sprinkle generously with mini chocolate chips or elegant chocolate shavings to finish it off. The contrast of textures and that glossy chocolate drizzle really make this cake feel extra special. Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to dig in, as it’s best served chilled but not frozen.

Top Tip

Mastering the Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe is easier when you have a few insider tips that make all the difference. These pointers come straight from hands-on experience to help you avoid common pitfalls and get perfect results every time.

Gentle Poking: Use the handle of a wooden spoon and wiggle gently to create holes that are just large enough for the pudding to seep in. Be careful not to poke through the cake’s bottom or the filling will leak out and make a mess.
Speed is Key with Filling: The instant vanilla pudding sets up quickly, so whisk it vigorously and pour it over the cake immediately to ensure it soaks well into the holes instead of becoming too thick.
Whipped Cream Perfection: Whip the chocolate cream topping just before serving so it stays fresh and fluffy. Using a stand mixer will save time, but an electric hand mixer works just as well!
Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cake through the filling step and refrigerate it up to two hours before adding the whipped chocolate topping and decorations, which makes this dessert great for entertaining.

How to Serve Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe

A slice of three-layer dessert sits on a white plate with a few crumbs around it. The bottom layer is dark brown, soft, and sponge-like, looking moist and rich. The middle layer is thick and pale yellow, creamy and smooth, spread evenly over the dark base. The top layer is light brown whipped cream with a fluffy and airy texture, decorated with dark chocolate curls and thin chocolate drizzle that drips slightly down the sides. The white marbled surface beneath the plate makes the colors of the dessert stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake is already a showstopper, but for an extra-special touch, consider adding a few elegant garnishes. Freshly grated chocolate or chocolate shavings add texture and a bit of drama. A light drizzle of chocolate sauce over each slice makes for irresistible presentation. For a festive flair, sprinkle edible gold dust or chopped toasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds to add crunch and a nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Irish Cream Poke Cake with simple, complementary sides that won’t overpower it. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a creamy balance. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries provide a bright, tart contrast that lifts the richness of the cake. If you’re serving this for a special occasion, a small glass of Irish whiskey or coffee with a splash of Irish cream can enhance the entire experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled and topped, keep your Irish Cream Poke Cake refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The pudding filling and whipped topping love the chill, so this cake is best served cold or at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake before adding the whipped cream topping and decorations. Wrap the cooled, filled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil—it’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then whip up fresh chocolate whipped cream topping and decorate as directed.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let slices sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving — this softens the cake and enhances the flavor without losing the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the Irish cream liqueur for a non-alcoholic option?

Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace Irish cream with an equal amount of Irish cream-flavored syrup or a blend of vanilla and chocolate extracts to keep that rich, sweet flavor without the alcohol.

What is the best way to poke holes in the cake evenly?

Using the handle end of a wooden spoon is ideal. Poke holes about 1 inch apart in rows, then wiggle the handle slightly to widen the holes just enough for the pudding to soak in without breaking through the bottom of the cake.

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, a moist homemade chocolate cake batter works great too. Just be sure the cake is baked in a 13x9-inch pan and cooled slightly before poking holes and adding the pudding filling.

How long can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare and fill the cake up to 2 hours in advance before adding the whipped chocolate topping and decorations. Keep it refrigerated during that time for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe is a beautiful blend of rich chocolate, smooth pudding, and a boozy boost of Irish cream that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you're sharing it with family or surprising friends with something special, this cake’s luscious layers and creamy topping will quickly become a beloved favorite. So go ahead—bake it, poke it, and enjoy the indulgence with a warm smile!