Irish Cream Poke Cake – Best Boozy Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, moist, and packed with indulgent flavor, this Irish Cream Poke Cake will win over any crowd. Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a luscious treat, this easy-to-make poke cake drenched in Irish cream liqueur and topped with fluffy chocolate whipped cream is irresistible. With the combination of chocolate, cream, and a hint of boozy warmth, it’s a perfect celebration cake that’s both decadent and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Irish Cream Poke Cake

This Irish Cream Poke Cake isn’t just a crowd-pleaser — it’s a baker’s dream. It starts with a chocolate cake mix, so there’s no stress over batter consistency. Then comes the magic: poking holes and letting the Irish cream seep into every bite. The topping? A chocolate whipped cream infused with even more Irish cream for maximum flavor. It’s a fantastic option for entertaining, potlucks, or holiday dinners, thanks to its make-ahead ease and rich texture.

What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients Breakdown

• Devil’s Food Cake Mix: Forms the base of the cake — rich, chocolatey, and moist.
• Ingredients Listed on Cake Mix (Eggs, Oil, Water): Bind the batter and create structure and moisture.
• Irish Cream Liqueur (e.g., Bailey’s): Adds creamy, boozy sweetness and keeps the cake extra moist.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Soaks into the cake for luxurious richness and a caramelized undertone.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into soft peaks to create a light, creamy topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while maintaining a smooth texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Infuses the topping with a chocolatey depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances and enhances the overall flavor.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

• Gluten-Free Cake Mix: For those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free chocolate cake mix works just as well.
• Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream: Swap in a non-alcoholic version or Irish cream coffee creamer for a kid-friendly option.
• Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free whipped topping.
• Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder: For a more intense chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• Coffee Liqueur: Use in place of Irish cream if you want a deeper, mocha-like twist.

How to Make Irish Cream Poke Cake: Step-by-Step

1. Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the devil’s food cake according to the instructions on the box. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
2. Poke the Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the top of the cake while it’s still warm.
3. Pour the Filling: In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with ½ cup of Irish cream. Slowly pour this mixture over the entire cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
4. Whip the Topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of Irish cream, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is chilled and the topping is ready, spread the whipped chocolate Irish cream topping evenly over the cake.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled. Optional: garnish with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of Irish cream for presentation.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Poking: This ensures the cake retains structure while still absorbing the filling.
• Chill for Best Flavor: The longer the cake sits, the more flavorful and moist it becomes. Overnight chilling is ideal.
• Use Cold Tools for Whipping Cream: Chill the bowl and beaters for faster, more stable whipped cream.
• Don’t Overbeat the Topping: Stop beating once stiff peaks form to prevent a grainy or over-whipped texture.
• Cover While Chilling: Use plastic wrap or a cake lid to avoid the whipped topping absorbing fridge odors.

Delicious Ways to Serve and Customize

• Serve with Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries cut the richness with a pop of freshness.
• Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup: Adds another layer of decadence.
• Top with Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles: For texture and visual appeal.
• Irish Cream Mocha Twist: Add instant espresso powder to the whipped topping for a coffee-kissed variation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check all packaged ingredients.

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day — and Beyond

With its indulgent Irish cream infusion and festive chocolate layers, this Irish Cream Poke Cake is a natural fit for celebrating Irish heritage or St. Patrick’s Day. But don’t limit it to March — this cake is a year-round favorite. The flavors are timeless, the steps are easy, and the results are guaranteed to impress. It’s a no-fuss dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a party, hosting a dinner, or just need a sweet escape, this Irish Cream Poke Cake is your go-to recipe. It’s rich, creamy, chocolatey, and boozy — everything you could want in a dessert. Make it once, and it’ll be a permanent fixture in your baking rotation.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Irish Cream Poke Cake

There are plenty of desserts that claim to be irresistible, but Irish Cream Poke Cake truly delivers on that promise. With its rich chocolate base, smooth and creamy Irish cream filling, and fluffy chocolate whipped topping, every bite offers the perfect balance of indulgence and ease. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday celebration or as a weekend treat, this cake checks all the boxes — simple ingredients, no-fuss preparation, and flavor that leaves a lasting impression. Once you try it, this cake is bound to become a staple in your dessert lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Cream Poke Cake

More Relevant Recipes

• Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake: A rich and buttery poke cake soaked with sweetened milk and topped with a crunchy pecan praline glaze. This recipe shares the moist, indulgent texture of the Irish Cream Poke Cake with a nutty Southern twist.
• Chocolate Lasagna No-Bake Dessert: Layers of chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed cookies make this creamy dessert a chocolate lover’s dream. It offers a similar silky-sweet profile without the need to bake, perfect for fans of Irish Cream Poke Cake.
• Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake: This show-stopping cake combines classic red velvet flavor with a creamy filling and glaze, echoing the layered richness of Irish Cream Poke Cake in a stunning presentation.

Print