Prepare to transform your dessert game with a show-stopping Irish Cream Chocolate Poke Cake that will make your taste buds dance and your guests swoon! This decadent treat combines the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate cake with the smooth, luxurious kick of Irish cream liqueur, creating a dessert that's both sinfully delicious and irresistibly elegant. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a spectacular sweet treat, this cake promises to be the star of any occasion.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup Irish cream liqueur
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a level surface.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully poke holes across the entire surface of the warm cake, spacing holes about 1 inch apart.
- Slowly pour the Irish cream liqueur over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes, which will infuse the cake with rich, creamy flavor.
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled, Irish cream-soaked cake, covering the entire surface.
- Garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, using a vegetable peeler or grater to create delicate chocolate curls.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and topping to set before serving.
- Slice into 12 equal portions and serve chilled. Optional: Drizzle additional Irish cream liqueur over individual slices for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Cake Mix Hack: For an extra moist cake, replace some of the liquid in the cake mix instructions with Irish cream liqueur.
- Hole-Poking Technique: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to create uniform holes. Make sure to poke all the way to the bottom of the cake for maximum liqueur absorption.
- Chill Factor: Refrigerating the cake for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become wonderfully moist and decadent.
- Whipped Cream Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for faster, more stable peaks.
- Chocolate Shavings Trick: Use a room temperature chocolate bar and a vegetable peeler for the most delicate, elegant chocolate curls.
- Storage Advice: This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve each slice with a small drizzle of additional Irish cream liqueur.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
