Discover the magic of a Tiramisu Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that ingeniously combines the beloved Italian classic with the ease of a poke cake. This recipe is your shortcut to achieving that signature tiramisu flavor and creamy texture without the fuss of traditional methods, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts looking for a quick win.
Key Ingredients for Tiramisu Poke Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (Kahlua or similar) or strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
How to Make Tiramisu Poke Cake:
Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create a visually stunning and decadently delicious Tiramisu Poke Cake. This dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with rich coffee and creamy vanilla flavors that are perfectly balanced. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a chilling time of at least 4 hours, you can easily whip this up for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined and smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
- Create the Poke Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make the holes relatively close together to ensure the sauce soaks through effectively.
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Soak the Cake: Drizzle the coffee liqueur or cooled strong brewed coffee evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Immediately pour the prepared pudding mixture over the entire cake, spreading it out to cover the surface.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pudding mixture to set and the cake to fully absorb the flavors.
- Whip the Cream: Before serving, in a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate and Serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cake. Dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Poke Cake:
You’ll absolutely adore this Tiramisu Poke Cake for its incredible ability to deliver all the beloved flavors of authentic tiramisu with remarkable ease. Imagine the creamy, luscious mascarpone-like filling made from simple pudding, soaking into a moist yellow cake, all infused with that signature coffee kick, echoing the depth of flavor found in a traditional tiramisu but with less effort. Plus, making this decadent dessert at home means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality treat without the hefty price tag, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular. The final dusting of cocoa powder isn’t just for show; it adds that perfectly bitter counterbalance to the sweet, creamy layers, making each bite an unforgettable experience and a delightful alternative to a classic tiramisu dessert.
This Tiramisu Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that promises pure joy with every forkful. Don’t just take our word for it – experience the magic yourself by giving this recipe a try. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet escape, this poke cake is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity, and prepare to wow your taste buds and your guests with this delightful creation.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Tiramisu Poke Cake tasting its best, proper storage is key. This dessert is best stored refrigerated. Cover the 9×13 inch baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days when stored this way. Due to the creamy pudding and whipped topping, reheating is generally not recommended as it can cause the textures to become less appealing. Instead, ensure the cake is fully chilled before serving if it has been stored. Freezing is also not ideal for this specific recipe, as the textures can degrade and the moisture content may lead to an undesirable outcome upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh within its recommended storage window for the optimal tiramisu poke cake experience.
Final Thoughts:
This Tiramisu Poke Cake offers a delightful blend of classic tiramisu flavors and effortless poke cake perfection. We encourage you to try this simple yet stunning recipe at home for a truly special dessert experience. Get ready to impress with its rich taste and creamy texture!
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Tiramisu Poke Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined and smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make the holes relatively close together to ensure the sauce soaks through effectively.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.1 (3 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix, 2 cups cold milk
- Drizzle the coffee liqueur or cooled strong brewed coffee evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Immediately pour the prepared pudding mixture over the entire cake, spreading it out to cover the surface.1/4 cup coffee liqueur (Kahlua or similar) or strong brewed coffee, cooled, 1 (3 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pudding mixture to set and the cake to fully absorb the flavors.
- Before serving, in a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cake. Dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve immediately.1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled