If you are searching for a dessert that combines the luscious flavors of classic tiramisu with the fun, easy charm of a poke cake, this Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It turns a simple white cake into a coffee-soaked sensation, layered with creamy mascarpone frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting treat, this recipe offers an irresistible balance of sweetness, coffee notes, and velvety texture that will win over every dessert lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each item is carefully chosen to bring out the classic tiramisu flavors while keeping preparation simple and fuss-free. From the moist cake base to the coffee-infused soaking liquid and silky mascarpone topping, every component plays a crucial role in crafting this delectable dessert.
- White cake mix: A reliable base that keeps the cake light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the coffee flavors.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the cake mix, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without altering flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps infuse the cake with the coffee mixture.
- Kahlua coffee liqueur: Brings that signature coffee and vanilla warmth to the cake and frosting.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth, essential for that tiramisu touch.
- Instant espresso powder: Intensifies the coffee flavor without extra liquid.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone frosting smoothly without grit.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates the luscious mascarpone topping.
- Mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient in tiramisu frosting, offering rich, creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, familiar aroma.
How to Make Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Combining the white cake mix with milk, eggs, and oil gives you a rich, fluffy base. Pour the batter evenly into your pan, then bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This cake is your canvas, ready to soak up the rich coffee mixture in the next step.
Step 2: Poke Holes and Add the Coffee Mixture
Once out of the oven, it’s time to poke beautiful holes in the warm cake using chopsticks or a wooden spoon handle. This step is key to making sure every bite is infused with flavor. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, instant espresso powder, Kahlua, and cocoa powder to create the soaking liquid. Pour this syrupy mixture evenly over the cake’s surface, letting it seep deep into those holes. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack so the layers settle and the flavor fully develops.
Step 3: Whip and Spread the Mascarpone Frosting
For the frosting, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, Kahlua, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. This creamy topping is what turns a simple poke cake into an extraordinary tiramisu-inspired treat. Spread the mascarpone frosting evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing it out gently. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder across the top for that classic tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cocoa powder adds elegance and hints of bitterness that complement the sweetness perfectly. For a bit of extra wow factor, consider sprinkling shaved dark chocolate or placing a few fresh coffee beans on top. These finishing touches not only enhance the look but also deepen each bite’s flavor experience.
Side Dishes
You can pair this Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a creamy cappuccino to echo the coffee flavors. A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side can also elevate this dessert and make it a more indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
This cake looks stunning served right in the baking dish for a rustic, homey feel, but you can also cut squares and plate them individually with a dusting of cocoa and a drizzle of coffee liqueur syrup. Layering it into individual clear dessert cups with cookie crumbs and extra mascarpone whipped on top makes for a charming presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and allows the flavors to continue melding together even more beautifully. Make sure it’s well covered to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, freezing is possible, but keep in mind the texture might change slightly. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best results.
Reheating
Tiramisu poke cakes are best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you really want warmth, a brief 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften the frosting, but be careful not to melt it entirely.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of Kahlua in the Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have Kahlua on hand, strong brewed coffee or espresso will work great. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but will still impart that lovely coffee essence.
Is it necessary to use instant espresso powder?
Instant espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor without adding extra liquid, which helps keep the cake moist but not soggy. If you don’t have it, a small amount of very strong brewed espresso can be substituted.
Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake batter can be used in place of the box mix. Just be sure your recipe produces a light, moist cake so it absorbs the soaking liquid nicely.
How long does it take to prepare the Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes roughly 30 minutes. Allow extra cooling time for the soak and frosting steps so plan accordingly to serve this dessert at its best.
What’s the best way to cut and serve this cake?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep edges neat since the mascarpone frosting is creamy. Cut into square servings around 2×2 inches for the perfect balance of cake to frosting in each piece.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe is a delightful twist on two beloved desserts rolled into one irresistible treat. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen or just rewarding yourself with something truly special. Once you try it, this cake will likely become one of your go-to favorites whenever you crave that creamy, coffee-infused comfort food. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and savor every heavenly bite!
Print
Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This indulgent Tiramisu Poke Cake combines the classic flavors of the beloved Italian dessert with a moist white cake base soaked in a rich coffee-laced condensed milk mixture, then topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this 12-serving cake delivers the delicious taste of tiramisu in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing poke cake format.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 (15.25-oz) box white cake mix
- 1¼ cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
Soaking Mixture
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp instant espresso powder
- â…“ cup Kahlua coffee liqueur
Mascarpone Frosting
- 1 (8-oz) container mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or cake pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Poke Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, poke holes all over the surface using chopsticks or the handle of a wooden spoon to allow the soaking mixture to penetrate.
- Prepare and Pour Soaking Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, instant espresso powder, Kahlua coffee liqueur, and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack so it absorbs the flavors.
- Make Mascarpone Frosting: Using a hand mixer, beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, Kahlua coffee liqueur, heavy cream, and vanilla extract together on medium speed until stiff peaks form, indicating a thick and fluffy frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the mascarpone frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Finally, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu finish.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Kahlua coffee liqueur with coffee or coffee syrup.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use instant espresso powder for the best coffee flavor without affecting texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
