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
Scale
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.
