Name: Tiramisu Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 15.25 oz white cake mix; 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 each egg whites; ¾ cup cold coffee; 3 tbsp instant coffee; 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 8 oz whipped topping; 1 oz unsweetened chocolate (optional – for shaving on top)

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There’s something truly magical about a dessert that combines layers of flavor, texture, and a hint of nostalgia. The Tiramisu Poke Cake has a wonderful balance of sweetness and rich coffee notes, making it the perfect treat for any gathering or just a quiet evening at home. I remember the first time I made this delightful cake; it was for a friend’s birthday. The way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite was unforgettable. The layers of creamy mascarpone and the moist, coffee-soaked cake created a symphony of flavors that left everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, the Tiramisu Poke Cake is sure to impress and satisfy those sweet cravings.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
290 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
9×13 baking pan, Wooden spoon, Microplane or fine grater

Why This Tiramisu Poke Cake Is a Winner

Decadent Layers of Flavor

The beauty of the Tiramisu Poke Cake lies in its layers. The cake is infused with a rich coffee mixture that seeps into the holes you poke, transforming it into a moist, flavorful delight. Each slice is a bite of indulgence that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From birthdays to holidays, this cake is versatile enough to fit any celebration. It’s simple to make, yet it looks as if you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. This makes it ideal for impressing guests without the stress of complex baking.

Family-Friendly Fun

Making this dessert can be a fun family activity. Kids can help poke the holes and pour the coffee mixture over the cake. It’s a delightful way to spend time together in the kitchen and create lasting memories while making something delicious.

Make Ahead Convenience

The Tiramisu Poke Cake is a dream when it comes to planning. You can prepare it ahead of time, letting it chill in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also means you can enjoy your guests’ company instead of being stuck in the kitchen during the event.

Creamy and Light Texture

The combination of mascarpone and whipped topping creates a light and airy layer that balances the dense cake. This texture contrast is what makes each bite so satisfying, providing a delightful experience for your taste buds.

What’s In This Tiramisu Poke Cake

In this delightful Tiramisu Poke Cake, we bring together simple yet flavorful ingredients. The magic happens in how they blend together, with each component enhancing the others. The key players here include the fluffy white cake mix, rich cold coffee, and creamy mascarpone cheese. Let’s get into the specifics!

15.25oz. white cake mix: This is the base of our cake. It provides the perfect fluffy texture that soaks up the delicious coffee mixture.
1 cup water: Essential for mixing the cake batter, water helps to keep the cake moist.
½ cup vegetable oil: This adds richness and ensures that the cake stays tender.

3 egg whites: Using egg whites rather than whole eggs helps to keep the cake light and fluffy.
¾ cup cold coffee: This is the star of the show, soaking the cake and giving it that signature tiramisu flavor.
3 tbsp instant coffee: Enhances the coffee flavor, making it deeper and more pronounced.

14oz. sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture, complementing the coffee.
8oz. mascarpone cheese: This rich cheese is key to achieving the creamy layer typical of tiramisu.
8oz. whipped topping: Lightens the mascarpone and adds airiness to the topping.

1 ounce unsweetened chocolate: Optional, but a lovely finishing touch for chocolate lovers.

Tiramisu Poke Cake Instructions

Making the Tiramisu Poke Cake is a delightful process that brings joy to the kitchen. Follow these steps to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray. This helps ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.

In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Use a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Look for a creamy consistency without lumps.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 29 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes into the cake about 1 to 2 inches apart, going halfway down.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold coffee, instant coffee, and sweetened condensed milk until combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes you’ve created. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s completely cool and soaked through.
In another mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and whipped topping together until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that luxurious tiramisu texture.
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Look for a smooth, even layer that covers all the holes. This is where the magic happens!

For an optional garnish, use a microplane or fine grater to shave unsweetened chocolate over the top of the cake, adding a touch of elegance.
Slice and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy. This cake gets better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time!

Things Worth Knowing

Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.

If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of instant coffee.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the toppings to avoid melting the whipped topping.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.

Make It Your Own

There are so many ways to personalize your Tiramisu Poke Cake. Here are some tips to help you customize it and make it uniquely yours!

Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncut cake for up to one month. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Variations: Add a splash of espresso or flavored coffee to the soak for an extra twist. You can even layer in fruit or nuts if you’d like.
Serving: This cake is ideal for serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Chocolate Lovers: For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding cocoa powder to the mascarpone layer or using a chocolate cake mix instead of white.

Presentation: Dust the top with cocoa powder or decorate with chocolate shavings for a more sophisticated look.

What to Serve Alongside Tiramisu Poke Cake

Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries brings a fruity brightness and complements the rich flavors of the cake beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: Enhance the coffee experience by serving a cup of your favorite brew alongside the cake for that authentic Italian touch.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of ice cream pairs perfectly with the moist cake, providing a delightful contrast in texture.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, a small serving of chocolate mousse can elevate the dessert experience to a new level.
Seasonal Fruits: Consider serving with seasonal fruits like peaches in the summer or caramelized apples in the fall for a warm touch.

Perfect for Gatherings: This cake is great for potlucks, birthdays, or even just a cozy night in. It’s an easy dessert that everyone can enjoy!

FAQ

Absolutely! The Tiramisu Poke Cake is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it makes serving a breeze during your gathering.

While coffee is a significant part of the Tiramisu Poke Cake, you can substitute it with a strong tea or even a flavored milk if you’re looking for a different taste. Just keep in mind that altering the flavor might change the overall taste profile of the dessert.

Mascarpone cheese provides a creamy texture and rich flavor that’s characteristic of traditional tiramisu. However, if you can’t find it, you can use a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute. Just mix them until smooth for a similar texture.

Leftover Tiramisu Poke Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, as the texture and flavors can change over time. Just be sure to keep it well covered so it stays moist!

Conclusion

The Tiramisu Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of classic tiramisu into a simple, easy-to-make cake. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to please everyone at the table. I encourage you to try making this cake at home; the combination of coffee, cream, and sweetness is truly irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this cake will surely bring smiles all around.

Tiramisu Poke Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Tiramisu Poke Cake is a delightful blend of fluffy cake soaked in coffee, creamy mascarpone, and topped with a light whipped layer. This easy weeknight dessert is perfect for any occasion, satisfying your sweet cravings with every bite.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Desserts

Cuisine Italian

Servings 20 slices

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

9×13 baking pan
Wooden Spoon
Microplane or fine grater

Ingredients

15.25 oz white cake mix
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 each egg whites
¾ cup cold coffee
3 tbsp instant coffee
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
8 oz mascarpone cheese
8 oz whipped topping
1 oz unsweetened chocolate optional – for shaving on top

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray. This helps ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Use a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Look for a creamy consistency without lumps.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Bake for 29 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes into the cake about 1 to 2 inches apart, going halfway down.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold coffee, instant coffee, and sweetened condensed milk until combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes you've created. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to ensure it's completely cool and soaked through.

In another mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and whipped topping together until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that luxurious tiramisu texture.
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Look for a smooth, even layer that covers all the holes. This is where the magic happens!
For an optional garnish, use a microplane or fine grater to shave unsweetened chocolate over the top of the cake, adding a touch of elegance.

Slice and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy. This cake gets better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time!

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncut cake for up to one month. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Variations: Add a splash of espresso or flavored coffee to the soak for an extra twist. You can even layer in fruit or nuts if you'd like.
Serving: This cake is ideal for serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Chocolate Lovers: For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding cocoa powder to the mascarpone layer or using a chocolate cake mix instead of white.