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If you’re on the hunt for a festive and fun dessert to celebrate the green-filled cheer of March, this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine a moist, vibrantly green cake infused with creamy vanilla pudding, topped with fluffy whipped topping and a sprinkle of chocolate chips or festive green sprinkles. It’s the perfect blend of texture and sweetness that not only tastes incredible but instantly brings the joyful spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to your table. Trust me, this recipe will become your new holiday favorite for gatherings, potlucks, or just a delightful treat to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the vibrant green cake base to the luscious pudding filling and light whipped topping that balances every bite.
- White cake mix: The foundation of this cake, offering a tender and fluffy crumb that absorbs the pudding wonderfully.
- Green food coloring: Adds that unmistakable St. Patrick’s Day pop, turning your cake into a vibrant, festive delight.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Thickens to a smooth, creamy layer that seeps into the cake for incredible moisture and flavor.
- Milk: Essential to whisk with the pudding mix, creating the perfect consistency to fill the poke holes.
- Whipped topping: Adds airy sweetness and a luscious finish that contrasts beautifully with the pudding layer.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For a delightful crunch and chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Green sprinkles (optional): Sprinkle these festive accents on top to elevate the cake’s celebratory vibe.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cake batter
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your cake mix box, and get a 9×13-inch pan ready by greasing and flouring it. Combine the cake mix with the required ingredients (usually eggs, oil, and water), then stir in your green food coloring a few drops at a time until you get that perfect shade of green that shouts St. Patrick’s Day.
Step 2: Bake the cake
Pour the vibrantly green batter into your prepared pan and bake as directed — usually about 30 minutes. When it’s done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes so it can firm up just enough to move on to the next exciting step.
Step 3: Poke the cake
Now comes the fun part! Use the handle of a wooden spoon or something similar to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. These holes will create little pockets for the luscious vanilla pudding to sink in.
Step 4: Prepare and pour pudding filling
Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened—roughly 2 minutes. Pour this creamy goodness slowly over the cake, making sure each hole gets filled. Then use a spatula to spread the pudding gently over the entire surface, covering the cake completely.
Step 5: Chill the cake
Pop your cake into the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial because it allows the pudding to set perfectly and the flavors to marry into a blissful harmony.
Step 6: Finish with whipped topping and garnishes
Just before serving, slather the cake with whipped topping for a snowy, fluffy finish. If you want to up the festive factor, sprinkle on mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles. It’s those little finishing touches that make the St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe truly special.
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles are classic options, don’t be shy to get creative with garnishes like a dusting of edible gold glitter or a few lucky shamrock-shaped candies to amp up the holiday spirit. It makes every slice feel like a little celebration.
Side Dishes
This poke cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream, bringing an extra layer of cool sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light, fruity tea also balances the cake’s richness perfectly during a gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends with presentation? Serve individual slices in clear dessert dishes layered with extra whipped topping and a few sprinkle confetti. Or assemble mini poke cakes in mason jars for a cute, portable holiday treat. Both options elevate the traditional cake into a stylish centerpiece for any St. Patrick’s Day spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover poke cake is best kept covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture. Stored properly, it will retain its creamy texture for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying bites over the next few celebrations.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but it’s best to do so before adding the whipped topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh whipped topping before serving.
Reheating
This cake is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature due to the pudding and whipped topping layers, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and bring out all the delicious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of white?
Absolutely! While white cake mix creates a neutral base to showcase the green color, yellow or even funfetti cake mixes can add extra flavor and color variation. Just keep in mind the green food coloring will mix with whatever base you choose.
Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
Instant pudding mix is key here because it sets quickly and creates that luscious layer that seeps into the poke holes. Regular pudding might work but won’t have the same thick consistency or set up as nicely.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free white cake mix and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients like food coloring and whipped topping are generally safe, but always check labels to be sure.
How long does the cake stay fresh after making?
This poke cake tastes best within 2-3 days of making. The pudding filling keeps it moist, but after a few days it can start to dry out or the whipped topping might lose its fluffiness.
Can I add mint flavor to this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe?
Great idea! Just add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cake batter or pudding mix to give it a cool, minty twist that complements the holiday perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t stress enough how much joy this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe brings to any celebration. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a real crowd-pleaser that feels homemade but looks like a professional masterpiece. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this cake delivers on all fronts. Go ahead and try it—you might just start a new St. Patrick’s Day tradition!
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St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive and fun St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake. This moist white cake is infused with green food coloring, then poked and filled with creamy instant vanilla pudding. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and garnished with mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles, this dessert is perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- Ingredients required on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 10–12 drops green food coloring (or as desired)
Pudding Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Topping and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup green sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven according to the package instructions on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Prepare the cake batter as directed on the package, incorporating 10-12 drops of green food coloring to achieve a festive green color.
- Bake the cake: Pour the green-tinted cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake as specified on the box, typically around 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the surface of the slightly cooled cake, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
- Prepare the pudding filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until the mixture thickens, usually within 2 minutes.
- Fill the holes with pudding: Pour the prepared pudding evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Use a spatula to spread the pudding across the cake surface thoroughly.
- Chill the cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the pudding set inside the cake and melds the flavors beautifully.
- Top the cake: Before serving, spread 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles on top for a festive and colorful garnish.
- Serve: Cut the poke cake into 12 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this delicious and festive treat!
Notes
- You can substitute the instant vanilla pudding mix with sugar-free or a different flavor to customize the taste.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking to avoid breaking the cake apart.
- Refrigerating the cake overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use a toothpick instead of a wooden spoon handle if preferred for poking holes.
- Mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles are optional but add a fun festive look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
