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

Scale

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)

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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