If you’re hunting for a dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious, you have to try this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe. Imagine a moist, vibrantly green cake infused with creamy vanilla pudding that seeps into every nook and cranny, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. The fluffy whipped topping adds the perfect light finish, while optional chocolate chips and sprinkles bring a playful sparkle that’s perfect for celebrating this joyful occasion. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and guaranteed to brighten your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity: a handful of accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in making the cake irresistibly moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. From the cake mix’s fluffy base to the creamy pudding filling and the festive green hues, these ingredients come together with minimal fuss for maximum delight.
- White cake mix and required ingredients: Provides a light and neutral base that’s perfect for turning green and soaking up the pudding.
- Green food coloring: This is what gives your cake its iconic St. Patrick’s Day shade, so don’t hesitate to adjust the drops to get that perfect green glow.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds luscious creaminess that locks into the holes, keeping the cake moist and flavorful.
- Milk: Used to mix the pudding, it also adds a velvety texture that balances the cake.
- Whipped topping: Offers a light, airy finish that contrasts beautifully with the pudding-soaked cake.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkle these on top for a little surprise crunch and chocolatey pop.
- Green sprinkles (optional): Add the final festive touch with extra flair and color.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cake batter
First things first, preheat your oven following the directions on your cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure every corner is coated to prevent sticking. Mix your white cake batter per the box instructions, but here’s the fun part: stir in green food coloring until you get that vivid green hue you love. The depth of the green is totally up to you — go bold or subtle!
Step 2: Bake the cake
Pour the green-tinted batter into your prepared pan and bake as directed—about 30 minutes usually does the trick. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. This slight cooling helps the cake set just enough for the next step.
Step 3: Poke the cake
Grab the handle of a wooden spoon or something similar and gently poke holes all over the warm cake about an inch apart. This step isn’t just for show; those little holes help the pudding seep deep into the cake, making every bite decadently moist and flavored with vanilla goodness.
Step 4: Prepare and add the pudding filling
Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk for around 2 minutes until thickened. Then, pour this luscious mixture evenly over your poked cake, making sure it fills every hole. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly, allowing the pudding to do its magic overnight or at least for a couple of hours in the fridge.
Step 5: Chill the cake
Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step is key because it lets the pudding firm up and the flavors marry perfectly, turning the dessert into a creamy, dreamy treat your guests will rave about.
Step 6: Top with whipped topping and garnishes
Right before serving, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cake. For an extra festive look, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles on top. These little touches turn a simple dessert into a St. Patrick’s Day showstopper!
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The whipped topping sets a light and fluffy canvas that’s perfect for adding a splash of fun. Whether you stick with mini chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness or go all in with colorful green sprinkles, these garnishes bring personality and crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Feel free to add fresh mint leaves or edible glitter for an extra festive vibe!
Side Dishes
Since this poke cake is rich and creamy, pairing it with something light and refreshing is a smart move. Consider serving fresh fruit salad, tangy lime sherbet, or even a crisp green salad with citrus dressing to balance the sweetness. It’s all about mixing textures and flavors to elevate your holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything, right? Try serving the cake in clear glass dishes to showcase the layers and vibrant green color. You can also cut the cake into individual jars or cups for easy serving at parties. Another charming idea is to use shamrock-shaped cookie cutters to create festive cake bites that will delight kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it might taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the whipped topping from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead of time for a big gathering, you can freeze it after baking but before adding the pudding and topping. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the pudding, chilling, and topping. Avoid freezing after the pudding step to preserve texture.
Reheating
Since this dessert shines when served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer a slightly less cold cake, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping and pudding layers just a bit.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a tried-and-true homemade vanilla or white cake recipe, it will work beautifully. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the pudding filling without getting soggy.
What can I substitute for green food coloring?
If you prefer natural options, spinach or matcha powder can infuse a lovely green tint, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just use small amounts to keep the cake tasty and colorful.
Is it okay to use full-fat milk or should it be low-fat for the pudding?
Both work fine! Full-fat milk will make the pudding richer and creamier, but low-fat milk still produces a delicious result. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free pudding mix, coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free whipped topping. This cake can still be festive and flavorful while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How soon should I poke the cake after baking?
It’s best to wait until the cake cools for about 10 minutes but is still warm. The warm cake will absorb the pudding better than a completely cooled cake, leading to a moist and tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe is a total winner for anyone wanting to bring a splash of festive fun and incredible flavor to their holiday table. It’s simple to make, visually vibrant, and absolutely delicious — a guaranteed way to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try, and let this cake steal the show at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive and fun St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake featuring a moist green vanilla cake infused with creamy instant pudding, topped with whipped topping and optional chocolate chips and green sprinkles for a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Green food coloring (about 10-12 drops or as desired)
Pudding Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup green sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box, adding green food coloring to the batter until you achieve the desired shade of green.
- Bake the cake: Pour the green tinted batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake as directed on the package, typically about 30 minutes. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes evenly all over the cake, about 1 inch apart, to allow the pudding to seep through.
- Prepare the pudding filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. Spread gently with a spatula for an even layer.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Top the cake: Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. If desired, garnish with mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles for a festive St. Patrick’s Day touch.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delightful St. Patrick’s Day treat!
Notes
- Adjust green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of green for a festive look.
- Mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles are optional but add a fun texture and extra festivity.
- Be sure to chill the cake for at least two hours to allow the pudding to set properly inside the holes.
- You can use any whipped topping you prefer, homemade or store-bought.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
