Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

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Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Everyone Will Love!

Let me just start by saying: this is not your average poke cake. If you’re like me—a busy mom who loves a good dessert that wows the crowd but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen—then this Tiramisu Poke Cake is about to become your new go-to recipe. Think of it as the perfect marriage between classic Italian tiramisu and the simplicity of a poke cake. It’s indulgent, elegant, and ridiculously easy to make.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull this off. Trust me, if I can whip this up in between soccer practice and helping with homework, so can you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Busy Moms: Minimal prep time with maximum flavor payoff.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: A whisk, a baking dish, and some love are all you need.
• Customizable: Prefer extra coffee flavor? Add more espresso. Not a fan of mascarpone? Swap it for cream cheese.

Tips for the Best Tiramisu Poke Cake

1. Start with a Good Cake Base: I use a boxed yellow or white cake mix because, let’s be real, shortcuts are lifesavers. But if you have time, a homemade sponge cake works beautifully too.
2. Brew Strong Coffee: The heart of tiramisu is its coffee flavor. Use espresso or brew your favorite strong coffee. Decaf works if you’re serving kids!
3. Let It Chill: This cake gets better the longer it chills, as the flavors meld together. If you can make it a day ahead, do it.
4. Dust with Cocoa Right Before Serving: This keeps the topping looking fresh and vibrant.

Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
• ¼ cup coffee liqueur (optional, or substitute with more coffee)

For the Cream Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

For the Topping:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Optional: chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake
   Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Poke Holes
   Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. You want them spaced evenly so the coffee mixture seeps into every bite.
3. Soak the Cake
   Mix the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) in a bowl. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, making sure it gets into all the holes. Let it cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Layer
   In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream gently to create a light, fluffy mixture.
5. Assemble
   Spread the cream layer evenly over the soaked cake. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Chill and Finish
   Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

FAQs About Tiramisu Poke Cake

Q: Can I make this cake alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the coffee liqueur with more brewed coffee or a splash of vanilla extract.

Q: How long does this cake last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze the cake without the cocoa topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add cocoa before serving.

Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream?
You can! While fresh whipped cream adds a richer flavor, whipped topping is a convenient substitute.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Tiramisu Poke Cake has become a family favorite at our house. It’s my go-to dessert for potlucks, holidays, or just because we’re craving something sweet. The best part is seeing my kids’ eyes light up when I pull it out of the fridge—and knowing it didn’t take hours to make.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your experience (and any tweaks) in the comments below. And hey, if you’ve made it this far, make sure to like Living Green and Frugally on Facebook, Shop at Amazon to help support my site, and explore our Pinterest Boards for more amazing recipes like this one!

Happy baking! 🧁