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If you’re looking for a dessert that instantly brings fun, festive vibes and a burst of creamy delight, this St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe is just what you need. Packed with vibrant green color, luscious vanilla pudding, and a light fluffy whipped topping, it is a showstopper for any gathering. Each forkful melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of moist cake and silky pudding filling, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any time you want a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create spectacular flavor, texture, and festive color. Every component has a role, from the moist cake base to the creamy pudding filling and the fluffy whipped topping that crowns it all.
- White cake mix: Provides a light and tender foundation that soaks up the pudding perfectly.
- Green food coloring: Adds that iconic shamrock-inspired hue to make the cake unmistakably festive.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Offers rich, creamy texture and flavor that fills the poke holes beautifully.
- Milk: Required to prepare the pudding, creating a luscious consistency.
- Whipped topping: Light and airy, it adds a gorgeous, velvety layer on top of the cake.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): A little texture and hint of chocolate to brighten up each bite.
- Green sprinkles (optional): Perfect for that extra pop of color and fun presentation.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Green Cake Batter
Start by heating your oven as directed on the cake mix box, then grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking. Mix up the white cake batter according to the package instructions, but here’s the fun twist — add approximately 10 to 12 drops of green food coloring until you achieve a bright, festive green. Pour the vibrant batter into your prepared pan and bake as instructed, usually around 30 minutes.
Step 2: Let the Cake Cool Slightly
After baking, give your cake a 10-minute cooling period right in the pan. This step makes it easier to poke holes without crumbling the cake and ensures your pudding filling will sink in nicely without washing through the cake completely.
Step 3: Poke Holes in the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke evenly spaced holes all over the top, about an inch apart. These holes allow the pudding to seep into the cake, creating that signature poke cake texture where every bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Prepare and Pour the Vanilla Pudding
Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens, which usually takes about two minutes. Pour this luscious pudding over the top of your poke cake, making sure it fills all the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread the pudding so it covers the entire surface.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the pudding to set firmly inside the cake while melding all those delicious flavors together into a cohesive dessert harmony.
Step 6: Add the Whipped Topping and Garnish
Once your cake has chilled and set, spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the surface for a creamy finish. For an extra festive flair, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles over the top. These little touches bring fun texture and visual delight to the cake.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe into squares and serve chilled. This dessert is perfect for sharing smiles and indulging in the spirit of the holiday with every forkful.
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe extra special when serving, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or edible gold stars alongside your sprinkles and chocolate chips. The fresh mint complements the vibrant green color and adds a subtle herbal note that energizes the palate.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, vanilla ice cream, or even a small cup of coffee or Irish cream-flavored liqueur for adults. These lighter sides keep the focus on the cake while enhancing the overall experience with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive presentation, try serving your poke cake on a platter with shamrock-shaped cookie cutters nearby so guests can cut perfect little themed servings. Another fun idea is to layer the cake in clear trifle bowls with whipped cream, pudding, and sprinkles to turn it into a showy dessert parfait that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from picking up any fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake, but it’s best done before adding the whipped topping. Wrap the cooled, pudding-soaked cake tightly in plastic wrap and again in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh whipped topping.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. The pudding and whipped topping lose their texture with heat, so simply enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for the perfect experience.
FAQs
Can I make this poke cake without instant pudding mix?
While instant pudding is key to getting that creamy filling that soaks into the cake, you could try substituting with homemade vanilla pudding. Just be sure it’s thick and chilled before pouring it over the cake to replicate the texture.
How do I get the green color just right?
Start with about 10 drops of green food coloring and add a drop at a time from there. Different brands vary in strength, so it’s best to go slow until you reach the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day green you love.
Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla or white cake recipe works beautifully. Just be aware that the texture might differ slightly, but the poke cake method will still give you that delicious, pudding-filled finish.
Is it okay to skip the garnishes?
Yes! The cake is delightful on its own, but garnishes like chocolate chips and sprinkles really elevate the festive feel. They add texture and visual appeal but aren’t essential for great taste.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free white cake mix and ensuring your pudding mix is gluten-free, you can make a gluten-free version. Always double-check your ingredient labels for safety.
Final Thoughts
This St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe is truly a gem that combines simplicity with show-stopping results, perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Once you try this fun, vibrant dessert, it will quickly become a loved tradition, brightening up your holiday table with every sweet, pudding-filled bite. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!
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St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive and delicious St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake featuring a moist green-tinted white cake soaked with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with fluffy whipped topping and fun garnishes.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (including eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions)
- Green food coloring, about 10-12 drops or as desired
Pudding Topping
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Finishing Toppings
- 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 Cake Batter: Preheat your oven according to the white 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 your desired green shade is reached.
- Bake Cake: Pour the green-tinted batter into the prepared pan and bake according to package directions, usually for around 30 minutes. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes after baking.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool, poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart all over the top of the slightly cooled cake to allow pudding to soak in.
- Mix Vanilla Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until it thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Pour Pudding Over Cake: Pour the thickened vanilla pudding evenly over the cake, filling the holes completely. Use a spatula to spread the pudding so it covers the cake surface uniformly.
- Chill Cake to Set: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the pudding set and for flavors to meld perfectly.
- Add Whipped Topping and Garnish: Before serving, spread 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the cake. Optionally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut the cake into 12 to 15 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day treat!
Notes
- You can adjust the green food coloring quantity to achieve your preferred shade.
- For best results, use chilled milk when preparing the instant pudding.
- Allowing the cake to chill for more than 2 hours enhances the flavor and texture.
- The optional chocolate chips and green sprinkles add a festive look but can be omitted if preferred.
