The Luckiest St. Patricks Day Poke Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Green and decadent, this St.

Patrick’s Day poke cake bursts with festive flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Layers of moist cake get a delightful twist with creamy filling and vibrant emerald hues.

Irish-inspired desserts don’t get more delicious than this showstopping treat.

Condensed milk seeps into every delectable crumb, creating a rich and indulgent experience.

Chocolate and mint lovers will absolutely adore this simple yet stunning dessert.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing cake that brings a touch of Irish magic to your celebration.

You’ll be the star of any St.

Patrick’s Day gathering with this irresistible sweet sensation.

Why You Need A St Patricks Day Poke Cake

• Quick Caramelization Magic: Transform plain pineapple into a mouthwatering dessert with minimal effort, achieving golden-brown edges and sweet caramelized flavor in just minutes.
• Healthier Indulgence Option: Skip traditional frying methods and use the air fryer for a lighter treat that cuts down on excess oil while maintaining delicious crispy texture.
• Versatile Dessert Companion: Enjoy as a standalone sweet snack, pair with vanilla ice cream, top yogurt, or serve alongside grilled meats for a surprising flavor burst that impresses guests.
• Simple Ingredient Lineup: Requires just a few pantry staples like brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, making this recipe accessible for beginner cooks and baking enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients For St Patricks Day Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: A versatile base that provides the foundation for this festive dessert.
• Milk: Helps create a moist and tender cake texture.

• Pistachio Pudding Mix: Adds a distinctive green color and creamy flavor to the cake.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and thickened pudding consistency.

• Whipped Topping, Green Food Coloring: Creates a festive green appearance and adds a light, creamy finish to the cake.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: Provides a colorful and playful garnish for the St. Patrick's Day theme.

Step-By-Step St Patricks Day Poke Cake Instructions

Step 1: Create the Cake Base

Grab a white cake mix and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish following the package instructions. Let the cake cool down for about 10-15 minutes after baking.

The cake should be warm but not hot.

Step 2: Poke and Perforate

Take a wooden spoon handle or fork and start poking holes all over the cake.

Space the holes about an inch apart, creating little pockets for the pudding to seep into.

Step 3: Craft the Pistachio Pudding

• Pistachio pudding mix
• Milk

Let the mixture sit and thicken for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Fill the Cake with Pudding

Pour the thickened pistachio pudding all over the cake, carefully spreading it to fill each hole. Watch as the pudding cascades into the cake’s little tunnels.

Pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Top with Fluffy Goodness

Spread whipped topping evenly across the pudding layer.

For a festive touch, add a few drops of green food coloring to create a St. Patrick’s Day vibe.

Step 6: Add Festive Flair

Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles or add other St. Patrick’s Day decorations to make the cake extra special.

Step 7: Slice and Celebrate

Cut the cake into squares and serve up this delightful green-themed treat. Enjoy the burst of pistachio flavor and creamy texture with friends and family!

Helpful Tips For St Patricks Day Poke Cake

• Whisk pudding mix thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure smooth, creamy texture throughout the cake.
• Add green food coloring gradually to whipped topping, mixing carefully to achieve desired shade without streaking.
• Use wooden spoon handle or fork with consistent pressure when poking holes to create even pudding distribution.
• Refrigerate cake for full 2 hours minimum to allow pudding to set completely and enhance flavor absorption.
• Scatter rainbow sprinkles just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent color bleeding.

New Takes On St Patricks Day Poke Cake

• Vegan St. Patrick's Cake: Replace white cake mix with vegan cake mix, use plant-based milk for pudding, swap whipped topping with coconut cream, and add natural green food coloring from spinach or matcha powder.
• Gluten-Free Green Delight: Substitute white cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, use gluten-free pudding mix, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Sugar Green Treat: Use sugar-free pudding mix, replace regular cake mix with low-sugar alternative, utilize stevia-based whipped topping, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining festive green theme.

Foods That Pair Well With St Patricks Day Poke Cake

• Pair Pistachio Passion with Smooth Irish Coffee: The rich, nutty flavors of the pistachio pudding cake perfectly complement a warm, creamy Irish coffee with a smooth whiskey undertone.
• Create Green Beverage Harmony: Serve a refreshing green apple martini or a crisp mint mojito that echoes the cake's festive green color and adds a playful cocktail twist.
• Match Creamy Textures with Light Champagne: Select a light, bubbly champagne or prosecco to cut through the cake's creamy whipped topping and provide a delightful palate-cleansing contrast.
• Embrace Irish Cream Liqueur Pairing: Drizzle Bailey's Irish Cream over individual cake slices or serve as a side drink to enhance the St. Patrick's Day theme and complement the cake's sweet profile.

Storage Tips For St Patricks Day Poke Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours due to the dairy-based pudding and whipped topping.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moisture and texture.

FAQs

• What's the key ingredient that gives this cake its green color?

The pistachio pudding mix provides the signature green hue and adds a delicious nutty flavor to the cake.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before serving, which actually helps the flavors meld together and makes the cake even more delicious.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Not at all! This is a super easy recipe that’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The recipe uses a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it foolproof and fun to prepare.

St. Patricks Day Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Celebrating Irish heritage, this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake brings festive green magic to your dessert table. Creamy layers and vibrant shamrock spirit promise a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Pudding and Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant pistachio pudding mix
• 2 cups milk

Topping and Decoration:

• 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams) whipped topping
• Green food coloring
• 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Craft the cake foundation by mixing white cake batter and baking in a 9×13-inch pan according to package instructions at recommended temperature, then allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Create strategic perforations across the cake surface using a wooden spoon handle or fork, spacing holes approximately 1 inch apart.
3. Whisk pistachio pudding mix with milk in a medium bowl, allowing mixture to thicken for 5 minutes until smooth and consistent.
4. Gently cascade pudding over cooled cake, ensuring liquid penetrates through the poked holes and distributes evenly across the surface.
5. Refrigerate the cake for minimum 2 hours, permitting pudding to completely set and integrate with cake layers.
6. Apply whipped topping uniformly across the pudding layer, using a spatula to create a smooth, even finish. Optional: Incorporate green food coloring for festive appearance.
7. Embellish with rainbow sprinkles or St. Patrick’s Day themed decorative elements if desired.
8. Slice into square portions and serve chilled, celebrating the holiday with this vibrant dessert.

Notes

• Use high-quality white cake mix for a more delicate and fluffy texture that absorbs pudding perfectly.
• Ensure cake is slightly warm when poking holes, allowing pudding to penetrate deeper and create moist layers.
• Consider replacing dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Add green food coloring sparingly to whipped topping, creating a subtle pastel green instead of an artificial bright tone.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg