Decadent Baileys Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Creamy Layers
A creamy, boozy poke cake featuring Baileys Irish Cream-infused pudding soaked into a tender yellow cake, topped with luscious cream cheese and whipped topping layers. Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g) – Betty Crocker recommended
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 packets instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz / 96 g each) – small-curd pudding preferred
- 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) cold milk
- 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) Baileys Irish Cream liqueur (adjust to taste)
- 1 container (8 oz / 226 g) whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional garnishes: grated chocolate or cocoa powder, chopped toasted nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake batter according to box instructions, combining mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth (2-3 minutes). Pour batter into greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
- In a bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Stir in Baileys Irish Cream.
- Pour pudding mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Spread gently with a spatula if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping until fluffy.
- Spread creamy mixture evenly over chilled cake. Garnish with grated chocolate, cocoa powder, or nuts if desired.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to firm up.
Notes
Pour pudding slowly and spread gently to avoid soggy cake. Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Refrigerate thoroughly for best texture and flavor melding. For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of mascarpone to the cream cheese mixture. Variations include chocolate cake and pudding, non-alcoholic substitutions, and dairy-free options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Baileys Irish Cream, poke cake, creamy dessert, easy cake recipe, boozy dessert, layered cake, pudding cake