St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating with good company, great vibes, and of course, delicious treats! And what better way to bring some festive fun to the table than with a vibrant, mouthwatering St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake? This cake is as fun to make as it is to eat—soft, moist, and bursting with sweet flavor in every bite. With its signature green color and luscious layers, it’s the ultimate dessert to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a festive party, a cozy family dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is a winner. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile This cake is perfect for any occasion—St. Patrick’s Day parties, birthdays, or even just a weekend treat. The fun colors make it a standout dessert!
Budget-Friendly Made with simple pantry staples, this dessert won’t break the bank while still delivering a showstopping result.
Quick and Easy No complicated techniques here! This poke cake comes together effortlessly with just a few simple steps, making it ideal even for beginner bakers.
Customizable Want to switch up the flavors? Try different pudding flavors, toppings, or food color combinations to make it uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and fun, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake
Here’s the magic of this cake—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
White Cake Mix The base of this cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious pudding goodness.
Eggs These help give the cake structure and richness, ensuring a soft and moist crumb.
Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake tender and moist while adding just the right amount of richness.
Water Helps bring everything together, ensuring the cake bakes up light and airy.
Green Gel Food Coloring The secret to that festive, eye-catching green hue that makes this cake scream St. Patrick’s Day!
Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix Adds a creamy, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cake.
Milk Used to prepare the pudding, making it extra creamy and dreamy.
Whipped Topping Light, fluffy, and the perfect finishing touch to balance out the rich cake and pudding layers.
Green Sprinkles Because no festive dessert is complete without a little extra sparkle!
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and the perfect cake texture.
Prepare the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix until smooth and evenly tinted. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.
Bake the Cake Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Poke the Holes Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly throughout the cake. These holes will soak up all the delicious pudding!
Prepare the Pudding In a medium bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
Fill the Cake Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
Chill the Cake Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld together.
Add the Topping Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
Decorate and Serve Sprinkle with green sprinkles for a festive touch. Slice, serve, and enjoy the magic of this St. Patrick’s Day treat!
Notes
Servings 12
Calories per serving 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake
This cake is best served chilled, allowing all the flavors to fully develop. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee. For an extra festive touch, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top!
Additional Tips
- For deeper color, add a bit more green food coloring until you get your desired shade.
- Use a piping bag to spread the whipped topping neatly for a professional look.
- Let the cake chill longer for even better flavor—the pudding will have more time to soak in!
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered to prevent drying out.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix? Yes! A vanilla or yellow cake mix works just as well.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the pudding has fully absorbed.
What if I don’t have pistachio pudding? You can substitute with vanilla or white chocolate pudding for a different but equally delicious twist.
Do I have to use food coloring? Nope! It’s just for fun. The cake will taste amazing either way.
Can I use homemade whipped cream? Of course! Freshly whipped cream adds an extra touch of homemade goodness.
What can I use instead of whipped topping? Try stabilized whipped cream or a lightly sweetened mascarpone topping.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes, but freeze it without the whipped topping. Add it fresh after thawing.
Can I use almond or coconut milk for the pudding? Yes, but be sure to use a thickener, as non-dairy milk may not set the pudding as well.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake? Use the back of a wooden spoon or a thick straw for evenly spaced holes.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version, and make sure your pudding is gluten-free too.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re celebrating with family, bringing it to a party, or just treating yourself, this cake is a guaranteed hit. So go ahead, grab a slice, and let the festivities begin!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake is a moist and fluffy green cake soaked in pudding and topped with whipped cream. A deliciously fun dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for celebrating!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
- Green food coloring (optional, for a vibrant green color)
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios or green sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions. Add a few drops of green food coloring for a brighter St. Patrick’s Day look. Pour into the baking dish and bake as directed.
- Poke Holes: Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake.
- Prepare Pudding: Whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
- Fill the Cake: Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
- Top & Decorate: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or green sprinkles.
- Serve & Enjoy! Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Swap pistachio pudding with vanilla or white chocolate pudding for a different flavor.
- Add mint extract for a hint of minty freshness.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg