Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

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Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of tiramisu and love the simplicity of a poke cake, you’re in for a real treat! This Tiramisu Poke Cake is the perfect blend of classic Italian flavors and easy, modern baking techniques. Imagine layers of moist cake soaked in coffee and topped with a luscious mascarpone whipped cream—all the elegance of tiramisu, but in a fun and casual format that’s ideal for family gatherings, birthdays, or just a special dessert night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes impressive, but is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Perfect for Sharing: This dessert feeds a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks, parties, or holiday dinners.
• Customizable: Not a coffee lover? Swap it for hot chocolate or even flavored syrups to suit your taste.

Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu Poke Cake

1. Choose the Right Coffee: Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for the best flavor. If you want to keep it kid-friendly, opt for decaf.
2. Don’t Skip the Soaking: The magic of a poke cake is in the soaking. Let the coffee mixture fully seep into the holes for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Chill Before Serving: This cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Dust Just Before Serving: Add the cocoa powder topping right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 cup brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, let it cool slightly.
2. Poke and Soak: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw, poke holes all over the cake. Mix the coffee and coffee liqueur (if using), then combine with sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Chill for 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Topping: Beat the mascarpone, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Assemble: Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Dust with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) before serving. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Common Questions & Answers

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

2. What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese? You can substitute cream cheese, but keep in mind that it will have a slightly tangier taste. To mimic mascarpone’s creamy texture, mix cream cheese with a little heavy cream.

3. Can I skip the alcohol? Yes! The coffee liqueur is optional. If you’re making this for kids or prefer an alcohol-free dessert, simply omit it.

4. How do I store leftovers? Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, keep the cocoa powder topping fresh by adding it just before serving each portion.

5. Can I freeze this cake? While you can freeze the cake base after soaking it, the mascarpone topping doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy consistency. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the topping and assemble fresh when ready to serve.

This Tiramisu Poke Cake is a game-changer for dessert lovers! It’s fancy enough to wow your guests, yet simple enough for any home baker to whip up. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your tips and tweaks—I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!