Dreamy Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

Heavenly Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Dessert lovers rejoice as this irresistible easy tiramisu poke cake recipe blends classic Italian flavors with modern baking techniques.

Layers of moist cake infused with rich espresso create a decadent experience that melts in your mouth.

The creamy mascarpone filling seeps into perfectly punctured cake holes, delivering an authentic tiramisu essence.

Coffee-soaked sponge meets silky smooth cream, promising a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert.

Each forkful promises a harmonious balance of sweet and bold coffee notes.

Delicate cocoa dusting adds the final touch of sophistication to this show-stopping treat.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

How to Prepare a Creamy Tiramisu Poke Cake

  • Cake Foundation

Blend cake batter smoothly and bake in a generously greased pan until golden and springy to touch.

  • Coffee Magic

Create a rich coffee liquid by mixing cold brew with sweet milk, transforming the cake’s flavor profile.

  • Hole Discovery

After baking, gently puncture cake surface with wooden spoon handle, creating pathways for flavor absorption.

  • Liquid Infusion

Pour coffee mixture slowly across cake, allowing it to seep deep into every created hole, ensuring complete saturation.

  • Creamy Topping

Whip mascarpone and vanilla frosting into a silky, cloud-like spread that will crown the coffee-soaked base.

  • Chocolate Finale

Delicately sprinkle dark chocolate shavings across the surface, adding elegant texture and rich depth.

  • Chill and Delight

Refrigerate cake, allowing flavors to meld and settle, then slice and serve this decadent dessert that whispers Italian cafe dreams.

Flavor Options to Try in Tiramisu Poke Cake

  • Coffee Cream Swirl: Enhance the coffee flavor by drizzling a tablespoon of espresso or strong brewed coffee over the frosting before adding chocolate shavings for an extra rich taste.
  • Boozy Bonus: For adult versions, replace some cold brew with coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to give the cake a sophisticated twist and deeper flavor profile.
  • Texture Twist: Experiment with different cake bases like chocolate sponge or yellow cake mix to create unique variations while maintaining the classic tiramisu essence.
  • Decorative Delight: Instead of chocolate shavings, try dusting cocoa powder, sprinkling crushed amaretti cookies, or adding fresh berries on top for a stunning presentation that adds extra texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight – making it perfect for stress-free entertaining or potluck gatherings.

Serve Tiramisu Poke Cake at Events

  • Coffee Companion Delight: Pair each slice with a steaming espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich tiramisu flavors and create a true Italian-inspired dessert experience.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the cake with cocoa powder, add a few fresh raspberries on the side, and serve on a white plate to create a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing the coffee flavors to deepen and intensify overnight for an even more delicious dessert.
  • Textural Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle crushed amaretti cookies or toasted almond slivers on top for an extra crunch that complements the creamy mascarpone frosting and soft cake texture.

Save Tiramisu Poke Cake in the Fridge

  • Refrigerator Readiness: Store the tiramisu poke cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always cover the cake completely to maintain its moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Slice and Freeze Strategy: Cut individual cake portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices stay delicious for 2-3 weeks and can be thawed directly in the refrigerator for quick dessert enjoyment.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake 1-2 days before serving to allow coffee flavors to deeply infuse into the cake layers. The longer it sits, the more intense and rich the taste becomes, making it perfect for dinner parties or weekend gatherings.
  • Temperature Tip: Always serve chilled for the most authentic tiramisu experience. Remove from refrigerator just 10-15 minutes before serving to let the mascarpone frosting soften slightly, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that guests will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 29-34 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 4 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 13

Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake Ingredient List

For Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: Provides the tender, fluffy foundation for our delightful dessert.
  • Water: Helps blend the cake mix smoothly and create the perfect texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and rich cake with soft crumb.
  • Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's light and airy structure.
For Coffee Soaking and Flavor:
  • High Brew Cold Coffee, Double Espresso: Infuses deep, robust coffee essence that defines tiramisu character.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps the cake absorb liquid beautifully.
For Creamy Topping:
  • Vanilla Frosting: Creates a smooth, sweet base layer for the topping.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Brings authentic Italian creaminess and tangy richness.
  • Unsweetened Chocolate: Provides elegant, bittersweet chocolate shavings for garnish and depth of flavor.

Tools for Assembling Tiramisu Poke Cake Easily

  • Electric Mixer: Perfect for blending cake batter smoothly and creating creamy frosting.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients and preparing mixtures.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking and presenting the entire cake.
  • Wooden Spoon: Helps create precise holes in the cake for coffee soaking.
  • Zester or Grater: Used for creating delicate chocolate shavings on top.
  • Medium-sized Bowl: Great for whisking coffee and condensed milk mixture.
  • Ladle: Helpful for evenly distributing coffee liquid over the cake.
  • Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing for clean insertion.
  • Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of coffee and milk mixture.
Print
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Dreamy Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 4 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

This delightful Tiramisu Poke Cake blends classic Italian dessert flavors with modern cake techniques. Coffee-soaked layers and creamy mascarpone frosting create a rich, indulgent treat you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16.25 oz (461 g) white cake mix
  • 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 12.5 oz (354 g) vanilla frosting, room temperature
  • 8 oz (237 ml) High Brew Cold Coffee – Double Espresso
  • 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 4 oz (113 g) unsweetened chocolate (for shavings)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large egg whites

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Batter Creation: Combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites in a mixing bowl, blending with an electric mixer until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
  3. Initial Baking: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 29-34 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean from the center.
  4. Coffee Infusion: While cake bakes, whisk High Brew Cold Coffee with sweetened condensed milk in a separate bowl to create a rich, aromatic liquid.
  5. Cake Transformation: Immediately after removing from oven, use a wooden spoon handle to puncture the cake’s surface with evenly spaced holes, creating channels for the coffee mixture.
  6. Liquid Absorption: Slowly pour the coffee mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into every perforation, then refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to cool completely.
  7. Frosting Finesse: Whip mascarpone cheese until light and fluffy, then fold in vanilla frosting to create a smooth, creamy topping that will enhance the cake’s moisture and flavor.
  8. Final Assembly: Spread the mascarpone frosting evenly across the cooled cake, covering the entire surface with a luxurious layer of creamy goodness.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Delicately shave unsweetened chocolate over the frosted cake using a zester or grater, adding a sophisticated finishing touch before chilling until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Optimize Oven Placement: Position the rack in the center for even heat distribution and consistent baking results.
  • Master Batter Mixing: Blend ingredients at medium speed to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture.
  • Perforate Precisely: Use a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to create uniform holes, ensuring even coffee mixture absorption.
  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow coffee infusion and stabilize the mascarpone frosting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 29-34 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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