Description
Tiramisu Poke Cake is an easy, decadent dessert that combines the creamy, coffee-soaked flavors of tiramisu with the simplicity of a boxed cake mix. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual indulgence.
Ingredients
1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box)
1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
2 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) — optional
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tbsp instant espresso powder (or more to taste)
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened (or cream cheese)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to the box instructions. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, brewed coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and espresso powder.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in fully. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fluffy and combined.
- Spread the whipped mascarpone topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings or mini chips if desired.
- Chill for at least 2–3 more hours or overnight before slicing and serving cold.
Notes
For a kid-friendly version, skip the liqueur and use decaf coffee.
Add more Kahlúa for a boozier twist or incorporate into the topping.
Use chocolate cake mix for a mocha version.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days—flavors improve overnight.
Do not freeze; mascarpone topping may separate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/15th of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
