Description
This Best Tiramisu Poke Cake combines the beloved flavors of classic tiramisu in an easy-to-make poke cake format. A moist vanilla cake is infused with a rich coffee and Kahlua mixture, then topped with a luscious mascarpone and whipped cream frosting, creating a sophisticated dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the back of the box (typically eggs, oil, water—follow EXACTLY)
Coffee Mixture
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tbsp brewed coffee
- 1/3 cup Kahlua
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp espresso powder
Frosting
- 6–8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp Kahlua
- ½ tsp espresso powder
- Dutch cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare and bake the vanilla cake according to the instructions on the box in a 9×13-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly until it is still warm but not hot.
- Make the Coffee Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brewed coffee, Kahlua, cocoa powder, and espresso powder until smooth. If you don’t have Kahlua, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee or espresso mixed with a little sugar, vanilla, or a pinch of cocoa powder for a rich flavor.
- Poke & Soak: Use a fork to poke holes all over the warm cake, going about three-quarters of the way down. Slowly pour the coffee mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak deeply into the holes. Let it absorb completely for best flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the soaked cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the cake to firm up.
- Make the Frosting: Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream and powdered sugar and continue to beat until thick and fluffy, forming soft to medium peaks. On low speed, mix in Kahlua and espresso powder until fully combined.
- Finish: Spread the mascarpone frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice the tiramisu poke cake and serve cold. The flavors improve and deepen if allowed to rest overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Notes
- If Kahlua is unavailable, substitute with strong coffee or espresso mixed with a touch of sugar and a small pinch of cocoa powder for flavor depth.
- Ensure the cake is still warm when poking and soaking, so the coffee mixture absorbs perfectly.
- Use good quality mascarpone for the best rich and creamy frosting.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, adjust the coffee and espresso powder quantities to taste.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Tiramisu Poke Cake, Tiramisu Cake, Kahlua Cake, Coffee Cake, Mascarpone Frosting, Easy Dessert, Italian Dessert
