Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe with Kahlua - The Best Cake Recipes (2024)

Julie Clark

Posted: Updated:

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Love tiramisu but hate all the work? This easy Tiramisu Poke Cake with Kahlua is easy and delicious!

Poke cakes have been trending for several years now. Have you ever wondered why? It’s because they’re super easy and the flavor combinations are endless.

Although poke cakes are often fruit flavored and infused with Jello, this one has a different twist. Coffee and Kahlua.

Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe with Kahlua - The Best Cake Recipes (2)

What is Kahlua?

Kahlua is a coffee flavored liqueur. It is made of coffee, rum, sugar and vanilla. It is used in mixed drinks, but it is also great in baking (hello there crack cake). You can find it in the alcohol section of the store. You’ll just use a small amount of it in this cake.

Does alcohol bake out of cake?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions when we share cakes with alcohol. The fact is, not all of the alcohol bakes out of the cake. But a lot of it will. If you are sensitive to alcohol or don’t like the taste of it, I’d stay away from this cake.

What does tiramisu taste like?

Tiramisu is an Italian word that literally means “pick me up”. It is a dessert that has coffee and rum soaked in it. This poke cake made tiramisu style has a strong coffee and rum flavor. The Kahlua and espresso powder make it that way. Although there is cocoa powder in the cake, it doesn’t taste anything like chocolate.

How to Make Tiramisu Poke Cake

You’re going to love this cake because it starts with a box cake mix. That makes it super easy. If you would rather use a homemade cake, we recommend our vanilla cake that gets RAVE reviews.

Otherwise, grab your favorite box white cake mix (ounces may vary, but somewhere around 15.25 ounces) and get baking!

Make the cake.

  • Mix. In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, milk, eggs and oil. Beat well, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. We like to use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make sure it is blended well. You can use water instead of milk, but we like the extra flavor milk adds.
  • Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center bounces back when you touch it.
  • Cool. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature.

Make the coffee drizzle.

  • Mix. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, Kahlua, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Mix well.
  • Poke. Use the pointed end of a wooden spoon (or a large fork) and poke holes all over the cake.
  • Drizzle. Pour the coffee drizzle evenly over the entire cake. Pour slowly so it has time to sink into the holes.
  • Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe with Kahlua - The Best Cake Recipes (4)
  • Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe with Kahlua - The Best Cake Recipes (5)

Loosely cover and refrigerate the cake for 2 hours. This helps the sugar coffee glaze set in the cake and firm up slightly.

Make the frosting.

I think you’ll love this light, whipped frosting. It’s not super sweet, which is good since the cake is soaked in syrup.

  • Mix. Beat together the sugar, mascarpone cheese and Kahlua. Mix well.
  • Whip. Add the heavy whipping cream. Use a stand mixer or high powered hand mixer to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.
  • Frost. Spread the frosting on the cooled cake.

The last step is to decorate your cake as you wish. We like to dust our cake with cocoa powder. You could also sprinkle it with chocolate curls.

Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe with Kahlua - The Best Cake Recipes (6)

How to Store Poke Cake

Cover the poke cake and store it in the refrigerator. This is a great make ahead cake and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Does this cake freeze well? Yes! Place any leftover pieces in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you are ready to serve it, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator. Then open and serve.

Tiramisu Poke Cake

4.55 from 75 votes

An easy dessert with coffee flavored liqueur infused inside and a creamy whipped frosting on top.

Servings 15

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Chill Time 2 hours hours

Print RecipeReview Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix (around 15.25 ounces)
  • 1 1/4 cups 2% milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the coffee drizzle:

For the frosting:

For dusting:

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.

Make the cake:

  • In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, milk, eggs and oil. Beat well, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. We like to use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make sure it is blended well.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center bounces back when you touch it.

  • Allow the cake to cool to room temperature.

Make the coffee drizzle:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, Kahlua, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Mix well.

  • Use the pointed end of a wooden spoon (or a large fork) and poke holes all over the cake.

  • Pour the coffee drizzle evenly over the entire cake. Pour slowly so it has time to sink into the holes. Loosely cover and refrigerate the cake for 2 hours.

Make the frosting:

  • Beat together the sugar, mascarpone cheese and Kahlua. Mix well.

  • Add the heavy whipping cream. Use a stand mixer or high powered hand mixer to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.

  • Spread the frosting on the cooled cake.

  • Dust with cocoa powder.

  • Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Video

Notes

The calories shown are based on the cake being cut into 15 pieces, with 1 serving being 1 slice of cake. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 597IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 1mg

Author Julie Clark

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Calories 460

Keyword 9×13 cake, easy cake

Have you tried this recipe?

Share a review below or share on Instagram with the tag #tastesoflizzyt.

Other Poke Cake Recipes

Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe with Kahlua - The Best Cake Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best liquor to use in tiramisu? ›

Liqueur: To take your tiramisu up a notch, use a liqueur like almond-y Amaretto or hazelnut Frangelico to infuse a fourth flavor into your dessert and complement the coffee and chocolate. My personal favorite is Sambuca, an Italian anise-flavored liqueur.

What cocoa powder to use for tiramisu? ›

Dutch-processed cocoa powder, for dusting.

Why is my poke cake soggy? ›

This can happen when you pour too much liquid into the holes of your cake. This can occur when the holes are less than an inch apart from each other and this is why instant pudding is such a game-changer — its thick consistency won't drench the cake sponge too quickly, resulting in a soggy mess.

What can you use instead of Kahlua in tiramisu? ›

If you are looking for an alcohol-free option I would suggest omitting the Kahlua entirely from the coffee mixture and replacing it with coffee in the mascarpone mixture.

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

Can you substitute Baileys for Kahlua in tiramisu? ›

This irish cream tiramisu is made with bailey's liqueur instead of rum or kahlua. It adds a nice little twist to such a classic, fun dessert!

What is the name of the liqueur in tiramisu? ›

Amaretto liqueurs, such as Disaronno, are also often used to enhance the taste of tiramisu.

Should ladyfingers be soft or hard for tiramisu? ›

You can make your own ladyfingers or purchase two 3-ounce packages. Wondering if you should use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? They come in both forms, but we tend to use the soft variety. Espresso powder: We use instant espresso coffee powder ($7, Target) found in the coffee aisle at your grocery store.

Do you cover tiramisu in the fridge? ›

Make-Ahead Instructions for Tiramisu:

This Tiramisu needs to sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours, so it's the ideal make-ahead dessert! Simply cover well with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, then dust all over with cocoa powder just before serving.

What is the best way to poke holes in a poke cake? ›

Poke-and-pour cake (also called poke cake) is a cake recipe that calls for holes to be poked in it after baking, usually with the handle of a wooden spoon or a wooden skewer. Then a liquid is poured over the baked cake to soak into the cake holes.

How do you keep a cake super moist? ›

Seven Bakery Secrets to Incredibly Moist Cakes Every Time
  1. Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk.
  2. Add Vegetable Oil.
  3. Use Instant Clearjel or Instant Pudding Mix.
  4. Use the Right Recipe.
  5. Don't Overbake.
  6. Bake in Sheet Pans Instead of individual Cake Pans.
  7. Use a Simple Syrup or Glaze.
Apr 23, 2021

How long is poke cake good for in the fridge? ›

Storing Leftover Cake

To keep jello poke cake on hand for up to a week, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will prevent it from soaking up any smells lingering in the fridge, while also helping it to continue to develop its flavors. Hello, delicious leftovers!

What is the best substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu? ›

Pavesini Biscuits: Pavesini biscuits are a popular alternative to ladyfingers in tiramisu. These small, thin biscuits are low in calories and can be brushed with coffee instead of being dipped. They are commonly used in making tiramisu, especially in individual servings [2].

Why is my tiramisu sloppy? ›

The other main reasons the mixture would be runny is if other liquid ingredients have been added first, or if the mascarpone has been beaten so much that it has curdled (then you will get water separating out from the cheese curds).

What is a substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu? ›

Sponge Cake: Sponge cake is a suitable ladyfinger substitute. Cut the sponge cake into thin, finger-sized strips or pieces, and use them as you would use ladyfingers. You can also lightly soak the sponge cake in espresso or coffee to mimic the ladyfinger texture.

What is tiramisu liqueur? ›

2y. What alcohol is in tiramisu? Usually Amaretto liqueur or Marsala but pomace brandy like Grappa, dark rum, Madeira, port, Irish cream, brandy or even Malibu can be used.

What can you substitute for vodka in tiramisu? ›

The vodka will add nothing to the tiramisu recipe since vodka is made to be flavorless. As Jefromi mentioned in the comment, there are plenty of other better substitution in terms of flavor you can use. Kahlua is a very common liquor found in tiramisu as it's coffee based. Chocolate porters might also add a nice touch.

What can I use instead of Marsala wine in tiramisu? ›

Replace marsala with port using a 1:1 ratio. Port can be a good substitute for marsala wine for cooking chicken, tiramisu, or cannolis.

References

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