Gluten-Free Bailey's Irish Cream Poke Cake
This decadent poke cake combines rich dark chocolate cake with creamy pistachio pudding and Bailey's Irish Cream for an indulgent dessert. The cake is studded with holes and soaked with a Bailey's-spiked pudding mixture, then topped with Bailey's whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and chopped pistachios. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a sophisticated flavor combination. The alcohol adds warmth and complexity while the pistachio pudding creates beautiful color contrast against the dark chocolate base.
Ingredients
- 15 ¼ ounce dark chocolate cake mix, box
- eggs, for cake mix
- oil, for cake mix
- water, for cake mix
- 3 ⅜ ounce instant pistachio pudding, boxvanilla pudding1:1note:More traditional flavortree_nuts-free
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- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Creamrum or bourbon1:1note:Changes flavor profile significantlydairy-free
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- 1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup Baileys Irish creamrum or bourbon1:1note:Changes flavor profile significantlydairy-free
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- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup chocolate, shaved
- ¼ cup pistachio nuts, finely chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Spray a 9x13 baking pan
- 3
Prepare the cake mix according to package directions adding eggs, water, and oil
- 4
Pour into the prepared 9x13 pan
- 5
Bake for 30-35 minutes and remove from the oven
- 6
Allow to cool for 10 minutes
- 7
With a wooden spoon poke holes in the cake evenly about 80 holes 8 across 10 down
- 8
In a small bowl whisk together the pudding mix milk and Baileys Irish Cream
- 9
Pour pudding mixture over cake pressing into the holes using a spatula
- 10
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the pudding mixture set up
- 11
To make the whipped topping in a medium bowl beat the heavy cream
- 12
As it thickens add the Baileys and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form
- 13
Spread the whipped cream mixture over cooled cake and top with chocolate shavings and finely chopped pistachio nuts
- 14
Cut into squares and serve
Tips
Use a cheese grater to easily create chocolate shavings for an elegant garnish
Make sure to poke holes deep enough for the pudding mixture to penetrate but not all the way through the cake
Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping cream for better volume and stability
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Can be made 1 day ahead without toppings then add whipped cream and garnish before serving
Serve chilled cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Do not skip chilling time to avoid runny pudding layer
Do not overbeat whipped cream to avoid butter formation
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
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Nut-Free Alternatives
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FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol
Yes substitute the Bailey's with additional milk or use Bailey's flavored coffee creamer for similar taste without alcohol
What if I cannot find pistachio pudding
Vanilla pudding works well as a substitute though you will lose the green color and nutty flavor that makes this cake special
How long will this cake keep
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days though it is best served within 24 hours for optimal texture