Gluten-Free Whiskey-Vanilla Poke Cakes
Rich butter cakes infused with whiskey and vanilla pudding, then soaked with a boozy glaze and topped with candied walnuts. These individual loaf cakes deliver bold flavors perfect for adult gatherings or special occasions. The poke technique allows the whiskey icing to penetrate deep into the tender crumb, creating an intensely moist dessert that improves as it sits.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
- 2 boxes vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix, 4-serving size
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup whiskey
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups whiskey
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F and spray 9 loaf pans with cooking spray
- 2
Beat cake mix, pudding mix, milk, oil, 1/4 cup whiskey and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes
- 3
Add 2 cups walnuts and beat 1 minute until combined
- 4
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans
- 5
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
- 6
Remove from oven and place on cooling racks
- 7
Beat melted butter, 1 1/2 cups whiskey and powdered sugar with whisk until smooth
- 8
Reserve 1 1/2 cups icing in small bowl and set aside
- 9
Poke holes in each warm cake with bamboo skewer
- 10
Pour some remaining icing over cake tops and let soak in 1 minute
- 11
Repeat pouring and soaking until all icing has been absorbed
- 12
Add 2 cups walnuts to reserved icing
- 13
Spoon walnut mixture over tops of cakes
- 14
Cool completely for 45 to 60 minutes
Tips
Use a bamboo skewer to create evenly spaced holes for maximum icing absorption and consistent flavor throughout.
Let cakes cool slightly before poking to prevent crumbling while still warm enough for optimal icing penetration.
Reserve some icing before adding walnuts to ensure smooth glazing and attractive final presentation.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Flavor improves overnight.
Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Cut with sharp knife.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting time between icing pours to avoid overflow and ensure proper absorption.
Avoid over-mixing after adding walnuts to prevent tough texture.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without alcohol?
Replace whiskey with vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) mixed with milk or apple juice for similar moisture without alcohol content.
What if I don't have loaf pans?
Use a 9x13 inch pan and bake 45-50 minutes, adjusting poke technique for larger surface area.
How long do these keep?
Properly stored in refrigerator, these cakes stay fresh up to 5 days and actually improve in flavor over time.