If you are looking for a festive, eye-catching dessert to celebrate the holiday with friends and family, this St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe is a total winner. It takes a classic poke cake to a whole new level with that vibrant green color that’s perfect for the occasion. Every bite is moist, creamy, and just sweet enough, with a creamy vanilla pudding filling that seeps through the cake’s pockets of goodness, making this more than just a cake—it’s a celebration in every forkful. It’s easy to make, wonderfully customizable, and will definitely become a beloved part of your St. Patrick’s Day traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating that soft, fluffy texture of the cake to adding a beautiful green hue and the creamy pudding layer that makes every bite magical.
- White cake mix: This is the base, bringing fluffy, tender crumb perfect for absorbing the pudding filling.
- Green food coloring: Just the right amount to turn the cake into a festive green, adding a visual pop that screams St. Patrick’s Day.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Creates the luscious creamy filling that soaks into the cake for rich moisture.
- Milk: Needed to prepare the pudding, balancing the sweetness and texture.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Delivers a light, fluffy finish that’s easy to spread on top.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds a little surprise crunch and contrast with the soft cake.
- Green sprinkles (optional): Perfect for extra festive flair and texture on top.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Color the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven as directed on the cake box, then grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. Mix the cake batter according to package instructions, but here’s the fun part—add green food coloring a few drops at a time, stirring gently until you get that perfect shade of St. Patrick’s Day green. This step feels incredibly satisfying because the bright color really starts to bring the cake to life.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour your beautifully green batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top gently. Bake as usual (about 30 minutes) until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool for around 10 minutes—this wait allows the cake to firm up just enough so it’s ready for the next exciting step, and you’ll start smelling the sweet vanilla goodness filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Poke the Cake with Love
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or something similar, poke holes all over the cake top, spaced about an inch apart. These holes are crucial because they let the pudding slip down into the cake to create that legendary moist texture poke cakes are famous for. It’s a little bit of magic happening right before your eyes.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Vanilla Pudding
Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a bowl until it thickens nicely—this usually takes about two minutes. Then pour the pudding slowly over the poked holes, making sure they all fill up evenly. Use a spatula to spread any leftover pudding so the cake top is beautifully coated, setting the stage for creamy, irresistible bites.
Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor and Texture
Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours. This is an important step because it allows the pudding to set firmly while the cake soaks up all that creamy goodness, ensuring you get a slice that’s both flavorful and wonderfully moist every single time.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping and Garnish
When you’re ready to serve, spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the cake’s surface. If you want to really impress, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles on top—they create a fun texture contrast and amp up the festive vibe beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into generous squares and serve chilled. Brace yourself for compliments because this St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe never fails to amaze guests with its vibrant color, moist texture, and creamy layers.
How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding more texture and festive flair is simple! Beyond the classic mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles, consider adding edible gold stars or shamrock-shaped candies to elevate this cake’s St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Fresh mint leaves can also provide a pop of color and a subtle fresh aroma that complements the cake perfectly.
Side Dishes
This poke cake shines as a dessert but pairs wonderfully with light sides. Think of Irish coffee or a creamy Bailey’s Irish cream-flavored drink to complement that green cake’s sweetness. For a daytime gathering, a platter of fresh fruits like strawberries or kiwi slices will balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want your St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe to stand out even more? Serve it in clear glass containers so the green layers and pudding peep through, or cut the cake into festive shapes with cookie cutters for kid-friendly treats. Placing the cake on a whimsical St. Patrick’s Day-themed platter or cake stand will really make your table pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your feast is over, wrap the remaining cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keeping it refrigerated will preserve the freshness and creaminess for 3 to 4 days, making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake well ahead or save leftovers for later, freezing is an option. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen poke cake can last up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, and the texture should hold up nicely.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it a bit warmer, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving since it might affect the pudding’s creamy texture and whipped topping—kept cold, the flavors are at their very best.
FAQs
Can I use a scratch cake recipe instead of a box mix for this St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade white cake works wonderfully—just be sure your batter isn’t too dense so the pudding can seep in nicely. The key is a light, fluffy cake for that perfect texture balance.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
You can experiment with natural alternatives like spinach powder or matcha for a green tint, though the final flavor and intensity of green might differ. Otherwise, omit the coloring and you’ll still have a delicious vanilla poke cake.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Sure! While vanilla pudding is classic, chocolate or even pistachio pudding could add a fun twist—just keep in mind how those flavors pair with the green cake for the best festive results.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The traditional version isn’t since it uses boxed cake mix, but you can substitute a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure the pudding and other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe swap.
How far in advance can I make this cake before St. Patrick’s Day?
This St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe is best made 24 hours before serving to allow all the flavors to meld and pudding to set perfectly, but it can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about gathering loved ones together and sharing a treat that not only tastes amazing but also brightens the holiday spirit. This St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe offers a fun, easy way to make your celebrations even sweeter, with its luscious cream filling and festive green hue. I hope you give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to dessert for every St. Patrick’s Day to come.
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Green Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive Poke Cake featuring a vibrant green white cake base filled with creamy vanilla pudding, topped with fluffy whipped topping, and adorned with mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles for a fun, colorful treat perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- Green food coloring (about 10-12 drops or as desired)
Vanilla Pudding Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Topping and Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup green sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven according to the white cake mix package instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix and Color Cake Batter: Prepare the white cake batter as directed on the box, adding green food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade of green for a festive look.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the green batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake as instructed on the package, usually for about 30 minutes, then let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil, poke holes all over the top of the slightly cooled cake about 1 inch apart to allow the pudding to soak in.
- Prepare Pudding: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk in a bowl until the mixture thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Fill the Cake with Pudding: Pour the thickened pudding over the cake, making sure to fill the holes thoroughly. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly across the surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours to let the pudding set and flavors meld nice and well together.
- Add Whipped Topping and Garnishes: Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Optionally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles on top for an extra festive appearance.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this delightful St. Patrick’s Day treat!
Notes
- Make sure to poke evenly spaced holes so the pudding can soak into the entire cake evenly.
- You can adjust the green food coloring quantity for a lighter or more vibrant green cake.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk and dairy-free whipped topping substitutes.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Mini chocolate chips and green sprinkles are optional but add a nice festive touch.
