This Shamrock Delight Poke Cake is a festive, minty, and irresistibly moist dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! A fluffy white cake is infused with creamy pudding, topped with a light whipped topping, and decorated with green sprinkles for a fun and delicious holiday treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun – A bright green dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Ultra Moist – The pudding filling keeps every bite soft and flavorful.
- Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and a boxed cake mix shortcut.
- Cool & Refreshing – A light minty flavor makes it perfect for springtime.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- White or vanilla cake mix (plus required eggs, oil, and water)
- Instant pistachio or vanilla pudding mix
- Milk
- Mint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Green food coloring
For the Topping:
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- Green sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Crushed mint candies or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Bake the Cake:
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cake Mix – Follow the package instructions for the cake mix, adding green food coloring and mint extract if using.
- Bake – Pour into the prepared pan and bake according to the box instructions. Let cool completely.
Make the Pudding Filling:
- Prepare Pudding – Whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Poke Holes – Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Pour Pudding Over Cake – Spread pudding evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Add the Topping:
- Spread Whipped Topping – Cover the cake with a thick layer of whipped topping.
- Decorate – Sprinkle with green sprinkles, crushed mint candies, or chocolate chips.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Chill Before Serving – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Shamrock Poke Cake – Use a chocolate cake base with mint chocolate pudding.
- Oreo Mint Poke Cake – Top with crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist.
- Extra Minty – Add crushed Andes mints or mint extract to the whipped topping.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free pudding mix, almond milk, and coconut whipped cream.
- Lighter Version – Use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without whipped topping for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding the topping.
- Serving Tip: Enjoy chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Yes! A homemade vanilla cake works just as well.
Do I have to use green food coloring?
No, but it adds a fun, festive touch.
How do I prevent my cake from getting soggy?
Let the pudding set slightly before pouring it over the cake.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, white chocolate, or even pistachio pudding work great.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best made a day in advance to let the flavors blend.
How do I make homemade whipped topping?
Beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp sugar and ½ tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
Use the end of a wooden spoon or a straw for evenly spaced holes.
Can I add alcohol for an adult version?
Yes! A splash of Bailey’s or crème de menthe in the pudding adds a boozy kick.
What pairs well with this cake?
Serve with mint hot chocolate, Irish coffee, or vanilla ice cream.
Can I add a crunch to the topping?
Yes! Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Conclusion
This Shamrock Delight Poke Cake is a fun, festive, and delicious treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion. With its moist, pudding-filled cake and light whipped topping, it’s an easy dessert that everyone will love. Try it today and bring a little luck to your dessert table!
PrintShamrock Delight Poke Cake
This Shamrock Delight Poke Cake is a fun and easy dessert featuring a light and fluffy white cake, vibrant green pudding filling, and a whipped topping with festive sprinkles. It’s the perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat for parties or family gatherings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio or vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- Green food coloring (if using vanilla pudding)
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Green sprinkles, shamrock sprinkles, or crushed pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions, adding vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Pour batter into a 9×13-inch greased baking pan and bake as directed (about 25-30 minutes).
-
Poke & Fill:
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Add green food coloring if needed.
- Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
-
Top & Decorate:
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Garnish with green sprinkles, shamrock decorations, or crushed pistachios for a festive touch.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice and serve chilled for the best texture.
Notes
- Want extra flavor? Use mint pudding or add ½ teaspoon of mint extract to the whipped topping.
- Make it extra festive by drizzling green-colored white chocolate over the top.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.