Dreamy Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

Baileys chocolate poke cake brings magical moments right to your dessert plate.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen when you start mixing these delightful ingredients.

Chocolate lovers understand the pure bliss of a moist, decadent treat that melts instantly.

Creamy baileys infusion adds a sophisticated twist to this classic comfort dessert.

Rich layers promise an indulgent experience that feels both comforting and elegant.

Smooth ganache and soft cake textures create a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Grab a fork and let the incredible journey begin.

Chocolate Meets Cream in Baileys Poke Cake

• Indulge in Boozy Bliss: This cake transforms a classic chocolate dessert into a grown-up treat with the rich, smooth flavor of Baileys Irish Cream.
• Effortless Baking Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want an impressive dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Cake: Ideal for adult gatherings, dinner parties, or special occasions where you want to wow guests with a decadent and unique chocolate dessert.
• Customizable Comfort Delight: Easily adaptable with optional Baileys in the topping and extra chocolate chips, allowing personal touches to suit individual tastes.

Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake Must-Haves

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Eggs: Binds the cake ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Adds creamy liqueur flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a moist cake texture.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet layer.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate texture and flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates fluffy topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate flavor to topping.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provides decorative crunch.
• Chocolate Sauce: Offers additional chocolate drizzle.

Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vegetable oil
• Baileys Irish Cream
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until no lumps remain. Slowly add boiling water and mix gently to create a silky batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Poke and Soak

While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to create holes across the entire surface. Mix sweetened condensed milk with extra Baileys and slowly pour over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm cake. Let them melt slightly, then spread evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Chill the Cake

Refrigerate the cake for about an hour to let the flavors meld and set.

Step 9: Prepare Whipped Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baileys (optional)
• Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form and the mixture looks gloriously creamy.

Step 10: Finish and Garnish

Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cake. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top and drizzle with chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Smart Tips for Baileys Poke Cake

• Boost Cake Moisture: Poke the warm cake thoroughly to create deep holes, allowing the Baileys and condensed milk mixture to seep completely into every layer for maximum flavor absorption.
• Control Chocolate Chip Melt: Sprinkle chocolate chips immediately after baking while cake remains warm, ensuring they soften slightly without fully melting for perfect texture contrast.
• Achieve Stable Whipped Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help cream whip faster and maintain sturdy peaks when adding powdered sugar and Baileys.
• Select Quality Cocoa: Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for rich, intense chocolate flavor that complements the smooth Baileys liqueur throughout the dessert.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Let cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing flavors to blend and cream topping to become more luscious.

Storing And Serving Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake

• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, preserving its moist texture and rich Baileys flavor.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its delicious consistency.
• Separate individual slices with parchment paper before storing in a sealed container. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab a quick treat.
• Due to the cream topping and Baileys, never leave the cake out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

Baileys Cake Pairing Suggestions

• Decadent Baileys Pairing Suggestions
• Sip Complementary Irish Coffee: Brew a hot, strong coffee and mix with extra Baileys, creating a warm companion that echoes the cake's rich liqueur notes.
• Match with Smooth Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a cold scoop alongside the cake, letting the creamy vanilla balance the intense chocolate and Baileys flavors.
• Select Bold Red Wine Companion: Choose a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon, whose robust tannins cut through the cake's sweetness and complement its deep chocolate profile.
• Enjoy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Craft a cocktail blending espresso, Baileys, vodka, and caramel syrup to mirror the cake's complex, indulgent characteristics.

Creative Takes on Baileys Cake

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace Baileys with chocolate milk or strong coffee for a family-friendly cake that retains rich flavor without alcohol.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure cocoa powder is certified gluten-free to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, dairy-free whipped cream substitute, and vegan chocolate chips to create an inclusive dessert for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Lighter Healthier Adaptation: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener, incorporate Greek yogurt for moisture, and use dark cocoa powder for antioxidant benefits while maintaining decadent chocolate profile.

FAQs

• Is Baileys essential for this recipe?

Not exactly. You can substitute Baileys with another Irish cream liqueur or use non-alcoholic coffee flavoring for a similar taste profile.

• Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, replace Baileys with milk or strong coffee to maintain moisture and depth of flavor in the cake.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

• What type of cocoa powder works best?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a richer chocolate flavor and smoother texture for this cake, but regular unsweetened cocoa powder also works well.

Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Baileys chocolate poke cake delivers a luxurious dessert experience that blends rich chocolate with smooth Irish cream liqueur. Creamy filling seeps through moist cake layers, creating a delightful treat you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 260 g (9.2 oz) all-purpose flour
• 414 g (14.6 oz) sugar
• 85 g (3 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 180 ml (6 fl oz) milk
• 240 ml (8 fl oz) vegetable oil
• 240 ml (8 fl oz) Baileys Irish Cream (plus additional for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 180 ml (6 fl oz) boiling water
• 240 ml (8 fl oz) sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate and Topping Ingredients:

• 127 g (4.5 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 480 ml (16 fl oz) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 86 g (3 oz) powdered sugar
• 29 g (1 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 30 ml (1 fl oz) Baileys Irish Cream (optional)
• 12 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chocolate sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (177°C) and coating a 9×13 inch baking vessel with protective grease.
2. Create a dry foundation by thoroughly blending cocoa-based flour mixture with essential granular components, ensuring uniform consistency.
3. Construct a liquid matrix by vigorously integrating protein-rich eggs, dairy essence, lipid elements, spirited Baileys, and aromatic vanilla.
4. Merge liquid and powdery elements, whisking until smooth, then carefully introduce boiling water to enhance moisture and texture.
5. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared pan, distributing evenly, and commit to baking for approximately 35 minutes until structural integrity is achieved.
6. While cake remains warm, perforate surface with multiple punctures, then cascade a luxurious blend of sweetened milk and additional Baileys, allowing liquid to permeate deeply.
7. Generously disperse chocolate fragments across the warm landscape, permitting gentle melting and creating a decadent layer.
8. Refrigerate the infused creation for roughly one hour to solidify and intensify flavor profiles.
9. Craft an ethereal topping by whipping cream with powdered sweetener, cocoa undertones, optional Baileys, and vanilla until peaks maintain dramatic elevation.
10. Complete the masterpiece by adorning with miniature chocolate accent pieces and drizzling rich chocolate essence before presenting.

Notes

• Swap out Baileys for non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup to create a kid-friendly version that maintains the delicious flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly cake without compromising texture or taste.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting part of the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more consistent cake batter with better rise and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Cocktails
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 276 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg