St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake

Name: St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 box of vanilla cake mix; 1 cup of water; 1/3 cup of vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 box of instant mint pudding mix; 2 cups of milk; 1 cup of heavy cream; 2 tablespoons of sugar; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; Crushed mint candies; Fresh mint leaves

Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Desserts

I love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family, and this Poke Cake is always a hit! The vibrant green color and delicious flavors create the perfect festive dessert. Every year, I find myself experimenting with flavors, and this year I decided to combine rich vanilla cake with a refreshing minty twist. It’s so easy to make, and the results are always impressive. Trust me, this cake will become a staple in your St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-02-18T15:46:20.149Z

When I first made this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake, I was blown away by how simple it was to create such a festive dessert. The key is to let the cake soak up the flavorful mint pudding, giving each bite a delightful surprise. I remember watching my friends' faces light up as they dug into this colorful treat, and it reminded me of how food can bring people together.

The addition of whipped cream on top elevates the cake to another level, adding a creamy texture that complements the sweetness perfectly. In my opinion, it's the finishing touch that makes this cake irresistible. I like to add a sprinkle of crushed mint candies for an extra crunch and festive flair!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright green color adds vibrancy to any celebration
Minty flavor brings a refreshing twist to classic cake
Super simple to prepare, perfect for baking beginners

Understanding the Ingredients

The rich vanilla cake mix serves as a fantastic base for this Poke Cake. Its light texture allows it to absorb the mint pudding wonderfully, giving each bite a deliciously moist experience. When choosing a cake mix, opt for one that does not contain artificial flavors or colors, as you'll want the natural flavors to shine through, especially when paired with the mint.

The instant mint pudding mix is the star of this dessert, providing both flavor and a beautiful green hue. If you're looking for a different taste, consider substituting with pistachio pudding for a twist, though the mint flavor is a classic for St. Patrick's Day. Be sure to prepare it correctly; whisk it until it thickens properly but avoid overmixing, which can lead to a grainy texture.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

Cooling the cake adequately before poking holes is crucial. If the cake is too hot, the pudding won’t settle into the holes properly. After removing it from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then release it to a wire rack for another 10 minutes. The surface should be warm but not hot to the touch; this promotes better pudding absorption and prevents sogginess.

While making the whipped topping, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled. This helps the cream to whip up more quickly and achieve stiff peaks. If you prefer a sweeter topping, you might increase the sugar slightly. Losers peaks in whipped cream can happen if you overbeat the mixture, so keep an eye on it once soft peaks appear.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start baking!

Cake Ingredients

1 box of vanilla cake mix
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Pudding Topping

1 box of instant mint pudding mix
2 cups of milk

Whipped Topping

1 cup of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Garnish

Crushed mint candies
Fresh mint leaves

Now you're ready to start assembling your cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results!

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Pudding

While the cake bakes, whisk together the instant mint pudding mix and milk in a bowl until thickened. Set aside to allow it to rest.

Poke the Cake

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the prepared mint pudding over the hot cake, spreading it into the holes to ensure even distribution.

Make the Whipped Topping

In another bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.

Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling crushed mint candies over the whipped topping and adding fresh mint leaves for decoration. Chill the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy your festive dessert and share the joy!

Pro Tips

For the best results, ensure that the cake has cooled adequately before pouring the pudding over it. This helps the pudding soak in without making the cake soggy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Poke Cake is great for making ahead of time. Once prepared, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pudding filling keeps the cake moist, and the flavors will deepen over time. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

If you're planning to serve it at a gathering, consider prepping the cake and pudding a day in advance. Assemble it the day of serving for the freshest flavors. However, wait until ready to serve to add the whipped topping and garnishes to maintain their texture and appearance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Poke Cake chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat. The creaminess of the ice cream balances beautifully with the mint flavor and adds a delightful contrast in texture. You can also sprinkle some additional crushed mint candies on top just before serving for a bit of extra crunch.

For a more festive look, consider adding colored sprinkles that match the theme of your St. Patrick's Day celebration. They can add a pop of color to the whipped topping without overwhelming the mint flavor. Another fun idea is to layer the Poke Cake in individual cups for a personal touch, perfect for parties or potlucks!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other pudding flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors, like chocolate or vanilla.

→ How long will this cake last?

If stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix, and the rest of the recipe will work perfectly!

→ Can I freeze this cake?

While the cake can be made ahead and frozen before adding toppings, it’s best served fresh for optimal texture.