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Decadent Baileys Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Chocolate Ganache

Baileys Irish Cream Poke Cake - featured image

A rich and comforting poke cake infused with Baileys Irish Cream and topped with a silky chocolate ganache, perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz or 432 g)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream (120 ml) for soaking mixture
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml) for soaking mixture
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (170 g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml) for ganache
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14 g), softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. While the cake bakes, whisk together 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Poke 20-30 holes evenly across the cake surface using a fork or toothpick.
  7. Slowly pour the soaking mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb fully.
  8. To make the ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon softened butter.
  9. Pour the ganache over the soaked cake and spread evenly with a spatula.
  10. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to set the ganache and meld flavors.
  11. Serve chilled or at room temperature, slicing into generous squares.

Notes

Do not rush the soaking step to avoid soggy spots. Use room temperature eggs and milk for best texture. Warm cream gently for ganache to prevent graininess. Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baileys Irish Cream, poke cake, chocolate ganache, easy dessert, boozy cake, celebration cake