Heavenly Tiramisu Poke Cake: A Coffee-Infused Delight with Creamy Mascarpone Frosting

When you’re craving a sweet, indulgent dessert but want something simple and quick to prepare, this Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake is the answer. It’s the best of both worlds: a rich, coffee-infused treat that captures the essence of classic tiramisu without the fuss. This cake is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion when you want a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort. With just a few basic ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that tastes like it’s straight from an Italian café. The combination of sweetened coffee syrup soaked into a light, fluffy white cake and topped with a creamy mascarpone vanilla frosting is nothing short of heavenly. This easy-to-make dessert gives you all the flavors of tiramisu without any alcohol, making it family-friendly and perfect for anyone who loves the rich, aromatic flavor of coffee and mascarpone cheese.

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The beauty of a poke cake lies in the way it absorbs the syrupy goodness that is poured over the top after baking. In this recipe, the coffee and sweetened condensed milk mixture seeps into the cake, ensuring that every bite is perfectly moist, flavorful, and satisfying. The topping is a luxurious blend of mascarpone cheese and vanilla frosting, creating a smooth, creamy finish that brings everything together. To top it off, a sprinkle of unsweetened chocolate shavings provides a touch of elegance and a hint of bitterness to balance out the sweetness. This cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a rich and delightful experience that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 16.25 ounces white cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large egg whites
• 8 ounces High Brew Cold Coffee – Double Espresso (or another coffee of your choice)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 12.5 ounces vanilla frosting (room temperature)
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (for shavings)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. This will ensure that the cake doesn’t stick, making it easier to remove and serve once it’s fully cooled.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter should be smooth and well-combined, with no lumps remaining. If you don’t have an electric mixer, a whisk can work, but the process may take a bit longer to ensure everything is well-mixed.
3. Bake the cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the dish to ensure an even bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 29-34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan. When you remove it from the oven, allow it to cool for just a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
4. Prepare the coffee syrup: While the cake is baking, whisk together the High Brew Cold Coffee and sweetened condensed milk in a medium-sized bowl. This mixture will act as the syrup that soaks into the cake. The cold brew coffee adds a rich, bold flavor, and the sweetened condensed milk brings a smooth, creamy sweetness that complements the bitterness of the coffee. You can adjust the coffee-to-sweetened condensed milk ratio to your personal taste, depending on how strong or sweet you prefer your coffee flavor.
5. Poke holes in the cake: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, use the end of a wooden spoon or another similar tool to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Space the holes about 1 ½ inches apart. Be sure to poke the holes deep enough so that the coffee syrup can seep through and soak into the cake. This is the key to creating that moist, flavorful texture that makes poke cakes so special.
6. Pour the coffee syrup over the cake: Before pouring the coffee syrup, give it another quick whisk to ensure that the mixture is well-combined. Using a ladle or measuring cup, gently pour the syrup evenly over the entire surface of the cake, making sure the syrup fills the holes you’ve made. The cake will absorb the syrup, and you’ll notice it become beautifully moist as it soaks in. If you have any leftover syrup, pour it over the cake a little at a time until it’s fully absorbed.
7. Cool the cake: Once you’ve poured the syrup over the cake, place it in the refrigerator to cool completely. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you have before you’re ready to serve. The cooling process is essential, as it allows the coffee syrup to fully soak into the cake, ensuring each bite is rich with flavor. While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the mascarpone frosting.
8. Prepare the mascarpone frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese until smooth and slightly fluffy. This should take about three minutes of beating on medium speed. If the mascarpone is too stiff, you can add a little bit of milk or heavy cream to help it soften and become more spreadable. Once the mascarpone cheese is whipped, add the room-temperature vanilla frosting to the bowl and beat until well combined. The frosting should be smooth, creamy, and light. This mascarpone-vanilla frosting is the perfect topping for the rich, coffee-soaked cake, as it adds a smooth, sweet contrast to the coffee flavor.
9. Frost the cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the mascarpone frosting evenly over the top, covering the entire surface. Be sure to spread the frosting gently, as you don’t want to disturb the surface of the cake. The frosting will provide a luxurious, creamy texture that balances out the slight bitterness of the coffee syrup and complements the softness of the cake. You can use an offset spatula to make the frosting look smooth and even, or you can create a more rustic, textured look if you prefer.
10. Garnish with chocolate shavings: To finish the cake, use a zester or grater to grate the unsweetened chocolate over the top. The chocolate shavings add a touch of elegance to the cake and give it a slight bitterness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake and the mascarpone frosting. The chocolate also provides a lovely contrast in texture, giving each bite an extra element of crunch and depth.
11. Serve and enjoy: After garnishing the cake with chocolate shavings, place it back in the refrigerator to chill for another 30 minutes to an hour. This ensures that the frosting firms up a bit and the flavors meld together. Once it’s ready, slice and serve. The cake should be easy to cut, with each piece holding together nicely thanks to the syrup-soaked cake and smooth frosting. As you take your first bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of flavors: the rich coffee syrup, the fluffy cake, the creamy mascarpone frosting, and the slight bitterness of the chocolate shavings all coming together in a harmonious dessert.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

• Cake Mix: If you prefer to make the cake from scratch, you can replace the white cake mix with homemade cake batter. A simple vanilla or sponge cake recipe would work well. Just ensure that the cake is light and airy so it absorbs the coffee syrup properly.
• Coffee: If you don’t have access to High Brew Cold Coffee, you can substitute it with brewed coffee, either cold or at room temperature. For a stronger flavor, use espresso or espresso powder mixed with water. If you want a non-caffeinated version, opt for decaf coffee or even a coffee-flavored syrup.
• Frosting: If you want a lighter frosting, you can mix the mascarpone cheese with whipped cream instead of vanilla frosting. This will give you a fluffier texture with the same creamy flavor. For a more decadent frosting, consider adding a bit of powdered sugar or a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
• Chocolate: For a different topping, you can try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. Alternatively, you can drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top for an added touch of sweetness.
• Add-ins: For some variety, consider adding chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or hazelnuts, to the frosting. You could also add a layer of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a special celebration. It pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy cappuccino. For a light dessert pairing, serve it with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re hosting a party or dinner, consider serving this cake alongside other desserts like fruit tarts or cheesecake for a delightful spread of sweet treats. For a more casual presentation, slice it into squares and serve it on a platter with whipped cream on the side for guests to add as they please.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and minimal effort can result in a dessert that feels indulgent and sophisticated. The combination of moist cake, sweet coffee syrup, and creamy mascarpone frosting creates a dessert that’s rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and forgiving, ensuring that everyone can create a delicious tiramisu-inspired treat without the need for complicated steps or ingredients. Make this cake for your next gathering or family dinner, and watch as it becomes an instant hit. Sweet, creamy, and full of coffee flavor, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.