Description
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, irresistibly moist, and bursting with fun, this Shamrock Delight Poke Cake is exactly what you need! A soft, fluffy vanilla cake infused with vibrant green pudding and topped with a luscious whipped topping—this dessert is as delicious as it is festive. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something sweet and fun, this cake will steal the show.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Pudding Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix (or vanilla for a milder flavor)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (for an extra pop of color)
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green sprinkles, crushed pistachios, or white chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the recommended time (usually 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean).
- Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before moving on to the fun part—poking the cake!
Step 2: Poke and Fill
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or a large straw), poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, making sure it fills the holes evenly. Let the cake chill in the fridge for 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
Step 3: Top it Off!
- In a bowl, stir together the whipped topping and vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cake, covering it completely.
- Sprinkle with green sprinkles, crushed pistachios, or white chocolate shavings for a festive finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice, serve, and watch the smiles appear! This cake is best enjoyed chilled and can be stored in the fridge for later indulgence.
Notes
- Want more green? Add extra food coloring to the pudding or use a few drops in the cake batter.
- More crunch? Sprinkle crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips on top.
- No pistachio pudding? Vanilla or white chocolate pudding works beautifully, too!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + 1 hour chilling time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg