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Decadent Irish Cream Poke Cake Recipe with Rich Chocolate Ganache

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A moist chocolate poke cake soaked with Irish cream liqueur and topped with a silky, rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert with a grown-up twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys or Kerrygold)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (227 g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract if using. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth, or whisk vigorously by hand until no lumps remain.
  3. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  5. Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Using a wooden skewer or fork, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
  7. Slowly pour Irish cream liqueur evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let absorb for about 15 minutes at room temperature.
  8. To make ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Stir ganache gently until smooth and glossy. Mix in butter and salt until fully incorporated.
  10. Pour ganache evenly over the soaked cake and spread smoothly with a spatula.
  11. Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour to set ganache and meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not pour Irish cream too quickly to avoid soggy spots. Remove cream from heat at first bubble to prevent ganache from seizing. Use good-quality chocolate chips for smooth ganache. For extra shine, add butter last off heat and stir until barely melted. Ganache can be warmed slightly if it thickens too much before pouring.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish cream poke cake, chocolate poke cake, Irish cream dessert, chocolate ganache cake, easy poke cake, boozy dessert, St. Patrick's Day dessert

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/decadent-irish-cream-poke-cake-recipe-with-rich-chocolate-ganache-easy-steps/