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Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

4.2 from 82 reviews

This rich and decadent Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake combines moist chocolate cake infused with Baileys Irish Cream and a luscious chocolate ganache that soaks deeply into the cake through poked holes. Topped with fluffy Baileys-spiked whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, this dessert is perfect for chocolate and Baileys lovers looking for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (260g) all purpose flour
  • 2 cups (414g) sugar
  • 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) Baileys Irish Cream, divided
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) boiling water

Chocolate Mixture

  • 1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cup (127g) semi sweet chocolate chips

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (29g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Baileys Irish Cream, optional
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pan and Oven: Grease the sides of a 9×13 inch cake pan thoroughly. Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C) to ensure perfect baking temperature.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, half of the Baileys Irish Cream (1/2 cup), and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter while mixing carefully to avoid splashing. This step ensures a smooth, well-hydrated cake batter.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  6. Poke Holes in Cake: Once removed from the oven, while the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a knife sharpening rod or a straw. This allows the ganache to soak in deeply.
  7. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl. In a microwave-safe measuring cup, combine sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 1/2 cup of Baileys Irish Cream and heat until it begins to boil.
  8. Pour Ganache over Chocolate Chips: Immediately pour the hot milk and Baileys mixture over the chocolate chips and whisk until smooth and glossy.
  9. Soak Cake with Ganache: Pour the warm ganache evenly over the cake, spreading it into the holes without delay to ensure it soaks into the cake properly. Avoid letting the ganache sit before pouring or it will thicken.
  10. Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator to cool and allow the ganache to soak fully into the cake layers.
  11. Make Whipped Cream Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, optional Baileys Irish Cream, and vanilla extract. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  12. Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with mini chocolate chips and drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired.
  13. Store and Serve: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. For best flavor and texture, consume within 4-5 days.

Notes

  • Be sure to poke the holes in the cake evenly and while it is still warm to allow the ganache to seep in thoroughly.
  • Use full-fat ingredients like heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk for best richness and texture.
  • Chocolate sauce and mini chocolate chips are optional but add extra visual appeal and texture.
  • You can substitute Baileys Irish Cream with any other Irish cream liqueur or flavored cream liqueur of your choice.
  • Keep the whipped cream cold while whipping for better volume and stability.
  • Store the cake in the fridge tightly covered to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Baileys chocolate cake, poke cake, Baileys Irish Cream dessert, chocolate ganache cake, whipped cream topping cake, chocolate poke cake recipe