If you’re searching for a fun, festive, and downright irresistible St treat for your next gathering or holiday celebration, look no further than this show-stopping St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake. With its vibrant green color, creamy pistachio filling, and pillowy whipped topping, this cake captures the magical spirit of March in every delectable bite. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can focus on sharing laughs and good company—without spending all day in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This St-essential cake is all about maximizing flavor and festivity using accessible pantry staples. Every ingredient works its magic—whether amplifying texture, lending color, or dialing up deliciousness—for the ultimate party-worthy dessert.
- White cake mix: The foolproof base that keeps things fluffy and simple, so you can focus on the fun part.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These standard add-ins (as listed on your cake mix box) ensure reliable lift and moisture every time.
- Instant pistachio pudding mix: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and gorgeous green hue for that signature St-themed look.
- Cold milk: Essential for turning pudding mix into a luscious, pourable filling that sinks right into every poke.
- Green food coloring (optional): For those extra-spirited St vibes and the most eye-catching color.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): A light, creamy blanket that perfectly hugs the pistachio layer and brings silky smoothness.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): Crave-worthy crunch and a pop of natural color for an alluring finish.
- Green sprinkles or sanding sugar: The ultimate festive flourish to make your St cake sparkle and shine!
How to Make St
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Base
Get the celebration started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Whip up the box mix as directed, and if you’re craving that unmistakable St pop, swirl in a few drops of green food coloring right into the batter for a festive touch. Pour everything into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes—or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Poke Holes for Flavors to Sink In
After your cake cools for about 10 minutes (just enough so it’s not piping hot), grab the handle of a wooden spoon or even a thick straw. Gently poke holes all over the entire top of the cake. This step lets the pudding seep into every bite for that signature St moistness and surprise-in-every-slice delight!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Pistachio Pudding
In a mixing bowl, combine the instant pistachio pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for around 2 minutes, until it thickens into a luxurious, pudding-y dream. Don’t let it sit too long—pour it straight over the still-warm cake, aiming to fill each poke and cover the surface completely. It’s the secret behind every ultra-moist forkful!
Step 4: Chill and Set the Cake
Now comes a crucial step for perfect texture: pop your cake into the fridge for at least one hour. This chilling period helps the pistachio pudding firm up, melding with the cake and making your St creation easy to slice (and even easier to serve).
Step 5: Top, Garnish, and Get Ready to Celebrate
Last but definitely not least, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the chilled cake. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and scatter on those festive green sprinkles or sanding sugar for a look that says “St!” Keep the cake refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and share.
How to Serve St
Garnishes
For ultimate St appeal, don’t hold back on those green accents! Scatter extra chopped pistachios for a burst of contrast and flavor, or drizzle each slice with a little extra green sanding sugar right before serving. A touch of edible gold leaf is stunning for upscale parties, and a swirl of whipped cream can add dramatic flair.
Side Dishes
St pairs beautifully with lighter sides, balancing all that creamy sweetness. Think fresh berries, a bubbling mug of Irish coffee, or even cool mint tea for a refreshing palate cleanser. For kids, serve alongside rainbow fruit skewers to keep the holiday theme alive and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress your guests, try cutting the St cake into squares and layering them parfait-style in clear cups—alternate with whipped topping and extra sprinkles for a playful, portable dessert. Or, turn it into “cake pops” by cutting cubes, skewering on sticks, and dunking in a quick drizzle of white chocolate tinted green.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this St treat is that it gets even better with a little time! Keep any leftover cake tightly covered in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and moist for up to four days. The pudding keeps the cake ultra-soft, so every slice tastes as luscious as the first.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the St cake, but for best results, do so before adding the whipped topping. Wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil; it will stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the fresh whipped topping and garnishes right before serving.
Reheating
This cake is meant to be served cold, making it a breeze for parties and potlucks. If you freeze it, let it thaw gently in the refrigerator—no need to reheat. Just slice, serve, and let the cool, creamy flavors steal the show at any St occasion!
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream gives your St cake a rich, melt-in-your-mouth luxuriousness. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then spread over your chilled cake and finish with garnishes.
How do I make the green color more vibrant for St?
Add a few extra drops of gel-based green food coloring to both the cake batter and whipped topping. Gel colors are more concentrated and won’t thin out your mixture, letting you easily achieve that classic St charm.
Can I swap out the pistachio pudding for another flavor?
You sure can! While pistachio is perfect for the St theme, feel free to experiment with vanilla or even white chocolate pudding for a different twist. Just keep in mind the colors and flavors if you’re sticking with the holiday theme.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
The handle of a wooden spoon works best for creating generous holes that let the pudding seep deeply into the cake. If you want a finer texture, use a large straw or even the handle of a spatula for smaller, more frequent pokes.
Do I have to chill the cake before adding the topping?
Yes! Chilling the St cake allows the pudding to fully set, locking in flavor and giving you those perfectly defined layers. It also helps the whipped topping stay light and fluffy, so don’t skip this step even if you’re eager to dive in.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant layers, creamy filling, and festive flair, this St cake promises to become a go-to dessert for every celebration. Whip it up for your next get-together and watch your friends and family fall in love with every bite—don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time!
Print
St Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this delightful green and pistachio-flavored poke cake. Moist white cake infused with creamy pistachio pudding, topped with whipped cream and pistachios, this festive dessert is sure to be a hit at any celebration.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box—usually eggs, oil, and water)
Pistachio Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- Green food coloring (optional)
Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- Green sprinkles or sanding sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing or spraying with nonstick spray. Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions, adding a few drops of green food coloring if desired for festive color. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, usually 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke Holes: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake.
- Make Pistachio Layer: In a bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Immediately pour the pudding over the cake, spreading it to fill the holes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Add Topping: Once chilled, spread whipped topping over the cake and garnish with chopped pistachios and green sprinkles. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the cake batter.
- You can also use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
