YAY or NAY? Let me just say it loud for the people in the back: BIG YAY. Like, pour-another-glass-of-Baileys-and-go-for-seconds kind of yay. 🙌
This Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for grown-up chocolate lovers. It’s rich. It’s moist. It’s soaked in sweetened condensed milk + Baileys Irish Cream. Then it’s crowned with fluffy Baileys whipped topping and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for good measure.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast — this one’s for you.
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Why You’ll Love This Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake
This cake is:
Deeply chocolatey – moist and rich thanks to cocoa and buttermilk
Boozy in the best way – spiked with Baileys, not too strong, just perfect
Simple but stunning – no fancy frosting required!
Crowd-pleasing – perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just because
Make-ahead friendly – actually gets better after chilling!
What Does It Taste Like?
Think of your favorite chocolate cake… Now imagine it soaked in creamy Baileys magic, and topped with a cloud of boozy whipped cream. It’s fudgy, moist, ultra-luscious, and just the right amount of sweet.
Every bite is a dreamy blend of chocolate and cream liqueur, with a silky finish that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just cake. It’s dessert heaven.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup warm water or hot coffee(coffee enhances the chocolate flavor!)
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Baileys Filling:
1 (14 oz / 395 g) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
For the Whipped Topping:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
Optional Toppings:
Chocolate shavings, curls, or cocoa powder
✨ Tip: You can use store-bought chocolate cake mix in a pinch — but from-scratch gives the richest flavor.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric hand or stand mixer
Whisk and spatula
Wooden spoon (for poking holes!)
Measuring cups and spoons
👩🍳 How to Make Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake
1. Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
Add:
Eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla
Whisk until mostly smooth.
Pour in warm water or hot coffee and stir again. Don’t worry — the batter will be thin!
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Poke and Fill
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface (go deep, but not all the way through).
In a small bowl, mix:
Sweetened condensed milk
Baileys Irish Cream
Pour this slowly and evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Let the cake cool completely before topping.
3. Make the Baileys Whipped Cream
In a cold mixing bowl, whip:
2 cups heavy cream until it starts to thicken
Add:
Powdered sugar
Baileys Irish Cream
Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. It should be thick, fluffy, and spoonable.
Spread evenly over the cooled, soaked cake.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour, or overnight, before slicing.
Slice, serve, and prepare for happy sighs all around. 😍
🍽️ What to Serve With Baileys Poke Cake
Keep it simple with:
Hot coffee or Irish coffee
A glass of cold milk
Vanilla bean ice cream
A dusting of espresso powder for extra zing
💡 Tips for Success
Let the cake cool before topping – otherwise, the whipped cream may melt!
Chill for at least 1 hour – this lets the filling set and flavor soak in.
Don’t skip the poke! – The holes are what make poke cake poke cake.
Want a shortcut? Use your favorite boxed chocolate cake mix for speed.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
Make ahead: You can make the cake a day in advance — in fact, it tastes even better the next day!
Freeze: You can freeze the cake (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge, then top with fresh whipped cream before serving.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cream liqueur?
Yes! Try Kahlúa, RumChata, or Godiva Chocolate Liqueur for a fun twist.
Is it very boozy?
Not overly — just enough Baileys for flavor. You can reduce the amount for a lighter touch.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes! Use Baileys non-alcoholic Irish Cream or substitute with milk + a dash of Irish cream-flavored syrup.
Can I use stabilized whipped cream?
Yes, especially if you’re serving this cake at a party where it may sit out a while.
🧡 In Conclusion
If you love chocolate, if you love Baileys, if you love desserts that are just a little over-the-top but totally worth it — this Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake is calling your name.
It’s rich, creamy, boozy, and so easy to make, yet it tastes like something from a fancy bakery. One bite, and you’ll understand the hype. YAY YAY YAY all the way.
🍫 More Boozy Desserts You’ll Love:
Baileys Chocolate Mousse Cups
Kahlúa Tiramisu Brownies
Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake
RumChata Snickerdoodle Poke Cake
📸 Did You Bake This Cake?
I need to see your chocolatey masterpiece!
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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate, Based on 12 Servings)
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