Name: Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 34 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16.25 ounces white cake mix; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large egg whites; 8 ounces High Brew Cold Coffee – Double Espresso; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 12.5 ounces vanilla frosting (room temperature); 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature); 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (for shavings)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Tiramisu Poke Cake captures the rich flavors of classic tiramisu in a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. Moist white cake soaked in espresso and sweetened condensed milk is topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and chocolate shavings. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delightful treat that’s easier to make than you think.

A square piece of cake sits on a white plate with a slightly raised edge, showing three layers: the bottom layer is a light brown, moist sponge cake with a crumbly texture; the middle layer is a thick, creamy white frosting, smooth and dense; the top layer is a fine dusting of dark brown chocolate shavings evenly spread over the frosting. The piece is cut from a rectangular cake in a dark baking pan in the background, with more cake visible inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with two silver forks and a blue and white striped cloth near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16.25 ounces white cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large egg whites
8 ounces High Brew Cold Coffee – Double Espresso (* See Note)
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12.5 ounces vanilla frosting (room temperature)
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (for shavings)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 29-34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: While the cake bakes, whisk together the High Brew Cold Coffee and sweetened condensed milk in a medium bowl.
Step 5: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 ½ inches apart across the top of the cake.
Step 6: Whisk the coffee mixture again, then gently pour it evenly over the cake, using a ladle for easy pouring.
Step 7: Refrigerate the cake until it is completely cool, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 8: In a mixing bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 9: Add the room temperature vanilla frosting to the mascarpone and beat together until well combined.
Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 11: Using a zester or fine grater, grate the unsweetened chocolate and sprinkle it evenly over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute brewed espresso or strong coffee if you don’t have High Brew Cold Coffee; allow it to cool before mixing.
For a richer frosting, fold in a little powdered sugar or whipped cream along with the vanilla frosting.
Try adding a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the coffee mixture for an adult twist.
Use a serrated knife to cut neat slices after chilling to prevent crumbling.

Storage

Store the tiramisu poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become watery when thawed.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered cake sits on a stack of white plates. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is a moist, light brown sponge soaked with syrup; the middle layer is creamy and pale, a smooth custard or cream filling; the top layer is a thick, white whipped cream or frosting. The cake is covered with a fine dusting of dark brown chocolate shavings on top and a few scattered around the plate. In the background, the larger cake remains in a dark baking pan, resting on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of High Brew Cold Coffee?

Yes, you can substitute strong brewed espresso or coffee. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing with the sweetened condensed milk and pouring over the cake.

Is it okay to use mascarpone cheese straight from the fridge?

For best results, let the mascarpone come to room temperature before whipping. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.