Oh, friend, you’re in for a treat with this one! Picture this: a moist, fluffy cake infused with creamy pudding and topped with a layer of dreamy whipped topping and festive sprinkles. This cake doesn’t just taste like a celebration—it is a celebration! With its vibrant green color and irresistible flavors, it’s the perfect dessert for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want to add a little magic to your table. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer—you’ll be sneaking bites straight from the fridge!
Why You’ll Love Shamrock Delight Poke Cake
This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a showstopper! Here’s why it’ll steal the show:
- Festive Fun: The bright green hue makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but it’s so delicious you’ll want it year-round.
- Super Easy: This recipe is simple enough for even the most hesitant bakers, and it turns out perfect every time.
- Incredibly Moist: The pudding soak makes this cake extra tender and full of flavor.
- Customizable: You can switch up the flavors and colors to suit any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone—from kids to adults—will be coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this vibrant, luscious dessert:
- White Cake Mix: The perfect base for soaking up all the pudding goodness.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: To give the cake its festive shamrock hue.
- Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor that’s just irresistible.
- Whipped Topping: Light, fluffy, and the perfect finishing touch.
- Festive Sprinkles: Because no party cake is complete without them!
(Note: Measurements and specific details are in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Prepare Your Cake
Bake the cake according to the package instructions, adding green food coloring to the batter for a bright St. Patrick’s Day vibe.
Poke the Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface.
Prepare the Pudding
Whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Chill the Cake
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the pudding soak in and set.
Add the Topping
Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cake, ensuring every inch is covered.
Decorate and Serve
Sprinkle with festive green and gold sprinkles for a touch of magic, then slice and serve.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different pudding flavor?
A1: Absolutely! Vanilla, white chocolate, or even cheesecake-flavored pudding works beautifully. It’s a fun way to switch things up for different occasions.
Q2: What’s the best way to poke the cake?
A2: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw for perfectly sized holes that soak up all the pudding goodness. Just be sure to poke deep enough without going all the way through the bottom.
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This cake is perfect for making a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld even more. Just add the whipped topping and decorations right before serving.
Q4: Can I make this cake without food coloring?
A4: Of course! If you prefer a more natural look, simply skip the food coloring. The cake will still taste amazing, though it won’t have the festive green hue.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to keep the whipped topping fresh.
Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and add the topping before serving.
Q7: What can I use instead of whipped topping?
A7: Homemade whipped cream is a fantastic alternative. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Q8: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A8: Definitely! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that the pudding mix is gluten-free. You won’t miss a thing.
Q9: What if I don’t have pistachio pudding mix?
A9: No worries! You can substitute vanilla pudding mix and stir in a few drops of almond or pistachio extract for a similar flavor.
Q10: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A10: Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two standard pans to accommodate the extra batter. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Conclusion
Shamrock Delight Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a little slice of joy! With its tender, pudding-soaked layers, creamy topping, and festive colors, this cake is a celebration in every bite. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties, casual family dinners, or even a midnight treat for yourself (no judgment here!), it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe box.
So, grab your green food coloring and let’s make some magic! Trust me, you’ll be coming back to this recipe year after year. Now, go on and give it a try—you’ve got this!
PrintShamrock Delight Poke Cake
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this fun and festive poke cake! A moist white cake infused with lime Jell-O for a pop of green and topped with fluffy whipped cream and green sprinkles. Perfect for any holiday gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- White cake mix
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Egg whites
- Lime Jell-O gelatin
- Whipped topping
- Green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray the bottom of a 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix and Bake: In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites with an electric mixer until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package instructions (25–30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Prepare Gelatin: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, boil 1 cup of water and mix in the lime gelatin until dissolved. Add ½ cup cold water to the gelatin mixture.
- Poke and Pour: Using a fork, poke holes into the cake every ½ inch. Slowly pour the dissolved lime gelatin over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Let the cake chill and set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Decorate: Spread whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and celebrate!
Notes
- For extra flair, add a drop or two of green food coloring to the cake batter for an even brighter green hue.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg