Caramel and Irish Cream Cake – Moist,Creamy and Easy to Make!

If you love rich, creamy desserts, this Caramel and Irish Cream Cake is perfect for you. It has a soft, moist texture filled with sweet caramel and smooth Irish cream flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.This cake is easy to make and looks impressive. The caramel drizzle on top adds a beautiful touch. Whether you bake it for a family gathering or a special celebration, it will surely impress your guests. Enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee or serve it as a festive dessert.

Benefits of This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

The blend of caramel and Irish cream creates a smooth, indulgent taste. It’s perfect for dessert lovers.

2. Moist and Soft Texture

The cake stays soft and moist due to the poke method, allowing the flavors to soak in.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe requires simple steps. Even beginners can bake it without any hassle.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or casual treat, this cake fits every celebration.

5. Customizable Recipe

You can add toppings like nuts, extra caramel, or chocolate shavings for more flavor.

Cautions

1. Store it properly – Keep leftovers in the fridge to maintain freshness.

2. Use Irish cream alternatives if needed – Some people prefer non-alcoholic versions.

3. Avoid overbaking – The cake can dry out if baked too long.

4. Let the cake cool before adding toppings – This prevents the whipped topping from melting.

5. Check for allergies – Some may be sensitive to dairy or caramel ingredients.

Fun Tidbits About Caramel and Irish Cream Cake

1. Caramel Was Once Used as Medicine

In ancient times, caramel wasn’t just a sweet treat—it was believed to soothe sore throats. People thought its smooth texture could help with coughs and throat irritation.

2. Irish Cream Was Invented in Just 45 Minutes

The famous Irish cream recipe was created in 1973 by a team of drink developers. They mixed whiskey and cream and quickly came up with the now-iconic flavor in less than an hour!

3. Poke Cakes Were a Marketing Trick

Poke cakes became famous in the 1970s when a gelatin company promoted them. The idea was to pour flavored gelatin over a cake to keep it moist. Over time, bakers started using different fillings like caramel and cream.

4. Caramelization Is a Science

Caramel forms when sugar is heated to around 170°C (338°F). The heat changes the sugar’s structure, creating that deep golden color and rich, nutty flavor.

5. Irish Cream Is More Than Just a Drink

Irish cream isn’t just for coffee or cocktails. It’s used in cakes, frostings, cheesecakes, and even ice cream to add a creamy, indulgent touch.

6. The Cake That Gets Better With Time

This Caramel and Irish Cream Cake tastes even better the next day! The flavors soak in overnight, making it even more moist and delicious.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Rest Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins

Cooking Method: Baking, Chilling

Cuisine: American, Irish

Courses: Desert

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 175 C

Servings: 12

Estimated Cost: $ 15

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: alcohol-based (can be made non-alcoholic), Contains Dairy, Contains eggs, Contains gluten

Description

This Caramel and Irish Cream Cake Recipe is a luxurious dessert, combining soft cake with a smooth butterscotch-Irish cream filling. The whipped topping adds a light, creamy texture, while the salted caramel drizzle enhances the flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. Ideal for parties, holidays, and special occasions, this cake is easy to make and incredibly indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

1 box yellow cake mix (13.25 oz)
1 cup whole milk (for extra richness)
3 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
Tidbit: Using milk instead of water makes the cake richer and more flavorful!

For the Butterscotch-Irish Cream Filling

1 package (3.5 oz)
1¾ cups whole milk
½ cup Irish cream liqueur
½ teaspoon sea salt
Tidbit: Butterscotch adds a deep caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with Irish cream!

For the Topping

3 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
½ cup salted caramel sauce (divided)
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Tidbit: Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters makes whipped cream fluffier and more stable!

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
In a bowl, mix cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3
Pour into the baking dish and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4
Let it cool for 5 minutes before poking holes.
5
Tidbit: Baking the cake just until done ensures it stays moist and fluffy!

2. Prepare the Butterscotch-Irish Cream Filling

6
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together butterscotch pudding mix and milk. Stir until thickened (about 4 minutes).
7
Remove from heat and stir in Irish cream and sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
8
Tidbit: The warm pudding soaks into the cake better, creating a rich, creamy texture!

3. Poke and Fill the Cake

9
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
10
While the pudding is still warm, pour it evenly over the cake, filling the holes.
11
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
12
Tidbit: More holes mean better absorption, making each bite super moist!

4. Make the Whipped Topping

13
Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
14
Add Irish cream and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
15
Tidbit: Irish cream gives the whipped topping a light, creamy flavor with a hint of caramel!

5. Assemble and Serve

16
Drizzle ¼ cup salted caramel over the chilled cake.
17
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
18
Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
19
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
20
Tidbit: Add crushed toffee or chopped nuts for extra crunch and texture!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 30g
Protein 4g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

1. Why You’ll Love This Caramel and Irish Cream Cake Recipe

This cake is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft and moist cake absorbs the creamy butterscotch-Irish cream filling, making every bite rich and indulgent. The fluffy whipped topping and salted caramel drizzle add the perfect contrast of sweetness and a hint of saltiness.

✔ Easy to make – Uses simple ingredients and a fuss-free baking process.
✔ Rich and creamy texture – Every bite melts in your mouth.
✔ Perfect for special occasions – Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or St. Patrick’s Day.

2. What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Many poke cakes use pudding or gelatin, but this recipe takes it a step further with a homemade butterscotch-Irish cream filling. This gives the cake an elevated gourmet touch while keeping it simple enough for home bakers. The salted caramel drizzle enhances the flavors, making this cake an irresistible treat.

Tidbit: The combination of butterscotch and Irish cream creates a flavor profile similar to a buttery caramel latte!

3. Choosing the Right Ingredients

A. The Cake Base

Using milk instead of water makes the cake richer and more flavorful.
A yellow cake mix works best as a neutral base, letting the caramel and Irish cream shine.

B. The Filling

Irish cream adds depth with notes of cocoa and vanilla.
Butterscotch pudding thickens the filling, making it velvety smooth.
Sea salt balances the sweetness, preventing it from becoming overpowering.

C. The Topping

Homemade whipped cream is key – it’s light, airy, and pairs perfectly with the rich cake.
Salted caramel sauce enhances the flavor, adding a luxurious touch.

Tidbit: Using a chilled bowl and beaters ensures perfectly whipped cream every time!

4. Texture and Flavor Profile

This cake is the perfect mix of moist, creamy, and fluffy textures.

Moist and soft cake – The poke cake absorbs the creamy filling, making it ultra-soft.
Creamy and smooth filling – Butterscotch and Irish cream blend together for a velvety texture.
Light and airy topping – Fresh whipped cream makes the cake feel light despite its richness.
Sweet and salty balance – The caramel and sea salt create a harmonious flavor contrast.

Tidbit: This cake pairs well with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of Irish cream liqueur!

5. Best Occasions to Serve This Cake

This Caramel and Irish Cream Cake Recipe is versatile enough for both casual and formal events.

🎂 Birthdays & Anniversaries – A decadent treat for celebrations.
🎄 Holidays – Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day – A great way to showcase Irish-inspired flavors.
🍷 Dinner Parties – A crowd-pleasing dessert that pairs well with coffee or after-dinner drinks.

Tidbit: If serving for a family-friendly event, use non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup as a substitute!

6. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

✔ Make Ahead: You can bake the cake and prepare the filling a day in advance.
✔ Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
✔ Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before assembling.

Tidbit: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors!

Keywords: Caramel and Irish Cream Cake, poke cake, salted caramel cake, Irish cream dessert, butterscotch cake, caramel poke cake, easy dessert recipe, holiday dessert, moist cake, St. Patrick’s Day cake

Read it online: https://aroundrecipe.com/recipe/caramel-and-irish-cream-cake/

Samantha Doe

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.