Fireball Poke Cake asap. Been making it for like every party lately and ppl literally can’t get enough. The combo of cinnamon whiskey soaked into vanilla cake is straight fire (pun intended lol). What makes this Fireball Poke Cake special is how the warm boozy sauce seeps into all those tiny holes and makes every bite super moist and packed w/ flavor. It’s got this amazing cinnamon kick that’s perfect for fall gatherings but tbh I make it year-round. Keep reading to see how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Fireball Poke Cake
First time I made this cake was for my bff’s 30th and everyone was like “omg recipe plz!” It solves that boring dessert problem we all face at parties. You know when you bring something and it just sits there? Not with this one.
Made it for my dad’s birthday last month and even my grandma who never drinks alcohol had two slices. She kept saying “this is dangerous!” which is exactly what u want in a good dessert.
The best part? Super customizable. Don’t have Fireball? No prob. Works with other liquors too. And you can make it ahead which is clutch for busy party prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Fireball Poke Cake
For the Cake:
- Box vanilla cake mix – saves time but still tastes homemade when doctored up
- Eggs – room temp works best
- Vegetable oil – keeps it moist
- Water – can swap with milk for richer flavor
- Vanilla extract – real not imitation for best flavor
For the Poke Filling:
- Fireball cinnamon whiskey – star of the show, gives that spicy cinnamon kick
- Sweetened condensed milk – creates that gooey texture in the poke holes
- Cinnamon – amplifies the Fireball flavor
- Butter – unsalted works best
For the Frosting:
- Whipped topping – cool whip works great but can use homemade whipped cream
- Cinnamon – for sprinkling on top
- Optional: cinnamon candies for decoration – adds nice pop of color
How to Make Easy Fireball Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 baking dish
- Mix cake ingredients according to box instructions but add 2 tbsp Fireball to the batter
- Pour into greased pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean (about 25-30 mins)
- Let cool for 10 mins but cake should still be warm when poking
Step 2: Create the Poke Holes
- Use handle of wooden spoon to poke holes all over cake surface
- Make holes about 1 inch apart for even distribution
- Don’t poke all the way to bottom – about 3/4 down is perfect
- More holes = more Fireball goodness soaking in
Step 3: Make the Fireball Filling
- In saucepan, mix 3/4 cup Fireball, condensed milk, 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp butter
- Heat on medium until just starting to bubble around edges
- Stir constantly so it doesn’t burn
- Look for slightly thickened consistency but still pourable
Step 4: Pour and Soak
- Slowly pour hot Fireball mixture over cake, aiming for the holes
- Use spatula to spread evenly and make sure liquid goes into holes
- Gently tap pan on counter to help mixture soak in
- Let sit for at least 30 mins so cake can absorb all that boozy goodness
Step 5: Top and Chill
- Spread whipped topping over entire cake once completely cooled
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor and pretty look
- Add cinnamon candies if using
- Refrigerate at least 4 hrs but overnight is best for flavors to meld
Tasty Variations of Fireball Poke Cake
Apple Fireball Poke Cake
Add 1 cup diced apples to cake batter and drizzle caramel sauce over frosting – tastes like boozy apple pie!
Chocolate Fireball Surprise
Start with chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla. For even more choc goodness, check out my Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream recipe for inspo.
Tropical Fireball Fusion
Mix in crushed pineapple and coconut flakes to batter for Hawaiian twist. Speaking of tropical, my Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is another crowd favorite!
Fireball Cheesecake Poke Cake
Swirl 8oz cream cheese into whipped topping before spreading on cake for cheesecake-like layer on top.
Birthday Fireball Poke Cake
Add rainbow sprinkles to batter and top with more sprinkles for celebration version – perfect for adult birthdays!
FAQ: Your Burning Fireball Poke Cake Questions Answered
How long does Fireball Poke Cake last in the fridge?
This cake stays good in fridge for about 5 days if covered properly. The flavor actually gets better after day 2 when all those Fireball notes really sink in. Just make sure to use airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Can I make Fireball Poke Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Actually recommend making it day before serving. The overnight chill time lets flavors develop and cake gets even more moist. Just add any decorative toppings right before serving so they stay fresh looking.
How strong is the alcohol flavor in Fireball Poke Cake?
You’ll definitely taste the Fireball but it’s not overpowering. Some alcohol cooks off during baking and heating the filling, but it still has that signature cinnamon whiskey kick. Can adjust amount based on your preference – use 1/2 cup for milder flavor or full cup for stronger impact.
Can I make non-alcoholic version of this poke cake?
For sure! Substitute Fireball with alcohol-free cinnamon syrup or apple cider mixed with extra cinnamon. Won’t have exact same flavor but still delicious cinnamon treat everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to serve Fireball Poke Cake?
Serve cold straight from fridge for best texture and flavor. Cut into squares and pair with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For fancy presentation, add light dusting of cinnamon sugar on each plate before placing cake slice.
Why is my poke cake too soggy?
If cake seems too wet, probably too much liquid added or not enough holes poked. Make sure holes are evenly spaced and pour filling slowly. Also check that cake was fully baked before poking – underbaked cake gets mushy with filling.
Can I freeze Fireball Poke Cake?
Yep! Freezes pretty well for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easier thawing. Let thaw overnight in fridge before serving. Frosting texture might change slightly but taste stays great.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Fireball Poke Cake
This Fireball Poke Cake has become my signature dessert whenever I need to impress. Started making it when looking for something different than basic sheet cake and now can’t stop. The way peoples faces light up when they taste that cinnamon whiskey kick is priceless.
My cousin even requested it for her wedding instead of traditional cake! We compromised and had small Fireball Poke Cake as groom’s cake. Tradition meets boozy innovation!
Make this recipe your own. Play with flavors, adjust the booze level, try different toppings. That’s what cooking’s all about – making food that creates memories. This Fireball Poke Cake definitely does that. Enjoy!
Fireball Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or milk for richer flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Fireball whiskey
For the Poke Filling:
- 3/4 cup Fireball cinnamon whiskey
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
For the Frosting:
- 1 container 8 oz whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
- Optional: cinnamon candies for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cake ingredients per box instructions. Add 2 tbsp Fireball whiskey to batter.
- Pour into greased 9×13 pan and bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool for 10 minutes before poking.
Step 2: Poke the Holes
- Use handle of wooden spoon to poke holes all over cake (about 1 inch apart, 3/4 depth).
- Step 3: Make Fireball Filling
- In saucepan, combine Fireball, condensed milk, cinnamon, and butter.
- Heat on medium until edges bubble and mixture thickens slightly. Stir constantly.
Step 4: Soak the Cake
- Slowly pour hot Fireball mixture over cake, focusing on holes.
- Spread evenly with spatula. Let cake sit 30 minutes to absorb.
Step 5: Frost and Chill
- Spread whipped topping over cooled cake.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Add cinnamon candies if using.
- Chill in fridge at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
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