Irish Cream Poke Cake

Step 1

Combine cake mix and 2 tablespoons of the instant espresso powder. Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cool completely on a wire rack. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke 25 holes in the cake (make 5 rows of 5).

Step 2

Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, 1/2 cup of the heavy cream and 1/2 cup liqueur in a medium bowl for 2 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes for the pudding to set.

Step 3

Meanwhile, stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons liqueur and remaining 1 tablespoon espresso powder in a small bowl until the powder dissolves. Whip the remaining 1 1/2 cups heavy cream together with the confectioners' sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Add the espresso liqueur mixture and whip just to incorporate.

Step 4

Spread the pudding mixture over the top of the cake, making sure the holes get filled completely. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Chill at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Step 5

About 30 minutes before serving, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until soft. Let cool slightly. Drizzle over the top of the cake, then sprinkle with the chopped espresso beans and serve cold.