Sometimes I wish I was someone else. Like a Zooey Deschanel type who had thick black glasses, a long mane of natural hair, and wore clothes that came from ModCloth. It seems like everyone always likes that type of girl, ya know?
Any time I go to a coffee shop, I see that girl there. She’s face-deep in The Great Gatsby and drinking plain black coffee with her lips painted red. She probably listens to folk music from indie bands I’ve never even heard of and wears clothes expertly extracted from high-end vintage stores. And all the guys flock to her because she’s good-quirky and has an innocent dose of spunk and is generally attracted to guys who play guitar, and it’s practically a requirement that all guys play guitar. Her boyfriends are guys who wear loafers and think argyle sweaters are trendy. They coif their mustaches and wear newsboy caps and Wayfarers. They may or may not have a couple of wrist tattoos, likely of something artsy. You know the type. If you don’t, just inhabit your nearest Peet’s and you’ll see a whole lot of them drinking loose-leaf teas and pondering philosophy.
But then I realize, I don’t want to be a girl like Zooey. I like my tutus smothered in glitter, and I hate black coffee. Also, can you imagine me with natural hair? Subway rats have better highlights than my natural hair does, so that’s off the table completely. And dating a guy who uses mustache gel? Isn’t that a little strange? Like, I don’t mind waiting if he wants to comb his hair, but waiting for him to perfectly spiralize his mustache seems a little much. And don’t get me started on his artfully-placed Catcher in the Rye wrist tattoo. Blech.
I think, after all, I’d rather be me. Because I lead a pretty badass life, have a ginormous closet bursting with Betsey Johnson tutus, and I make a mean Tiramisu Poke Cake that has just the right amount of coffee — perfect for me. It’s high time I embrace who I am and eat an entire cake. Or, well, at least the former.
Psst – you guys have to try this cake! It’s amazing.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients on back of box
- 1 Tbsp espresso powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 (6 oz) carton cafe au lait yogurt (I used Yoplait Greek)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup Kahlua
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- Cocoa powder and powdered sugar, for dusting
- First, prepare your cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and liberally grease a 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray; set pan aside. Prepare your cake mix according to package directions. Stir in the espresso powder and the cinnamon to combine.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for approx. 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Cool the cake completely. Once cake has cooled, poke holes in it using the handle of a wooden spoon, careful not to completely penetrate the cake all the way through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, condensed milk and Kahlua until blended. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the cake, careful to fill the holes as best as you can. Allow the cake to sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes, then spread the Cool Whip on top in an even layer.
- Refrigerate the cake for about 4 hours, or overnight, to settle and allow the flavors to combine and absorb into the cake. Cut into squares and serve! Store leftovers covered in the fridge for about 3 days.
This cake is full of the flavors of a classic tiramisu – rich chocolate, smooth coffee, and delicate whipped cream that make for a memorable and marvelous dessert! This poke cake marinates overnight in the delicious flavors of Kahlua and cream, making it moist and irresistible. I love the added dusting of cocoa on top for a pretty appearance and a little extra chocolate 
Want more tiramisu goodness? Check out my other tiramisu recipes!
Have a sweet day!!
xo, Hayley
