If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that is both stunning and irresistibly delicious, this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe will be your new obsession. Imagine a light white cake infused with rich raspberry flavor that soaks into every bite, layered with a dreamy cream cheese frosting and topped with fresh, juicy raspberries. This dessert combines a vibrant color palette with textures that dance between fluffy, creamy, and fruity. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy weekend treat, this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe never fails to impress both in taste and presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe is straightforward, and each component plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From the fluffy white cake that provides a soft base to the tart raspberry gelatin that bursts with fruity goodness, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.
- 18.25 oz. white cake mix: Use your favorite brand and prepare according to package instructions for a reliably tender crumb.
- 3 oz. raspberry gelatin: This gives the cake its signature sweet-tart raspberry soak and vibrant color.
- 1 cup water (boiling): Essential for dissolving the gelatin perfectly.
- 16 oz cream cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy layer with a touch of tang that balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (divided): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right without overpowering.
- 2 Tbsp. milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for the cream cheese frosting.
- 8 oz. whipped topping (thawed): Provides a light, airy layer that keeps the cake from feeling too heavy.
- 1-2 cups raspberries: Fresh raspberries on top add a burst of natural flavor and gorgeous color.
How to Make Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing your white cake mix as directed on the package. Pour the batter into a 13×9-inch baking pan and bake it until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely—this is important because it allows the gelatin to soak in properly without melting the frosting later.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake
Using the tines of a fork, gently poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. These holes act like little pockets that will absorb the raspberry gelatin, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Don’t rush this step—it’s what transforms an ordinary cake into a fun, moist treat.
Step 3: Pour the Raspberry Gelatin
Mix the raspberry gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Using a spoon, carefully pour the gelatin over the cake, making sure it seeps into every hole. For the best coverage, spoon over each row of holes 2 to 3 times. You’ll love the way the gelatin glistens on the cake and adds a tangy punch.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with half of the powdered sugar and the milk until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds a luscious, velvety layer above the gelatin, perfectly balancing the tartness with creamy sweetness. Spread it evenly over the gelatin-soaked cake once it has had a moment to set.
Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping
Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the cream cheese layer. This keeps the cake light and airy, providing a soft cloud-like finish. It also adds a subtle sweetness that melts effortlessly in your mouth.
Step 6: Top with Fresh Raspberries
Finally, crown your cake with fresh raspberries. These fresh berries not only amplify the raspberry flavor but also add a vibrant pop of color that makes this poke cake recipe look irresistible. You can scatter them casually or create a neat pattern—either way, the raspberries will steal the show.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Cover the cake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the gelatin to set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, you’ll have a cool, refreshing and intensely flavorful cake that’s pure joy with every forkful.
How to Serve Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To bring the cake’s look and taste up a notch, try dusting a little powdered sugar over the fresh raspberries or adding a few tiny mint leaves for a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of raspberry sauce can also add an extra layer of flavor and make serving even more special.
Side Dishes
This Raspberry Poke Cake is a superstar all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides like a simple vanilla bean ice cream or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette if served as part of a larger meal. The sweetness and tartness of the cake provide an excellent balance to crisp, fresh accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe in individual clear cups or glasses to highlight each layer. You could also turn it into a trifle by adding layers of ladyfingers and more fresh fruit. Whatever your presentation style, this cake is sure to dazzle your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better after sitting for a day, giving the gelatin and cream cheese layers more time to meld.
Freezing
Freezing this cake isn’t recommended due to its delicate gelatin and whipped topping layers, which don’t maintain their texture well after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t advisable. Simply serve straight from the fridge or allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature if you prefer it less chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor gelatin?
Absolutely! While raspberry is classic for this recipe, using strawberry, cherry, or even mixed berry gelatin can give you delightful new flavors while keeping the cake moist and colorful.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free version and ensure your gelatin and toppings don’t contain gluten. It’s an easy way to make this dessert accessible to more guests without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use fresh raspberries in the gelatin instead of store-bought?
Store-bought gelatin provides that signature texture and shine, but you could experiment by folding fresh raspberries into a homemade gelatin or fruit glaze. Just note, the consistency and soaking effect might differ slightly.
How long should I poke holes in the cake?
Just poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake with a fork—there’s no need to go too deep or too fast. About 1/2 inch apart is ideal to create enough pockets for the gelatin without compromising the cake’s structure.
Can I make this cake vegan?
With some substitutions like vegan cream cheese, nondairy whipped topping, and an egg-free cake mix, you can adapt this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe to be vegan-friendly while still enjoying that luscious flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special without the fuss. The bright raspberry gelatin soaking through tender cake, creamy layers, and fresh berries make every slice a delight. I hope you give it a try—you’re going to love how easy it is to impress everyone at your next gathering with this sweet, colorful crowd-pleaser!
Print
Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Raspberry Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a moist white cake infused with vibrant raspberry gelatin. Topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and fresh raspberries, this cake is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. The poke holes allow the raspberry gelatin to seep into the cake, ensuring every bite bursts with fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Cake
- 18.25 oz. white cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
Gelatin
- 3 oz. raspberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
Cream Cheese Layer
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. milk
Topping
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz. whipped topping (thawed)
- 1–2 cups fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the 18.25 oz. white cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a 13×9 inch baking pan and bake as directed. Once baked, remove the cake and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using a fork, gently poke holes evenly across the surface of the cooled cake. These holes will allow the raspberry gelatin to seep into the cake layers, adding moisture and flavor.
- Prepare and Pour Gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve the 3 oz. raspberry gelatin powder into 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well until completely dissolved. Spoon the gelatin slowly and carefully over the cake, making sure to pour over the holes. For thorough coverage, repeat spooning over each row 2-3 times to allow the gelatin to soak deeply.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together 16 oz. cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the gelatin-soaked cake.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread 8 oz. of thawed whipped topping evenly over the cream cheese layer to create a light and fluffy topping.
- Decorate with Raspberries: Arrange 1 to 2 cups of fresh raspberries on top of the whipped cream layer for a fresh, fruity garnish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 4 hours to set the layers and enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- The poke holes help the gelatin penetrate the cake, making it moist and flavorful.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes and adding gelatin to prevent melting.
- You can substitute fresh raspberries with frozen, but fresh adds best texture and flavor.
- For best results, chill the cake overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier layer.
