Summer Berry Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
Summer Berry Poke Cake is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for warm days. This easy-to-make cake combines a moist vanilla base with vibrant mixed berries and a silky gelatin topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla cake (baked)
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 package gelatin (flavored or unflavored, as preferred)
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a fork or skewer, poke holes evenly all over the baked vanilla cake.
- Step 2: Prepare the gelatin according to package instructions and carefully pour it over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Step 3: Refrigerate the cake until the gelatin is fully set, about 2–3 hours.
- Step 4: Once set, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake’s surface.
- Step 5: Decorate the top with mixed berries before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh berries for the best flavor, or thaw frozen berries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Try different gelatin flavors like strawberry or raspberry to complement the berries.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the gelatin for a subtle tanginess.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat whipped topping or substitute with whipped cream.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the gelatin’s texture. Serve cold, and if desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any type of cake for this recipe?
Yes, vanilla cake is traditional, but you can experiment with yellow or white cake mixes. Just avoid cakes that are too dense.
What if I don’t want to use gelatin?
You can substitute with a fruit glaze or jelly, but the unique poke cake texture comes from gelatin soaking into the holes, so results will differ slightly.
PrintSummer Berry Poke Cake Recipe
This Summer Berry Poke Cake is a refreshing and delightful dessert perfect for warm weather. A moist vanilla cake is baked and then poked with holes to absorb a luscious gelatin mixture, creating a colorful and flavorful treat. Topped with whipped topping and fresh mixed berries, this poke cake offers a light and fruity finish that’s sure to impress at any summer gathering or celebration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required to prepare as per package instructions)
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (such as strawberry or mixed berry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
Toppings
- 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip, thawed)
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the vanilla cake batter as directed on the box, then pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake Cake: Bake the cake as directed until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly but not completely, about 10-15 minutes.
- Make Gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and mix well.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake, spacing them evenly about 1 inch apart.
- Pour Gelatin Over Cake: Slowly pour the prepared gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak into the cake evenly.
- Chill Cake: Refrigerate the gelatin-soaked cake for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Add Toppings: Once the gelatin has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake.
- Decorate with Berries: Top the whipped topping layer generously with the fresh mixed berries for a vibrant and fresh finish.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled for a delicious summer dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh berries with frozen berries that have been thawed and drained.
- For a lighter dessert, use sugar-free gelatin and light whipped topping.
- To make from scratch, substitute the cake mix with homemade vanilla cake batter.
- Make sure the cake is slightly warm, not hot, before pouring the gelatin to ensure it soaks well without melting the gelatin.
Keywords: Summer Berry Poke Cake, vanilla cake, gelatin poke cake, berry dessert, summer dessert
