Summer Berry Poke Cake

The Summer Berry Poke Cake is everything a warm-weather dessert should be, light, fruity, and incredibly easy to make. This cake starts with a simple vanilla base, gets soaked in a bright, berry-flavored gelatin for a beautiful, marbled effect, and is topped with a dreamy layer of pudding-mixed whipped topping and fresh summer berries. Every bite is refreshing and rich in flavor, making it the perfect treat for gatherings, holidays, or everyday indulgence.

This recipe is a celebration of seasonal berries, offering a visually stunning presentation with very little effort. Because the gelatin sinks into every poked hole, it not only adds a delicious fruity layer but also creates a beautiful surprise when you cut into it. Topped with vibrant strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, it becomes an edible centerpiece that screams summer. Serve chilled for the ultimate no-stress dessert that everyone will be asking you to make again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1 cup sliced strawberries

• 1/2 cup raspberries

• 1/2 cup blueberries

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1½ cups cold milk

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

• Fresh berries for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven according to cake mix directions. Prepare and bake the white cake in a 9×13-inch pan as directed on the box. Let cool for 15 minutes.

2. While cake is cooling, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water.

3. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

4. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

5. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours, or until completely chilled.

6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Fold in the whipped topping.

7. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the chilled cake.

8. Top with sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Garnish with additional fresh berries if desired.

9. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Everything You Need to Know About Summer Berry Poke Cake

There’s something undeniably joyful about biting into a chilled dessert on a warm summer day, especially when it’s bursting with the juicy sweetness of fresh berries. Enter the Summer Berry Poke Cake, a vibrant, moist, and creamy treat that perfectly captures the essence of the season. With its visually stunning layers and a delightful mix of textures and flavors, this cake is a crowd-pleasing favorite at BBQs, pool parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

If you’re new to poke cakes, you’re in for a fun and surprisingly simple experience. These cakes are named for the process of “poking” holes into a freshly baked cake and then pouring in a liquid, often gelatin, pudding, or syrup, which seeps into every crevice and transforms the texture and flavor of the base. The result? A cake that is incredibly moist and infused with flavor from the inside out.

This specific version combines a classic white vanilla cake base with fruity strawberry gelatin that soaks into the cake, creating a marbled, juicy core. It’s then topped with a dreamy combination of vanilla pudding and whipped topping, soft, cloud-like, and delicately sweet. Finally, a vibrant crown of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries gives the dessert its signature summery finish.

The Beauty of Seasonal Berries

The star of this dessert is undoubtedly the medley of berries. Using a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries not only adds variety and visual appeal, but also layers of sweet, tart, and slightly tangy flavors. Each berry brings something unique to the table:

• Strawberries offer a sweet, juicy base that’s universally loved.

• Raspberries bring a little tartness and pop of color.

• Blueberries provide balance with their mild sweetness and antioxidant-rich goodness.

The contrast between the berries and the rich, creamy topping is what sets this cake apart from others. The freshness of the fruit cuts through the richness, making each bite feel light and refreshing despite the indulgence.

This makes the Summer Berry Poke Cake an ideal dessert for warm weather. It’s chilled, fruity, and requires very little effort to look stunning, especially with all the bright natural colors from the berries. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a low-stress option when hosting.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Super Easy to Make: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this cake is virtually foolproof. Using a boxed cake mix saves time and effort while still delivering amazing results.

• Perfect for Make-Ahead: Because the gelatin and pudding layers need time to set in the refrigerator, you can make this dessert hours or even a day before your event.

• A Showstopper Presentation: The bright berry topping and vibrant gelatin-infused cake underneath make this dessert look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

• Customizable: Feel free to swap the berries for whatever’s in season or to your taste. Blackberries, sliced peaches, or even kiwi can work beautifully.

Poke Cake Tips for Best Results

To get the most out of your poke cake experience, here are a few helpful tips:

• Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Poking: You want the cake to be warm but not hot. This helps prevent it from becoming too soggy.

• Use a Wooden Spoon Handle for Poking: It creates holes that are large enough to allow the gelatin to seep in without tearing the cake apart.

• Pour the Gelatin Slowly: Take your time pouring the gelatin into the holes. Going slowly ensures it gets absorbed properly into every crevice.

• Chill Thoroughly: The cake needs several hours in the refrigerator to fully set. This also helps the flavors meld beautifully.

• Add Berries Just Before Serving: For the freshest look and texture, top the cake with fresh fruit close to the time you’ll be serving it.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs well with:

• Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat.

• Coffee or espresso for a sweet finish after dinner.

• Sparkling wine or rosé if you’re serving it at a brunch or summer evening gathering.

For a fancy twist, serve each slice with a small mint sprig or a dollop of extra whipped topping. You can even drizzle a bit of berry syrup or coulis over the top for added elegance.

Storage and Leftovers

The Summer Berry Poke Cake stores well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Because of the pudding and gelatin layers, it should not be left out at room temperature for too long, especially on warm days.

While it doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the pudding and whipped topping, you can prepare the base (cake + gelatin) ahead and freeze that portion. Add the creamy topping and berries after thawing and before serving.

Custom Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this version, feel free to experiment! Here are some easy variations you can try:

• Lemon Berry Poke Cake: Use lemon cake mix and lemon gelatin for a zesty twist.

• Tropical Poke Cake: Use pineapple gelatin and top with mango, kiwi, and coconut whipped cream.

• Chocolate Berry Poke Cake: Swap the vanilla cake for chocolate, use raspberry gelatin, and top with dark chocolate shavings.

• Mini Poke Cakes: Bake in cupcake tins and poke each individual one for single-serving portions—great for parties!

Healthier Options

Want to make it a bit lighter? Try these swaps:

• Use sugar-free gelatin and pudding mix.

• Opt for light or fat-free whipped topping.

• Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk in the pudding.

• Add more fruit on top and reduce the whipped topping layer.

Even with these changes, you’ll still get that same creamy texture and fruity flavor that makes this cake so satisfying.

Conclusion

The Summer Berry Poke Cake is more than just a dessert, it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, simplicity, and joy. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, attending a family gathering, or just want a sweet ending to a weekday meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s easy to make, beautiful to look at, and downright delicious to eat. The burst of berries, creamy pudding layer, and soft vanilla cake make each bite an experience worth savoring.

From its stunning presentation to its refreshing flavor, this poke cake is bound to become your go-to dessert for summer occasions. Make it once, and it’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.