This Raspberry Poke Cake is a simple, vibrant, and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. A moist white cake is infused with a fruity raspberry Jell-O mixture and topped with a fluffy Cool Whip layer. It’s a visually stunning and deliciously sweet treat that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Raspberry Poke Cake is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The light, fluffy cake absorbs the vibrant raspberry Jell-O mixture, which adds both color and flavor to the cake. The creamy Cool Whip topping gives it a refreshing finish, and the optional raspberry pie filling or fresh raspberries make it even more visually appealing. It’s a fun and festive dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings!
Ingredients
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1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz or 14.25 oz), plus ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
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3 oz raspberry Jell-O
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1 1/2 cups boiling water
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8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
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21 oz raspberry pie filling or fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Bake the Cake:
Prepare and bake the white cake according to the instructions on the box, using a 13×9 inch baking pan. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes after baking.
2. Poke Holes:
Use a fork or wooden skewer to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. Be sure to poke all the way down to the bottom of the cake.
3. Dissolve the Jell-O:
In a bowl, dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in the boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
4. Pour the Jell-O:
Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for 45 minutes to allow the Jell-O to set.
5. Frost and Garnish:
Remove the cake from the refrigerator and frost with the thawed Cool Whip. You can top the cake with raspberry pie filling or fresh raspberries for extra flavor and decoration.
6. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours before serving to let it set completely. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 24
Variations
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Different Jell-O Flavors: You can use a different flavor of Jell-O such as strawberry, cherry, or blueberry for a fun twist.
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Layer of Fresh Berries: Add a layer of fresh berries between the cake and Cool Whip for more texture and flavor.
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Melted White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Storage
Store any leftover Raspberry Poke Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days. This cake is best served cold and can be stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, you can use a homemade white cake recipe if you prefer. Just make sure to follow the same instructions for poking holes and adding the Jell-O mixture afterward.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry pie filling?
Yes, fresh raspberries work wonderfully as a topping. If you want a little more sweetness, you can mix them with a bit of sugar before adding them on top.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just make sure to refrigerate it to allow the Jell-O to set properly.
Can I use a different whipped topping instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use stabilized whipped cream if you prefer. Cool Whip is recommended for stability, but fresh whipped cream can also work well.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the Jell-O to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
This Raspberry Poke Cake is a delightful, refreshing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its sweet raspberry flavor and creamy topping, it’s a perfect treat for any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some fun variations, this cake will surely be a crowd favorite!
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Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe
This Raspberry Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion! A moist white cake soaked in a vibrant raspberry Jell-O mixture, topped with fluffy Cool Whip and garnished with raspberry pie filling or fresh raspberries. This refreshing, visually appealing cake is easy to make and sure to delight your guests.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients
White Cake Mix – 1 box (15.25 oz or 14.25 oz), plus ingredients listed on the box
Raspberry Jell-O – 3 oz
Boiling Water – 1 1/2 cups
Cool Whip – 8 oz, thawed
Raspberry Pie Filling – 21 oz (optional, for garnish)
Fresh Raspberries – (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bake the Cake:
Prepare and bake the white cake according to the instructions on the box, using a 13×9-inch baking pan. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
Poke Holes:
Use a fork or wooden skewer to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart.
Dissolve the Jell-O:
In a bowl, dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Pour the Jell-O Mixture:
Slowly pour the dissolved Jell-O mixture over the cake, ensuring that it seeps into all the holes.
Chill the Cake:
Refrigerate the cake for about 45 minutes to allow the Jell-O to set and seep into the cake.
Frost the Cake:
Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the thawed Cool Whip over the top.
Garnish:
Optionally, top with raspberry pie filling or fresh raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Chill Again:
Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to let it fully set before serving.
Notes
Cake Mix: You can use any brand of white cake mix for this recipe.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is recommended for stability, but you can use stabilized whipped cream as an alternative.
Variations:
Swap out the raspberry Jell-O for other flavors like strawberry or cherry.
Add a layer of fresh berries between the cake and the whipped topping for more texture and flavor.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a richer, sweeter touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American