Irresistible Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet summer memories bloom with this raspberry zinger poke cake that brings a burst of nostalgia to every bite.

Layers of moist cake infused with tangy raspberry flavor create a delightful dessert that feels both comforting and exciting.

Soft, tender crumbs soak up a vibrant raspberry glaze, making each slice a celebration of fruity goodness.

The cake signature holes allow the bright raspberry essence to seep deeply into every morsel.

Creamy frosting adds a luscious finish that balances the cake playful texture and zesty notes.

Topped with fresh raspberries, this dessert promises to be the star of any gathering.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this irresistible treat.

FAQs

• What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a dessert where holes are made in a baked cake and then filled with liquid or gelatin to create a moist, flavorful treat that absorbs the added liquid throughout the cake.

• Can I use fresh or frozen raspberries?

Fresh raspberries work best for topping the cake. If using frozen raspberries, thaw and drain them completely before adding to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent the gelatin from leaking?

Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding gelatin. Use a fork or wooden spoon handle to create deep, even holes that reach the bottom of the cake.

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake: What Sets It Apart

• Streamline Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and kitchen mess while maximizing flavor and convenience.
• Customize Your Plate: Adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or seasonal produce, making it incredibly versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Dinner at Home: Achieve professional-level steak and vegetable preparation with simple techniques that deliver impressive, restaurant-worthy results without complex cooking skills.
• Quick Flavor Transformation: Elevate basic ingredients through a bold balsamic marinade that infuses the steak and vegetables with rich, tangy depth, creating a gourmet-tasting dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

Main Ingredients:

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for this delightful dessert.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the cake batter and creating a light texture.
• Water: Helps to mix the cake batter and achieve the right consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake.

• Raspberry Gelatin: Brings vibrant raspberry flavor and creates a moist, fruity layer in the cake.
• Boiling Water: Dissolves the gelatin completely.
• Cold Water: Helps cool down the gelatin mixture.

• Whipped Cream, Whipped Topping: Provides a light, creamy layer that complements the raspberry flavor.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a toasted, nutty crunch to the cake's surface.
• Fresh Raspberries: Offers a fresh, decorative touch and bursts of natural fruit flavor.

How to Assemble Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

Step 1: Mix Cake Batter

Follow the cake mix box directions carefully. Use a standard box of white or vanilla cake mix.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. Pour the mixed batter into the pan and bake according to package instructions.

Allow the cake to cool completely inside the pan.

Step 2: Create Raspberry Gelatin

• Raspberry gelatin powder
• Boiling water
• Cold water

Dissolve the raspberry gelatin powder in boiling water.

Stir until completely blended. Add cold water to help cool down the mixture and create the perfect consistency.

Step 3: Create Cake Holes

Use a wooden spoon handle or fork to poke deep holes across the entire cake surface. Make sure holes reach all the way to the bottom of the cake.

Space holes evenly for consistent gelatin distribution.

Step 4: Pour Gelatin Mixture

Slowly drizzle the prepared gelatin over the cake.

Ensure the liquid fills every single hole. This creates those signature moist pockets that make poke cakes amazing.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours. The gelatin needs time to fully set and absorb into the cake layers.

This waiting period helps develop rich raspberry flavor.

Step 6: Add Delicious Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut shreds
• Fresh raspberries

Spread a smooth layer of whipped cream over the chilled cake.

Sprinkle toasted coconut shreds evenly across the top. Arrange fresh raspberries as a beautiful garnish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the cake into square servings. Serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture.

This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or family celebrations.

Useful Advice on Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Poke holes consistently and deeply to allow maximum gelatin absorption, creating a moist and flavorful cake.
• Let gelatin mixture cool slightly before pouring to prevent cake from becoming soggy or breaking apart.
• Use cold whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream to maintain texture and prevent weeping on the cake surface.
• Lightly toast coconut beforehand to boost its nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake's topping.
• Select ripe, firm raspberries and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake's appearance.

Ways to Add Variety to Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Raspberry Zinger: Replace box cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whipped cream with coconut whipped cream or dairy-free whipped topping made from plant-based alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free raspberry gelatin and a sugar-free cake mix, topped with sugar-free whipped cream for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Tropical Remix: Substitute raspberries with passion fruit or mango, and use complementary gelatin flavor to create a tropical-inspired poke cake.

Complementary Dishes for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: The sweet, tangy raspberry flavors perfectly complement a chilled rosé with light bubbles, enhancing the cake's fruity profile and cutting through its creamy texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of rich, smooth vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the cake's bright raspberry notes, adding a luxurious cold creaminess.
• Match with Lemon Herbal Tea: A delicate, fragrant lemon herbal tea balances the cake's sweetness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that highlights the dessert's light and fruity character.
• Accompany with White Chocolate Mousse: A small portion of silky white chocolate mousse provides a decadent companion, amplifying the cake's creamy texture and complementing its sweet raspberry essence.

Keeping Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Fresh

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Do not leave the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the whipped cream and gelatin, which can spoil quickly.
• Best served cold. If desired, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the gelatin and whipped cream slightly.

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Raspberry zinger poke cake delivers a delightful twist on classic dessert magic. Sweet raspberry layers meld with creamy textures, promising pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts craving something extraordinary.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• Box mix additional ingredients (as listed on the box)
• 1 package (3 ounces/85 grams) raspberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

Fruit and Coconut Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup shredded coconut (toasted if desired)

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the cake foundation by following the boxed mix instructions, transferring the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake according to package directions at recommended temperature, typically 350°F.
2. Allow the cake to completely cool inside the baking pan, ensuring no residual warmth remains.
3. Prepare raspberry gelatin by dissolving the powder in boiling water, stirring until fully integrated. Incorporate cold water to temper the mixture’s temperature.
4. Using a wooden spoon handle or fork, puncture uniform holes across the entire cake surface, ensuring penetration to the bottom layer.
5. Gradually cascade the prepared gelatin over the cake, guiding the liquid into each created cavity. Ensure comprehensive coverage.
6. Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours, allowing the gelatin to solidify and permeate the cake’s interior.
7. Once gelatin sets, generously spread whipped cream or topping across the cake’s surface, creating a smooth, even layer.
8. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes uniformly over the whipped topping, providing textural contrast.
9. Artfully arrange fresh raspberries atop the cake for visual appeal and additional flavor dimension.
10. Slice into neat squares and serve thoroughly chilled, presenting a refreshing and decadent dessert experience.

Notes

• Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes to ensure the gelatin absorbs properly without making the cake mushy.
• Swap raspberry gelatin for other flavors like strawberry or cherry to create unique variations that match your taste preferences.
• Toast coconut beforehand to deepen its nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft cake and creamy topping.
• Use sugar-free gelatin and low-fat whipped topping for a lighter version, or opt for gluten-free cake mix to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg