Name: Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Ingredients needed to make cake: egg whites, oil, and water (as per cake mix instructions); 3 ounce box raspberry Jell-O; 1 cup boiling water; ½ cup cold water; 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup cold milk; 8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip); Fresh raspberries

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 63 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and a delightful texture contrast, this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite sweet treat. Imagine a moist white cake, perfectly punctured to soak up luscious raspberry gelatin, then topped with a creamy layer of vanilla pudding and whipped topping that melts in your mouth. It’s easy to make but feels incredibly special—ideal for sharing with family, friends, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients on a light brown wooden surface, now described as white marbled texture. There is a red and beige box of Betty Crocker Super Moist white cake mix on the top left, next to a tall clear plastic bottle of vegetable oil with a blue label and cap. On the top right, there are two small boxes of JELL-O, one raspberry with bright red jelly shown and one vanilla with a yellow pudding swirl. Below the cake mix box is a round white tub of Cool Whip original with a blue lid. Below the oil bottle is a clear glass measuring cup filled with milk, and next to it on the right is a decorative clear dish holding three white eggs. On the bottom left is a clear glass measuring cup with a handle, empty. All items are neatly spaced with clear visibility and even lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a moist, flavorful cake with a luscious pudding topping and that classic fruity punch from raspberry Jell-O. These simple pantry staples come together to create a show-stopping dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

White cake mix: The base that ensures a light and fluffy texture, perfect for soaking up all the raspberry goodness.
Egg whites, oil, and water: Required to bring the cake mix to life, contributing moisture and tenderness.
Raspberry Jell-O (3 ounce box): Infuses the cake with vibrant color and bright berry flavor that makes the poke cake unforgettable.
Boiling water (1 cup): Needed to dissolve the gelatin fully, ensuring it seeps into every bite.
Cold water (½ cup): Balances the gelatin mixture, preventing it from being too intense.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces): Adds a creamy, smooth layer that contrasts beautifully with the fruity cake.
Cold milk (1 cup): Activates the instant pudding for a velvety texture.
Whipped topping (8 ounce tub): Provides a light, fluffy finish that makes this poke cake irresistibly luscious.

How to Make Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the White Cake

Start by preparing the cake mix according to the package instructions, using egg whites, oil, and water as directed. This foundational step ensures a light and tender base for your poke cake. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, and once it’s out of the oven, let it cool on the counter for about 5 minutes. Cooling slightly is crucial—it prevents the gelatin from melting into the cake and becoming too runny.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

Grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the cake about 2 inches apart. These holes serve as little pockets where the raspberry gelatin will seep in, infusing every bite with flavor and moisture. Don’t be shy—make sure the holes go deep enough to reach the bottom.

Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Gelatin

In a large, heatproof bowl, whisk the raspberry Jell-O with 1 cup of boiling water until fully dissolved, creating a smooth, bright red liquid. Then add ½ cup of cold water to cool it down slightly. This mixture is going to soak into those holes, giving the cake its signature punch of raspberry flavor and jewel-like color.

Step 4: Pour Gelatin Over the Cake and Chill

Slowly pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, paying special attention to the holes so the flavorful raspberry liquid fills them completely. After that, pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the gelatin to set and deeply permeate the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Prepare the Pudding Topping

While the cake chills, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for about one minute. This simple step transforms the mix into a creamy, smooth pudding that will add a luxurious layer on top of the raspberry-infused cake. After the pudding is ready, fold in the whipped topping until fully combined with no streaks remaining.

Step 6: Frost the Cake and Chill Again

Once the cake has set in the fridge, spread the creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the top. This luscious frosting provides a delightful balance to the tangy raspberry gelatin below. Return the cake to the refrigerator for another 2 hours so the topping can firm up and all the flavors can marry beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the cake with fresh raspberries if you like—that extra pop of bright color and natural tartness is the perfect finishing touch. Then slice it up and enjoy each moist, creamy bite of this delightful Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe

A square slice of layered dessert is held above a clear glass dish by a metal spatula. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light yellow sponge cake, the middle layer is a mix of bright red jelly and white cake, creating a marbled effect, and the top layer is a smooth, pale cream that looks soft and thick. The background is a white marbled texture with a slightly blurred white cup and another slice of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a handful of fresh raspberries on top gives your poke cake a fresh, tangy contrast that elevates the whole experience. You can also sprinkle some shredded coconut or white chocolate shavings for a hint of texture and subtle sweetness. These simple garnishes make your presentation inviting and festive without overpowering the cake’s natural flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and creamy texture. For an adult-friendly occasion, serve it alongside a raspberry-infused cocktail or sparkling rosé to complement the fruity notes. When your guests taste this cake, their smiles will say it all!

Creative Ways to Present

You can take your Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual clear cups or mason jars—layer the cake, gelatin-soaked bits, and pudding topping for an adorable single-serving treat. Another idea is to sprinkle edible flowers on top for a charming spring or summer celebration look. No matter how you present it, this cake is sure to wow everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This poke cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, the next day.

Freezing

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent frost damage. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the whipped topping might lose some of its lightness after freezing, but the cake and gelatin layers will still taste fantastic.

Reheating

Because this is a cold poke cake, reheating is not recommended. It’s meant to be served chilled to highlight the contrast between the soft cake soaked with raspberry gelatin and the creamy vanilla top layer. If you prefer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry Jell-O?

Fresh raspberries add wonderful flavor and texture, but they won’t create the gelatin layer unique to this poke cake. You could combine fresh raspberries with raspberry gelatin for extra taste, but the classic Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe relies on Jell-O for that signature moistness.

Can I substitute whipped cream for the whipped topping?

Yes, fresh whipped cream can work beautifully to top the pudding layer. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks so it holds its shape and gives that same fluffy finish.

Is it okay to use a different flavor of Jell-O?

Absolutely! While raspberry complements the cake perfectly, you can experiment with strawberry, cherry, or even tropical flavors. Just remember that the cake’s signature raspberry notes are what make this a Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe, so any change shifts the flavor profile slightly.

How long can I leave the cake in the fridge before serving?

After the initial 4 hours of chilling (2 hours after pouring gelatin and 2 hours after frosting), the cake stays great for up to 3 days refrigerated. Beyond that, the texture and flavor might begin to decline.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

You can adjust the recipe slightly for pans bigger or smaller than 9×13 inches, but baking times will vary. Just keep an eye on the cake and test with a toothpick for doneness. The gelatin and pudding layers will still work well as long as you scale ingredients proportionally.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. The combination of moist cake, vibrant raspberry flavor, and creamy pudding topping is irresistible—and the best part is how simple it is to make! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch your loved ones light up with each delicious bite. Trust me, this is one poke cake you’ll want to keep coming back to.