Zingy Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet Summer Delight

Raspberry zinger magic turns ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary adventures that spark joy at every gathering.

Sweet memories bloom when unexpected flavors dance together on your plate.

Soft cake layers become playful canvases for vibrant raspberry swirls and creamy textures.

Delicate crumbs absorb luscious raspberry syrup, creating moisture-rich bites that melt delightfully.

Kitchen experiments rarely feel this exciting or rewarding.

Simple ingredients combine to create something spectacular that makes people smile.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of creating holes in the cake with a wooden spoon?

The holes allow the raspberry gelatin to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist, flavorful interior that enhances the overall taste and texture of the dessert.

• Can I use a different flavor of gelatin instead of raspberry?

Yes, you can experiment with other gelatin flavors like strawberry or cherry to create a unique variation of the poke cake while maintaining the same basic technique.

• How do I know the gelatin is fully dissolved?

Stir the gelatin mixture until all crystals have completely disappeared and the liquid appears clear and uniform, with no granules visible at the bottom of the mixing container.

What Makes Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake So Delightful

• Customize with Ease: Make this raspberry zinger poke cake your culinary playground by swapping flavors or adding personal twists like different preserves or toppings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where you want to impress without complicated techniques.
• No-Stress Baking: Requires basic baking skills and minimal ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for novice bakers looking to create something delicious without overwhelming complexity.
• Sweet Nostalgia Trigger: Brings back memories of classic bakery-style desserts with its vibrant raspberry flavor and comforting texture that appeals to multiple generations.

Ingredients Needed for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

Main Ingredients:

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for this delightful dessert.
• Hot Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin and creating moisture in the cake.

• Raspberry-Flavored Gelatin: Adds intense raspberry flavor and creates a vibrant layer within the cake.
• Raspberry Preserves: Provides an extra burst of fruity sweetness and texture.

Topping Ingredients:

• Whipped Topping (Thawed): Creates a light, creamy layer that complements the raspberry flavors.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a delightful crunch and tropical touch to the cake's surface.

Additional Ingredients:

• Wooden Spoon or Meat Fork: Used for creating perforations in the cake to allow gelatin absorption.
• Microwave: Helpful for warming the raspberry preserves to a spreadable consistency.

Instructions for Making Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

Step 1: Whip Up The Cake Base

Grab your white cake mix and follow the package instructions. Pour the smooth batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until perfectly golden.

Step 2: Let The Cake Chill

Allow the cake to cool down at room temperature for about half an hour. Patience is key here!

Step 3: Poke Some Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a meat fork, create even holes across the cake. Make sure you go about halfway down into the cake’s soft surface.

Step 4: Splash With Raspberry Magic

• Raspberry gelatin
• Hot water

Pour the vibrant liquid evenly over the cake, letting it seep into those lovely holes.

Step 5: Spread Fruity Goodness

Warm up raspberry preserves in the microwave until it’s easily spreadable.

Drizzle and spread the preserves across the gelatin-soaked cake.

Step 6: Add Fluffy Cloud Topping

Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the raspberry layer.

Cover every inch with creamy deliciousness.

Step 7: Sprinkle Coconut Snowflakes

Shower the top with unsweetened shredded coconut for a delightful textural finish.

Step 8: Chill And Set

Slide the cake into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This helps all the flavors mingle and settle.

Step 9: Store With Care

Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain its fresh, zingy taste.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Ensure cake mix is at room temperature for smoother batter and even baking.
• Create deep, consistent holes for better gelatin absorption, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a meat fork.
• Warm raspberry preserves slightly to make spreading easier and more uniform across the cake surface.
• Let the cake chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and gelatin to set completely.
• Check whipped topping consistency before spreading to achieve a clean, smooth layer without tearing the cake surface.

Flavorful Variations on Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Replace white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Swap raspberry gelatin with pineapple gelatin and use crushed pineapple preserves for a tropical-inspired version that maintains the cake's moist texture.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use sugar-free gelatin, a sugar-free cake mix, and a low-sugar whipped topping to create a diabetic-friendly dessert with reduced caloric content.
• Vegan Fruit Celebration: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut whipped cream, vegan cake mix, and agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin for a completely plant-based treat.

Best Pairings with Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Rich, velvety mascarpone coffee complements the cake's sweet raspberry profile, creating a luxurious dessert experience with balanced flavors.
• Light, effervescent champagne with a hint of raspberry liqueur cuts through the cake's sweetness, providing a refreshing and elegant accompaniment.
• Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream enhances the cake's fruity notes, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the coconut topping.

How to Store Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the cake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal carefully to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual cake slices tightly with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Refrigerator Reheating: Remove cake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow slight temperature adjustment. Slice and serve chilled for best flavor profile.
• Quick Thawing Method: When frozen, transfer cake slices to refrigerator overnight. Let them gradually defrost, maintaining original moisture and preventing potential texture breakdown.

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Raspberry zinger poke cake combines tangy raspberries with moist white cake for a delightful dessert. Raspberry layers create a refreshing treat that satisfies sweet cravings with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (18.25 oz) premium white cake mix
• Cake mix package required ingredients
• 2 cups hot purified water
• 1 package (3 oz) raspberry-flavored gelatin
• 1 container (10 oz) high-quality raspberry preserves
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
• 1 packet (7 oz) unsweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions, ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter. Pour into a 9×13-inch pan and bake at the recommended temperature until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes, preventing any moisture condensation.
3. Create consistent perforations across the entire cake surface using the handle of a wooden spoon or a meat fork, puncturing approximately halfway through the cake’s depth.
4. Dissolve raspberry-flavored gelatin thoroughly in hot water, stirring until completely integrated and no granules remain.
5. Slowly pour the warm gelatin mixture over the cake, carefully guiding it into the created perforations to ensure complete absorption throughout the dessert.
6. Microwave raspberry preserves for 30 seconds until slightly warm and easily spreadable, then distribute evenly across the gelatin-soaked cake surface.
7. Gently spread thawed whipped topping over the preserves, creating a smooth, uniform layer that covers the entire cake.
8. Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut generously over the whipped topping, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely. Store covered in the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

• Customize the cake mix by using gluten-free white cake mix for a celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
• Experiment with different gelatin flavors like strawberry or mixed berry to create unique variations of this classic dessert.
• Use low-fat whipped topping and sugar-free preserves to reduce the overall calorie content while maintaining the cake’s delightful sweetness.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by substituting whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for those with lactose intolerance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 287
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 181 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg