4 Tempting Poke Cake Recipes (Jello, Chocolate, Strawberry & Coconut)

Need the ideal poke cake recipe? Look no further! These four irresistible poke cake recipes are guaranteed for your celebrations.

Whether you’re a fan of the fruity zing of Jello, the richness of chocolate, the sweet charm of strawberry, or the tropical taste of coconut cream, there’s a poke cake recipe here to satisfy your cravings.

These poke cake recipes are easy enough for beginners yet impressive for any occasion. Each recipe guides you through super easy and simple steps to create a dessert that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat. Get ready to wow your friends and family with these fantastic poke cake delights.

Have fun baking!

History of Poke Cakes

Poke cakes, a fun and festive dessert, have a special place in American kitchens. You bake a simple cake, and while it’s still warm, you grab a wooden spoon or fork and poke holes all over its surface. Into these holes, you pour a mixture that could be anything from jello to sweetened condensed milk or fruit syrup. This technique infuses the cake with extra flavor and ensures it stays wonderfully moist.

The idea started gaining popularity back in the 1970s when the Jello company promoted using their product as a cake filling to increase sales. The original poke cake was a simple white cake, perfect for adding splashes of color with Jell-O. Poke cakes have always been around, but they’re getting even more popular and creative these days.

So, instead of just using Jell-O, bakers now experiment with all kinds of yummy fillings like sweetened condensed milk, pudding, mousse, coconut cream, sweet cream, fruit puree, and Mexican caramel sauces. And they’re getting creative with how to make holes in the cake, too, using anything from a wooden spoon to forks.

With these new mix-ins, some poke cakes are so rich and gooey that they turn into more of a dessert casserole than a traditional cake. This was a smart move to inspire home bakers to get creative with their desserts. You can mix flavors to fit any occasion, from birthdays to barbecues, or even as a comforting treat just for yourself.

#2 Chocolate Poke Cake

This chocolate poke cake recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves chocolate. It’s so good that once you make it, everyone will keep asking for it again. The best part? It’s super easy to make. You can prepare this delicious poke cake in no time with a chocolate cake mix and some instant chocolate pudding.

It’s perfect for any night of the week but looks and tastes special enough for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. You’re going to love how simple and mouthwatering this cake recipe is.

Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix – the best one is Devil’s Food cake mix, but you can also choose simple chocolate, dark chocolate, or chocolate fudge.
• Grab the ingredients listed on the cake mix box, which usually includes water, vegetable oil, and a couple of eggs.
• 2 instant chocolate pudding mixes.
• Skim milk or whole milk.
• Powdered sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
• For the whipped topping – you can use a cool whipped cream and make your own with heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, or vanilla extract.
• For garnishing, use chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, or whatever you like to use or add.

Cooking Instructions

1. Grab your favorite chocolate cake mix and follow the directions to bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Once it’s done and cooled a bit, take a wooden spoon handle or a big straw and poke holes all over the top of the cake. Just leave it be for a second.
2. Now, grab a mixing bowl. Add in one packet of instant chocolate pudding mix and pour in 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk it all together until it gets nice and thick.
3. Then, gently put this thick chocolate goodness all over the cake you poked holes in. Put the whole thing in the fridge to cool down for about an hour.
4. While waiting, take another big bowl and mix the other pudding packet with some powdered sugar and a cup of milk. Blend it well until it’s smooth. Then, take some whipped topping and fold it into this mixture. Once it’s all mixed up nicely, spread it over the top of your chilled cake.
5. Place the poke cake back in the fridge for at least another hour or overnight to make it even better.
6. To serve, drizzle some chocolate syrup on top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy. Now, dig in and enjoy!

#3 Strawberry Poke Cake

This strawberry poke cake is not only a gorgeous poke cake to look at but also super easy to make. You just need 15 minutes and six simple ingredients to get it going.

It’s a soft white cake with holes in it, and strawberry Jell-O is poured all over it so the inside lights up with color. Finish it off with some fluffy cool whip/frosting and fresh strawberries on top. It’s a party on a plate.

Ingredients

• 1 box of super moist white boxed cake mix
• Vegetable oil, water, and egg whites as per the cake mix box
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 box of jell-O strawberry-flavored gelatin (4-serving size)
• 1 tub of whipped cream (white) for frosting (12 oz)
• 12 fresh strawberries, cut in half

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F or 325°F if you’re using a dark and nonstick cake pan. Follow the cake mix instructions for a 13×9-inch pan, using water, oil, and egg whites.
2. After baking your poke cake, let it cool down on a rack for 20 minutes.
3. While the cake cools, grab a medium bowl and dissolve the gelatin in boiling water by stirring well.
4. Then, using the back end of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke the cake all over, about every inch, halfway through.
5. Pour the strawberry gelatin carefully over the cake so it soaks in evenly. Let the cake cool completely, which should take about an hour.
6. Next, spread white whipped cream over the cooled cake. Slice it into 4 rows by 3 rows to make 12 pieces. Add some strawberries on top of each piece for a nice touch. Keep the cake in the fridge, covered loosely, until you’re ready to serve it.

#4 Coconut Poke Cake

In this coconut cream poke cake recipe, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare this cake. Start with a white cake, then top it off with a cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and a sprinkle of crunchy or shredded coconut flakes. It’s a dream come true for anyone who adores coconut!

Ingredients

• 1 package of white cake mix. But yellow cake mix can also work well (15.25 ounces)
• 1 can of cream of coconut (14-ounce)
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce)
• 1 package of frozen whipped topping, thawed (16 ounces)
• 1 package of flaked/shredded coconut (8 ounces)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bake a white cake mix/yellow cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan as per the cake mix box instructions.
2. When it’s still warm from the oven, grab a fork and poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.
3. Take a bowl and mix together some cream of coconut with sweetened condensed milk.
4. Pour this coconut cream right over the hot cake. Wait for the cake to cool down all the way.
5. Spread some whipped cream over your cake and sprinkle it with flaked coconut. Place the coconut cream cake in the fridge to let it cool completely.
6. Dig in and enjoy the slice of coconut poke cake.

10 Cake Baking Equipment You Must Have in Your Kitchen

Having the right equipment in your kitchen can turn your baking adventures from daunting to delightful. Whether you’re making a simple pound cake or a three-layered cream frosting cake, a few key tools can make all the difference. You need to have these tools on hand to bake your cakes like a pro, such as:

1. Round cake pans and mixing bowls.
2. Baking trays and tins.
3. Whisker or hand mixer to smooth the texture of the cake batter.
4. Round baking and parchment papers.
5. Electric mixer to mix all the dry and liquid ingredients nicely.
6. Sifter and fine mesh sieve to sift any dry ingredients if required.
7. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure all the ingredients according to the recipe.
8. Icing spatula.
9. Cooling rack to let your cake cool completely.
10. Cake carriers/cake stand to easily carry and shift your cake in the fridge. It’s a LIFE SAVIOR!

5 Simple Cake Decorating Tips and Techniques

Decorating a cake can transform a simple baking project into a stunning piece of edible art. If you’re looking to impress guests at a party or just want to add a personal touch to a family dessert, these five easy cake-decorating tips and techniques can elevate your baking.

• Use an offset or icing spatula to spread your frosting smoothly.
• Select the right frosting for the type of cake you’re baking.
• Add sprinkles, cookies, and candies for decorating.
• Decorating your cake with fresh fruits, like mangoes, strawberries, and raspberries.
• Use a chocolate ganache drip for a luxurious touch to your poke cake.

Drink Ideas to Complement Every Bite of a Poke Cake

If you’re curious about what drinks could best enhance the flavors of your poke cake, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of my favorite drink options that can elevate your poke cake experience from just good to absolutely fantastic.

Drinks Like Cubano Coffee and Thai Iced Coffee

A warm cup of Cubano or Cafecito coffee and Thai iced coffee is a classic pairing for any sweet treat. For a rich, chocolatey poke cake, a strong dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully and enhances the deep chocolate flavors.

On the other hand, if your poke cake leans more towards fruity or lighter flavors, black tea or even a flavored tea like chamomile can add a soothing warmth that complements the cake without overpowering it.

Passion Fruit Cocktails

For a refreshing twist, pair your poke cake with a glass of fresh passion fruit cocktails. Opt for flavors that match or contrast nicely with your cake.

For instance, a porn star martini can bring out the true flavors of coconut cream poke cake, while a mezcal mule passion fruit cocktail would pair wonderfully with a strawberry poke cake, adding a fresh and fruity vibrance.

Fruity Trash Can Drinks and Punches

Flavored fruity trash can drinks and punches can add a pop of fizz that can lighten each bite of your delicious poke cake. For example, if you want to organize an epic birthday party or simple party with your loved ones or friends, then hillbilly punch with peach schnapps can complement almost any cake flavor with its sweet undertones. On the other hand, an electric lemonade party punch offers a slightly tangy fizz that can make each bite as enjoyable as the first.

Cream-Based Drinks Like Baileys and Kahlua

For an utterly indulgent poke cake pairing, you can also try a cream-based liqueur. Drinks like Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua can be sipped alone or added to coffee, making a rich, creamy accompaniment that harmonizes with your gooey, moist cakes.

These liqueurs are especially perfect with poke cakes that feature caramel, coffee, or nutty flavors, enveloping your taste buds in a delightful dessert experience.

FAQs

What Is the Meaning of Poke Cake?

Poke cake is a special kind of cake that you make by first baking a regular cake. Once it’s done and while it’s still warm, you take the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake. After you’ve made these holes, you then pour a liquid over the cake, such as sweetened condensed milk, fruit syrup, or pudding.

The idea is that this liquid seeps into the holes you’ve poked, making the cake super moist and flavorful with whatever yummy liquid you choose to pour over it. It’s a fun and easy way to add a tasty twist to your cake!

How Do I Store a Poke Cake?

To store your poke cake properly and ensure it stays fresh, you’ll have to use an air-tight lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Once covered, place it in the refrigerator. Your cake will keep fresh like this for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it’s sealed properly to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Can You Make a Poke Cake in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare a poke cake ahead of time. For the best experience, I recommend making your poke cake 24 hours before you plan to serve it. This allows the pudding to thoroughly soak into the cake and enrich its flavors and texture. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy it.

Does the Cream of Coconut Have Any Alcohol Content?

No, the cream of coconut does not contain any alcohol. Despite often being sold in liquor stores or the liquor aisle at grocery stores, it’s purely a non-alcoholic ingredient.

This confusion might arise because it’s commonly used in cocktails and alcoholic beverages for its rich, creamy texture and sweet coconut flavor. It’s priced between $3 to $5 in the US, whether you choose a can or a squeeze bottle.

How Long Do You Have to Refrigerate a Poke Cake?

For a truly delightful experience with your poke cake, it’s best to let it chill in the fridge for 8 hours before serving. This way, flavors will meld together beautifully and enhance your dessert experience. Ideally, leaving it in the fridge overnight would be perfect—you’ll definitely notice a richer taste and better texture!

Can I Swap Cream of Coconut for Coconut Milk In Coconut Cake?

No, you shouldn’t swap cream of coconut for coconut milk when making coconut cream cake. This is because cream of coconut has a higher fat content for the poke cake recipe you’re following.

Using coconut milk, which is thinner and has less fat, won’t give your poke cake the richness and moisture that the cream of coconut will. So stick with cream of coconut to make sure your coconut poke cake turns out perfectly!

What’s the Best Way to Poke Holes in a Cake?

For poking holes in a cake, a clean wooden spoon handle is your best tool—it makes nice big holes perfect for filling with any liquid of your choice. If you don’t have one, a chopstick or even a fork can also do the job.

For the best results, try to poke holes spaced about 1½ inches apart in a grid layout. But don’t worry too much about the spacing; poke cakes are pretty flexible, and they will taste great no matter what.

To Sum Up

So, there you have it—a scoop of four fantastic poke cake recipes that will make your next gathering a hit. Each one has its own special taste: the rich chocolatey goodness is a dream for chocolate lovers, the strawberry adds sweet and tangy flavors, the coconut reminds you of the tropics, and the jello version is a fun, fruity party in every bite. These cakes are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to make and will steal the show at any event. Try making these cakes for yourself and see just how great they turn out. And share your experiences with me—I’m eager to hear how much you enjoyed them!