Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sat around the table with friends, laughter mingled with the sweet aroma wafting from the kitchen, it struck me just how magical a simple dessert can be. Enter the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake—a delightful creation that brings a burst of summer flavor to any gathering. This light and fluffy cake features a perfect blend of moist white cake, vibrant raspberry gelatin, and decadent whipped topping, making it not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply trying to impress at a family dinner, this treat ensures everyone will come back for seconds. And with endless customization options, like swapping out coconut for chocolate shavings or adding your favorite nuts, you can make this dessert uniquely yours. Ready to dive into a slice of nostalgia? Let’s bring this Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake to life! Why is Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Amazing? Effortless Delight: This recipe offers a quick and easy way to impress your guests. With minimal steps and common ingredients, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the laughter echoing around your table. Burst of Flavor: The combination of raspberry gelatin and preserves creates a heavenly fruitiness that dances on your tongue, making each bite a celebration of summer. Customizable Options: Feel free to play around with toppings! Whether you swap coconut for chopped nuts or try mini chocolate chips, the versatility of this poke cake makes it uniquely yours. Visual Appeal: Topped with light whipped cream and colorful raspberry layers, this cake not only tastes delicious but looks stunning on any dessert table. Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family dinners to elegant holidays, this cake fits seamlessly into any event, ensuring you have a delightful dessert ready to wow your crowd. Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Ingredients Here’s everything you’ll need to create this luscious dessert! For the Cake Premium White Cake Mix – The foundation of this cake, offering a light and fluffy texture; try experimenting with different cake flavors for a twist. Hot Purified Water – Activates the raspberry gelatin, ensuring the right consistency; it should be steaming hot, not boiling. For the Gelatin Raspberry-Flavored Gelatin – Infuses the cake with fruity goodness and moisture; feel free to switch to another berry flavor for personal flair. For the Topping High-Quality Raspberry Preserves – Creates that rich, fruity layer that complements the cake beautifully; use other fruit preserves like strawberry if you prefer. Whipped Topping (thawed) – Guarantees a creamy finish that lightens up the cake; making homemade whipped cream can add a fresh touch. Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – Adds a wonderful crunch and visual appeal; replace with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for a delicious variation. Grab these ingredients and prepare to bring this delightful Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake to life! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Step 1: Prepare the Cake Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the premium white cake mix with the hot purified water according to the package instructions. Mix until smooth and uniform, then pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Step 2: Cool the Cake Once baked, remove the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This cooling period is essential as it prepares the cake for the next steps and prevents the gelatin from dissolving prematurely. Step 3: Make the Holes After the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the top of the cake. Ensure that the holes are deep enough to allow the raspberry gelatin to seep through, creating that signature moist texture that makes the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake so delightful. Step 4: Prepare and Pour the Gelatin In a medium bowl, dissolve the raspberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of hot purified water, stirring until fully combined and no granules remain. Carefully pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes to enhance the flavor and moisture. Let the cake absorb the gelatin for about 15 minutes. Step 5: Add Raspberry Preserves Warm the high-quality raspberry preserves in the microwave for about 30 seconds to loosen the texture, which makes spreading easier. Once warm, use a spatula to evenly spread the raspberry preserves over the top of the soaked cake, creating a luscious fruity layer that complements the gelatin. Step 6: Apply Whipped Topping Take the thawed whipped topping and carefully spread it evenly over the raspberry preserves, ensuring every inch of the cake is covered. The lightness of the whipped topping balances the richness of the raspberry layers, making this Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake even more delectable. Step 7: Sprinkle Coconut Next, evenly sprinkle the unsweetened shredded coconut over the whipped topping. This adds a delightful texture and visual appeal to your cake. If you’re looking for a variation, feel free to substitute with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Step 8: Chill the Cake Finally, cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Chilling enhances the taste and ensures the cake sets properly, making each slice a refreshing treat when served. Enjoy your Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake! Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Variations Feel free to savor your creativity and personalize this cake with these fun and tasty twists! Dairy-Free: Substitute whipped topping with a coconut or almond-based whipped cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative. Nutty Delight: Swap the coconut for chopped walnuts or pecans to add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Choco-Poke: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top instead of coconut for a rich, chocolatey finish. Imagine each slice with a luscious chocolate swirl enhancing its sweetness—pure bliss! Berry Blast: Experiment with different berry flavors by using strawberry or blueberry gelatin and preserves, giving the cake a delightful twist in taste. Zesty Add-in: Incorporate a hint of lemon zest into the batter for a bright citrus note that pairs wonderfully with raspberry. Layered Treat: Consider adding a layer of sliced fresh strawberries or blueberries between the cake and the whipped topping for a fresh, fruity surprise. Spiced Cake: Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake batter for warm spices that elevate the entire flavor profile. Pineapple Coconut: For a tropical twist, replace some raspberry preserves with crushed pineapple and top it with toasted coconut for an island-inspired dessert. With each of these variations, your Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake will become a unique reflection of your taste—and who doesn’t love a dessert that’s tailored just for them? Whether for a picnic or a family dinner, this cake will surely delight! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake in advance is a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can bake and cool the cake up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply store it at room temperature covered tightly to maintain its moisture. The gelatin can be prepared and poured over the cake up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure the cake is refrigerated to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, add the raspberry preserves, whipped topping, and coconut (or your preferred toppings), which can also be prepped 24 hours in advance. This way, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s just as delicious as if you made it the same day! Expert Tips for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Perfect Hole Size: Use the wooden spoon’s handle to poke holes about 1 inch apart and deep enough for maximum gelatin absorption, ensuring the cake’s moistness. Warm Preserves: Warm the raspberry preserves before spreading to achieve a smooth, lump-free layer. This will enhance the overall texture of the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake. Chill for Flavor: Allow the cake to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This not only improves the flavor but also allows the layers to set beautifully for clean slices. Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap the raspberry gelatin and preserves for other flavors, like strawberry or blueberry, to create a personalized twist that suits your taste. Alternative Toppings: Instead of shredded coconut, try topping with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for added texture and a fun visual contrast that elevates the cake’s appeal. What to Serve with Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake? Brighten your dessert table with delightful pairings that complement each moist and fluffy slice. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the tartness of raspberry, enhancing each bite. A scoop alongside your cake creates a luscious experience that’s hard to resist. Fresh Berries: A medley of juicy strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries adds freshness and color. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the raspberry notes, creating a refreshing burst of flavor. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the cake’s coconut topping while offering a satisfying texture. With their sweet, toasted flavor, they provide a delightful contrast that will impress guests at any gathering. Lemonade Punch: A chilled pitcher of tangy lemonade punch with mint leaves balances the sweetness of the cake, making it the perfect thirst-quencher for summer picnics. It’s a refreshing drink that invigorates every slice with a bright twist. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate brings indulgence to the fruity cake and coconut, making a stunning presentation. Each bite is a play of flavors that is sure to leave guests raving. Chilled Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream fosters a light and airy addition to the cake. Its smoothness accentuates the fruity layers, transforming each forkful into a cloud of flavor. Storage Tips for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Fridge: Store leftover Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, keeping it fresh and flavorful for many delightful days ahead. Freezer: For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy it slightly warm, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the newly blended flavors as they come alive again! Serving Suggestions: Chill the cake well before serving; it enhances the taste and texture, making for an irresistibly refreshing dessert. Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right raspberries for my cake? Absolutely! When selecting raspberries, look for ones that are plump and firm, avoiding any with dark spots or mushiness as those indicate overripeness. Ideally, you’ll want to use fresh, vibrant raspberries for the best flavor. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen will work in a pinch—just thaw and pat them dry before using. How do I store leftover Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake? To keep your delectable treat fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from drying out. If you’re saving pieces, slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Can I freeze Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake? Yes, you certainly can! For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight for a perfectly moist, delicious dessert. What if my gelatin is not setting properly? Very common! If your gelatin doesn’t seem to be setting, double-check that you dissolved it completely in hot water without any granules remaining. Make sure you’re using high-quality gelatin, too. Also, refrigerating the cake for at least 4 hours is crucial; giving it additional time in the fridge can help it firm up beautifully. Can my pets enjoy Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake? Not at all! The ingredients in this cake, particularly the sugar and gelatin, aren’t suitable for pets. Avoid sharing cake with them; it’s best for humans only. If you’re looking to treat your furry friends, there are pet-safe desserts available that they’ll love without any risks! Are there alternatives to using coconut on top? Absolutely! If coconut isn’t your favorite, you can replace it with chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a delightful crunch. Chocolate lovers might opt for mini chocolate chips or shavings instead. This versatility allows you to personalize your Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake and cater to various taste preferences! Luscious Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake: A Sweet Summer Treat No ratings yet This Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake combines moist cake, raspberry gelatin, and whipped topping for a perfect summer dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 box Premium White Cake Mix Light and fluffy texture1 cup Hot Purified Water Steaming hot, not boilingFor the Gelatin1 package Raspberry-Flavored Gelatin Can switch to other berry flavorsFor the Topping1 cup High-Quality Raspberry Preserves Other fruit preserves can be used1 container Whipped Topping (thawed) Can substitute with homemade whipped cream1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Substitute with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings Equipment 9x13 inch baking panMixing BowlSpatulawooden spoonWire Rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the premium white cake mix with the hot purified water according to package instructions. Mix until smooth and uniform, then pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the top of the cake.In a medium bowl, dissolve the raspberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of hot purified water. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Let the cake absorb the gelatin for about 15 minutes.Warm the raspberry preserves in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then spread it evenly over the top of the cake.Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the raspberry preserves.Sprinkle the unsweetened shredded coconut over the whipped topping.Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThis cake can be customized with various toppings and flavors. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
