Simple Summer Berry Poke Cake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Summer brings a delightful twist to classic desserts with this summer berry poke cake that bursts with vibrant flavors.

Layers of soft, moist cake get infused with sweet berry goodness.

Juicy strawberries and blueberries dance across the surface, creating a colorful masterpiece.

Creamy whipped topping adds a luxurious finish to each delectable slice.

Cool and refreshing, this dessert promises to be the star of any gathering.

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make you the hero of the kitchen.

Grab a fork and let the summer berry magic begin!

Why Summer Berry Poke Cake Is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a stunning cake that instantly impresses family and friends with its colorful layers and vibrant summer berry topping.
• Super Simple Steps: Follow straightforward instructions that make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Quick Celebration Treat: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family barbecues, delivering a delightful dessert that captures seasonal freshness without complicated techniques.
• No-Fuss Customization: Easily swap berries or adjust toppings to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different tastes and occasions.

What You’ll Need for Summer Berry Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: A convenient baking mix that forms the foundation of the dessert.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake base.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and smooth texture of the cake.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients together.

• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy layer that adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
• Cold Milk: Activates and thickens the pudding mix for a smooth consistency.
• Berry Jam: Introduces a concentrated fruit layer with sweet and tangy flavors.

• Whipped Cream, Powdered Sugar: Combine to create a light, sweet topping for the cake.
• Mixed Summer Berries, Blackberries: Provide fresh, vibrant color and burst of fruity flavor.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a subtle aromatic touch to the dessert.

Steps to Make Summer Berry Poke Cake Pop

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven and get your baking pan ready. Grab a 9×13-inch pan and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Whisk everything together until the batter looks smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, typically 25-30 minutes.

Step 4: Create Cake Holes

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes. Take a wooden spoon handle and poke evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 5: Add Pudding Layer

Whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Carefully pour the pudding over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour, allowing the pudding to set and the cake to cool completely.

Step 7: Spread Berry Jam

Gently spread a thin, even layer of berry jam over the pudding surface.

Step 8: Create Whipped Cream Topping

In a bowl, mix whipped cream and powdered sugar until well combined. Spread this sweet mixture over the jam layer.

Step 9: Decorate with Berries

Artfully arrange summer berries and blackberries across the cake top. If desired, scatter fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Step 10: Final Chill

Refrigerate the cake for an additional 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the topping set.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve chilled, savoring the burst of summery berry goodness in every delightful bite.

Pro Secrets for Summer Berry Poke Cake Success

• Hole Precision: Poke evenly spaced holes using a wooden spoon handle to ensure pudding distributes perfectly throughout the cake.
• Cooling Strategy: Let the cake cool for exactly 10 minutes before adding pudding, allowing it to absorb liquid without becoming soggy.
• Berry Selection: Choose ripe, fresh summer berries at peak sweetness for maximum flavor and vibrant color presentation.
• Whipped Cream Tip: Gently fold powdered sugar into whipped cream to create a stable, lightly sweetened topping that complements the berry flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavor melding and simplify party preparation.

Fun Mix-Ins for Summer Berry Poke Cake

• Tropical Paradise Poke Cake: Replace summer berries with diced mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. Use coconut pudding instead of vanilla, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair.
• Chocolate Berry Dream: Swap white cake mix for chocolate cake mix. Use chocolate pudding and top with raspberry jam. Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh raspberries for a rich, decadent version.
• Citrus Berry Splash: Incorporate lemon zest into the cake batter. Use lemon pudding and top with orange marmalade. Garnish with candied lemon peels and a blend of blueberries and strawberries for a zesty profile.
• Boozy Adult Version: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or rum to the pudding mixture.

What Pairs Well with Summer Berry Poke Cake

• Pair with Summer Sangria: Craft a light, fruity white wine sangria with fresh berries matching the cake's berry theme, enhancing the dessert's sweet and refreshing profile.
• Complement with Lavender Lemonade: Brew a delicate lavender-infused lemonade that provides a crisp, floral counterpoint to the rich, creamy cake texture.
• Match with Cold Brew Coffee: Select a smooth, slightly sweet cold brew coffee with subtle chocolate undertones to balance the cake's bright berry and creamy pudding layers.
• Enhance with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a chilled, light rosé with berry notes that echoes the cake's summer berry essence and cuts through its creamy sweetness.

Storing Your Summer Berry Poke Cake Right

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing the berries from spoiling quickly.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and protect it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper between cake slices if stacking to prevent them from sticking together and preserve the whipped cream topping.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks, ensuring you thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its delicate texture.

Summer Berry Poke Cake Questions Answered

• How do I ensure the pudding fills all the holes in the cake?

Gently pour the pudding over the warm cake and use a spatula to help it spread evenly, making sure it seeps into each hole completely.

• Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh berries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen berries, thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have vanilla pudding mix?

You can substitute with instant vanilla pudding mix or make a quick custard using vanilla instant pudding powder and milk as directed on the package.

• How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Summer Berry Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luscious Summer Berry Poke Cake delivers a delightful symphony of sweet, tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Delicate cake layers infused with fresh berries and creamy filling promise a refreshing dessert you’ll savor with pure summer joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Berries:

• 2 cups mixed summer berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 cup blackberries

Cake Base:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Topping and Filling:

• 1 (3.4 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup berry jam
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Prepare the white cake mix by combining cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended.
3. Pour cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke evenly spaced holes across the entire surface of the warm cake.
5. Whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Immediately pour pudding over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
6. Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour to allow pudding to set and cake to cool completely.
7. Gently spread berry jam over the pudding layer, creating a thin, even coating.
8. In a separate bowl, combine whipped cream and powdered sugar. Spread the sweetened whipped cream over the jam layer.
9. Arrange mixed summer berries and blackberries decoratively across the top of the cake. Scatter fresh mint leaves for additional garnish if desired.
10. Chill the cake for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.
11. Slice and serve cold, enjoying the burst of summer berry flavors in each bite.

Notes

• Select high-quality, ripe summer berries for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth cake batter mixing and consistent texture.
• When poking holes, press gently to avoid breaking cake’s structure and maintain its delicate crumb.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute white cake mix with gluten-free alternative and check pudding mix ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg