Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about this cake! If you love the sweet, tangy taste of raspberries and the irresistible texture of a moist, fluffy cake, then this Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake is going to be your new obsession. Picture this: a light, tender cake soaked with a rich raspberry filling, topped off with whipped cream and shredded coconut. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and a little bit of tropical flair. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel like you’re on a beach vacation, all while enjoying the simplest ingredients! Trust me, this one’s a game-changer, and you’re going to want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

This cake isn’t just delicious; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite dessert:

Moist & Flavorful:

The poke cake method ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. The cake itself is soft and moist, soaking up all that raspberry goodness.

Easy to Make:

Don’t worry—this is one of those desserts that looks super impressive but is actually really easy to throw together. You don’t need to be a baking pro to make this cake a showstopper!

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Tart:

The tangy raspberry filling gives the cake a fruity, zesty flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the whipped cream and coconut topping. It’s just the right amount of contrast!

A Crowd-Pleaser:

This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a fun treat to enjoy at home. It’s light enough for warm weather gatherings, but also cozy enough to enjoy on cooler days.

Fun & Customizable:

While this recipe sticks to classic ingredients, you can get creative with the flavor. Swap the raspberry filling for strawberry or blueberry for a new twist, or use a different topping—just make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet indulgent dessert:

• Yellow Cake Mix: The base for our cake. It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly complements the raspberry filling.
• Raspberry Gelatin (Jell-O): This is where the magic happens. The raspberry gelatin infuses the cake with its fruity, tangy flavor.
• Boiling Water: To dissolve the gelatin and help it soak into the cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creates a rich, creamy texture that soaks into the cake, making it super moist.
• Whipped Topping: To cover the cake with a light, fluffy, and sweet topping.
• Shredded Coconut: For that signature coconut flavor and texture, giving the cake an irresistible crunch.
• Fresh Raspberries: Optional, but they add a fresh, fruity pop and are perfect for garnish!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make your new favorite dessert? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing your yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. While it’s cooling, grab a fork and start poking holes all over the top of the cake—lots of holes, but not too deep!

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Filling

In a small bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until it’s fully dissolved. Then, pour the sweetened condensed milk into the hot mixture and stir well to combine. This will give you that creamy, fruity filling.

Step 3: Poke & Pour

Now, take the gelatin mixture and carefully pour it over the cake. Let it seep into all the holes. You’ll notice the cake soaking up the delicious raspberry filling, which makes it even more moist and flavorful. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour so it can absorb all that goodness.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

Once the cake has soaked up all the filling, it’s time to top it! Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake, covering it with a light, fluffy layer.

Step 5: Add the Coconut & Garnish

Top the whipped topping with shredded coconut, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add some fresh raspberries on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

Pop the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until it’s fully chilled. This allows all the flavors to settle and the cake to firm up just a bit, making it even more refreshing when you serve it. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: [Calories per serving]
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

This cake is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, here are some serving suggestions:

Whipped Cream:

A dollop of extra whipped cream on each slice will only make it more indulgent.

Fresh Fruit:

Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even blueberries will add a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor to the top.

Ice Cream:

For an extra special treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side. The combination of cold ice cream and chilled cake is heavenly!

Lemon Zest:

A little sprinkle of lemon zest on top adds a zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with the raspberry flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure your Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake turns out just right:

Make It Ahead of Time:

This cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day before your gathering and let it chill overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries:

If you want to make your cake extra fresh, you can add some fresh raspberries on top before serving, or even stir in some frozen raspberries into the whipped topping for a burst of fruity goodness.

Try Other Flavors:

Feel free to swap out the raspberry gelatin for strawberry, lemon, or even orange for a different flavor profile. You can easily adapt the cake to whatever you’re craving!

Don’t Skip the Chilling Time:

Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to ensure the filling sets and the flavors deepen. This is key to achieving that perfect moist texture!

Keep It Cool:

If you’re serving this cake at a party, make sure to keep it chilled until just before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer making your own cake from scratch, just use your favorite yellow cake recipe. Just make sure to poke the holes in the cake and follow the rest of the steps.

Q2: Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
A2: Yes! Strawberry, blueberry, or even lime would work wonderfully in this recipe. You can switch it up based on your flavor preferences.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful for several days.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: You can freeze the cake, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the whipped topping and coconut. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw it out, top with the whipped cream, and garnish.

Q5: Is this cake gluten-free?
A5: The recipe as written isn’t gluten-free, but you can easily make it so by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Just check the label to make sure it’s certified gluten-free!

Q6: How can I make this cake dairy-free?
A6: To make this cake dairy-free, use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a non-dairy whipped topping.

Q7: Can I use other fruit fillings?
A7: Yes! This recipe is versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite fruit flavor, like strawberry, blueberry, or even mango.

Q8: How can I make the cake even more indulgent?
A8: You can add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle some chocolate syrup over the whipped topping before serving for an extra decadent touch.

Q9: Can I make this cake in a different-sized pan?
A9: Yes! If you use a smaller or larger pan, you may need to adjust the baking time for the cake. Just keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Q10: Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded?
A10: Absolutely! Fresh shredded coconut can be used if you prefer a more natural flavor. Just make sure it’s toasted if you want that nice golden crunch.

Conclusion

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel extra special. It’s sweet, tangy, and has that perfect balance of textures that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just making it to enjoy at home, this cake is sure to impress. So go ahead—give it a try, and enjoy a slice (or two) of this irresistibly delicious treat!

You won’t regret it!

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