The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and nothing says summer quite like a slice of Summer Berry Poke Cake. Imagine a moist vanilla cake soaked in a medley of vibrant berry flavors, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh fruit. Samoas Cookies It’s like a party for your taste buds, making every bite feel like a celebration of sunshine and joy. For more inspiration, check out this Watermelon feta salad recipe recipe.
This Summer Berry Poke Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that can transform any gathering into a delightful event. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply trying to impress your friends at brunch, this cake will have everyone singing its praises. Cranberry Orange Chicken Trust me, you’ll want to make room in your recipe book for this one.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Summer Berry Poke Cake is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- Its flavor profile is a delicious blend of sweet and tart that dances on your palate
- The colorful presentation makes it visually stunning, drawing everyone’s eyes to the dessert table
- Versatile enough to suit any summer event, from picnics to birthday parties
Last summer, I brought this poke cake to a family picnic, and let me tell you—it was gone in minutes! The kids were covered in whipped cream, while the adults debated who got the last piece.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Vanilla Cake Mix: Quick and easy, this is the base for your poke cake—just add eggs and water as per package instructions.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries works beautifully for flavor and color.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy goodness adds sweetness and moisture—perfect for soaking into the cake.
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Whipped Topping: Use store-bought or homemade; it creates that light, fluffy layer everyone loves on top.
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Powdered Sugar: A light dusting on top makes it look fancy without much effort—who doesn’t love that?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later on.
Bake the Cake: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package directions. Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it evenly. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—about 25-30 minutes.
Create the Poke Holes: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the end of a wooden spoon or similar utensil, poke holes all over the surface of the cake—this lets all that delicious soaking goodness penetrate deep inside.
Add the Berry Mixture: In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk with pureed berries (or just mash them if you prefer). Pour this mixture evenly over the poked holes in your cake. Let it sit for about 30 minutes so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
Top with Whipped Cream: Spread whipped topping over the entire surface of the cake. Make sure it’s nice and thick—everyone loves an extra generous layer of whipped cream!
Add Fresh Berries: Decorate with additional fresh berries on top for that vibrant pop of color. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish—it’s like giving your cake a little sparkle!
Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about those sun-soaked days filled with laughter!
You Must Know
- This delightful Summer Berry Poke Cake will be the star of your summer gatherings
- It combines vibrant colors and flavors, making it a refreshing dessert
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the sunshine instead of sweating in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a moist cake, bake the vanilla cake first, allowing it to cool completely before poking holes and adding berry syrup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out berries based on your preference or seasonality. Try adding whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flair. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon cheesecake squares recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No need to reheat; serve chilled or at room temperature.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh berries for optimal flavor; frozen berries might add excess moisture
- Ensure your cake is fully cooled before adding syrup; otherwise, it can become too soggy
- Lastly, let it chill overnight for better flavor integration and texture
Creating the perfect Summer Berry Poke Cake was a fun challenge for me during a family gathering last year. Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese My cousin declared it “life-changing,” which made all the effort worth it!
FAQ
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is a baked cake with holes poked into it to absorb syrup or filling.
Can I use different types of berries?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite seasonal berries for variety.
How long does this cake last in the fridge?
In an airtight container, this poke cake stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge.
Summer Berry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this easy and delightful Summer Berry Poke Cake. Moist vanilla cake is infused with a sweet berry mixture, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh fruit. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any sunny gathering, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, pureed
- 1 cup fresh raspberries, pureed
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 2 cups whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare vanilla cake mix according to package directions using eggs and water. Pour batter into the greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using the end of a wooden spoon.
- In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk with pureed berries. Pour this mixture over the poked holes in the cake and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake and decorate with additional fresh berries. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
