If you’re looking to add a fun and flavorful twist to your dessert game, you’ve got to try these easy Poke Cake Recipes from our delicious cake recipes collection!
This classic dessert is one of our favorite ways to infuse cakes with extra flavor and moisture while keeping things simple and delicious.
By poking holes in a freshly baked cake and filling them with pudding mix, any flavor of Jello, or other delightful fillings, you create some of the best cakes that are as easy to make as they are enjoyable to eat.
Whether you’re making one for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Poke Cake Recipes Using Cake Mixes are perfect for any day!
How to Make a Poke Cake
Start by baking a cake using your favorite boxed cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan. Classic options include vanilla, chocolate cake mix, or even red velvet.
After your cake is done baking, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. You want it warm but not too hot.
What’s the best way to poke holes in a cake?
Use the end of a wooden spoon. These tools create holes that are big enough for the filling to seep into, giving each bite extra flavor and moisture. Make sure to space the holes evenly, about 1 to 2 inches apart, and poke them deep enough to reach the bottom of the cake. This ensures the filling spreads throughout the cake, creating that delicious layered effect.
Choose a filling like chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, Jello, sweetened condensed milk, or even caramel sauce. Prepare the filling according to the package instructions, if needed.
Slowly pour your filling over the cake, making sure it gets into all the holes. This will add flavor and keep the cake moist.
Place the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the filling set and the flavors meld.
Once chilled, top the cake with whipped topping, whipped cream, frosting, or any topping of your choice. You can also sprinkle nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Why is my poke cake soggy?
A poke cake can turn out soggy if too much liquid is added to the holes, causing the cake to absorb excess moisture. It’s best to let the cake cool completely and pour the liquid gradually.
Do poke cakes need to be refrigerated?
Yes, poke cakes should be refrigerated, especially if they contain perishable ingredients like pudding or whipped cream, to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
If you love coconut and chocolate, this Almond Joy Poke Cake is calling your name! Inspired by the classic candy bar, it’s packed with rich flavor and topped with coconut, almonds, and chocolate drizzle for a decadent finish.
This Red Velvet Poke Cake with Oreos is the ultimate dessert mashup! It combines the rich flavor of red velvet with creamy filling and crushed Oreos for a cake that’s as dreamy as it is delicious.
This Chocolate Eclair Poke Cake tastes just like your favorite bakery dessert—but way easier to make at home! Layers of pudding, whipped topping, and a chocolate glaze bring the eclair flavor to life in every bite.
Snickers Poke Cake is a caramel, peanut, and chocolate lover’s dream. This cake is stuffed with gooey goodness and topped with chopped Snickers bars for the perfect sweet-and-salty combo.
Craving cookies and cream? This Oreo Poke Cake is loaded with crushed Oreos, creamy filling, and plenty of whipped topping for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s super simple to make.
Perfect for patriotic celebrations, this Red, White & Blue Poke Cake is as festive as it is flavorful! It’s made with vibrant layers, fruity Jello, and fluffy whipped topping—great for summer holidays.
Bright, tart, and sweet, this Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. Made with cranberry sauce and creamy topping, it’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Boston Cream Poke Cake brings the classic pie to cake form with layers of vanilla pudding and rich chocolate glaze. It’s an easy dessert that always feels a little fancy!
This Strawberry Poke Cake is light, fruity, and oh-so-pretty! With strawberry Jello soaked into soft cake and topped with whipped cream, it's perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Bright, zesty, and full of sunshine flavor, this Lemon Poke Cake is a citrusy treat everyone will love. It’s easy to make and topped with a creamy lemon glaze for a tangy twist.
This Chocolate Poke Cake is rich, fudgy, and full of chocolatey goodness. With pudding filling and a fluffy topping, it’s the perfect dessert for chocoholics!
Combining two Southern favorites, this Banana Pudding Poke Cake is creamy, dreamy, and packed with banana flavor. Topped with whipped cream and vanilla wafers—it’s a no-fuss dessert win!
Moist and milky, this Tres Leches Cake is soaked with three kinds of milk and topped with a light whipped topping. It’s a Latin-inspired treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Love cinnamon rolls? This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake brings all that gooey, spiced goodness into one easy dessert—topped with a sweet glaze that melts right in.
Tangy, creamy, and topped with whipped cream, this Key Lime Pie Poke Cake is a refreshing dessert with a tropical twist. Great for summer or anytime you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
Elegant and sweet, this White Raspberry Poke Cake blends white cake with raspberry flavor for a light and fruity treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Inspired by a certain magical world, this Butterbeer Poke Cake is a butterscotch lover’s dream! Sweet, creamy, and full of whimsy, it’s perfect for themed parties or cozy nights in.
Celebrate with this festive St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake! Green coloring, sweet filling, and whipped topping make it a lucky treat for March celebrations.
Bring holiday cheer with this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake! It's rich, festive, and topped with creamy layers that make it extra indulgent for the season.
Bursting with cherry flavor, this Cherry Poke Cake is sweet, moist, and topped with whipped cream and cherries for a fun and fruity dessert everyone will love.
Creamy and spiced, this Eggnog Poke Cake captures the cozy flavors of the holiday season in each bite. It’s the perfect dessert to serve at your next Christmas party.
Light, tropical, and super easy to make, Pineapple Sunshine Cake is full of pineapple flavor and whipped topping—it’s a sunny dessert that’s always a hit.
Sweet pineapple flavor meets moist Bundt cake in this tropical-inspired treat. It's easy, fruity, and topped with a glaze that soaks right into every bite.
Chocolate and coconut are a match made in dessert heaven! This Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake brings rich chocolate flavor and creamy coconut together in every slice.
Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake – A Boozy Chocolate Cake Recipe!
This Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake is rich, boozy, and perfect for grown-up celebrations. Each bite has a smooth chocolate texture with a splash of Irish cream flavor.
Warm, cozy, and loaded with chocolate flavor, this Hot Chocolate Poke Cake is topped with marshmallows and whipped cream for the ultimate cold-weather treat.
This Kahlua Chocolate Poke Cake is rich, indulgent, and has a kick of coffee liqueur for extra depth. It’s perfect for special occasions or date nights in.
Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake brings the cozy flavors of fall into one moist and flavorful dessert. Topped with cream cheese or whipped frosting, it’s a seasonal must.
Lemon Poke Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
These Lemon Poke Cupcakes are bursting with citrus flavor and topped with tangy lemon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring parties or anytime you need a little sunshine.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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