Poke cakes are all about taking a classic sheet cake and making it better, more moist, more flavorful, and often more fun to look at. After baking, the cake gets poked full of holes and soaked with everything from pudding to sweetened condensed milk to fruity Jell-O. Toppings range from whipped cream and cookies to creamy frosting and fresh fruit. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a basic cake into something that feels special without a lot of extra work. These recipes cover chocolate-heavy versions, fruity favorites, seasonal twists, and even a few that lean rich and creamy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy dessert that gets better overnight, there’s a poke cake here worth making.
Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert)
Light, fruity, and cold, this strawberry version is made for warm weather. The cake soaks up strawberry gelatin and is topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s simple, colorful, and crowd-friendly. Best after a few hours in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert)
Cranberry Poke Cake
This one starts with a light cake base and gets soaked with tart cranberry sauce or gelatin. It’s bright, colorful, and balances sweet and tangy flavors. A whipped topping adds softness on top. Great for fall or winter tables.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Poke Cake
Coconut Cream Poke Cake
This cake uses coconut milk or pudding to fill the holes, then gets topped with whipped cream and shredded coconut. The flavor is light, sweet, and tropical. Serve cold for the best texture. A sprinkle of toasted coconut adds crunch.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Poke Cake
Oreo Poke Cake
Chocolate cake with cookies-and-cream pudding makes this one rich and crowd-pleasing. Crushed Oreos go on top for crunch and texture. It’s easy to assemble and even easier to eat. Chill well so it cuts cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Poke Cake
Lemon Poke Cake
This cake packs citrus flavor into every bite with lemon pudding or gelatin soaked into a fluffy yellow cake. It’s tangy, sweet, and refreshing. Often topped with a lemon whipped topping or glaze. Chill well before serving for full flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake
Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake
Chocolate cake, minty pudding, and crushed Oreos come together in this rich dessert. It’s layered, chilled, and full of texture. The mint adds a cool note that cuts through the chocolate. Best served cold with more cookies on top.
Get the Recipe: Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake
Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake
This version uses chocolate cake and cherry gelatin for a sweet, fruity surprise in every slice. The cherries add moisture and color to the dark cake. Topped with whipped cream and cherry pie filling, it’s a nod to black forest cake. Easy to make ahead and serve chilled.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake
Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Poke Cake
Spiced carrot cake gets soaked with a cream cheese mixture for a soft, flavorful dessert. It’s topped with more cream cheese frosting and sometimes crushed nuts. Every slice is dense, rich, and full of texture. Works well for spring gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Poke Cake
Eggnog Poke Cake
A holiday-ready dessert made with yellow cake and eggnog pudding or sauce. It’s lightly spiced and topped with whipped cream or frosting. The eggnog gives it richness and seasonal flavor. Chill until firm before serving.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Poke Cake
Boston Cream Poke Cake
All the flavors of a Boston cream pie, in cake form. Vanilla pudding fills the holes and a glossy chocolate ganache goes on top. It’s rich and creamy without being too heavy. Serve chilled so the layers stay clean.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Poke Cake
Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
Same base as the summer version, but you can skip the fresh fruit if you want to keep it extra easy. A box mix and gelatin do most of the work. The whipped topping makes it light and fluffy. Serve straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
