Poke cakes are a fun and easy way to serve something sweet that’s full of flavor in every bite. By pouring a luscious filling into holes poked throughout the cake, each slice ends up extra moist and packed with taste. From bright citrus to decadent chocolate, there’s a version here for every mood. These ideas bring the fun with bold colors, nostalgic flavors, and creative combinations that turn a simple cake into something extra special.

4th of July Poke Cake

A slice of red, white, and blue poke cake topped with whipped cream, blueberries, raspberries, and sprinkles sits on a white plate—perfect inspiration for your next easy poke cakes adventure. Strawberries decorate the background.
4th of July Poke Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Red, white, and blue come together in this festive treat layered with colorful gelatin and whipped topping. It’s a patriotic dessert that looks great on any holiday table. The flavors are simple and nostalgic, echoing summer’s sweetest memories. Topped with fresh berries, it’s both eye-catching and delicious.
Get the Recipe: 4th of July Poke Cake

Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake

A slice of cake with whipped topping, cherries and chocolate chip.
Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Dark chocolate cake pairs up with cherry pie filling for a bold and fruity twist. The cherries melt into the cake, adding juicy bursts throughout. A layer of whipped topping and extra cherries on top brings it all together. It’s like a Black Forest cake with a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake. Photo credit: Everyday Eileen.

Orange gelatin and creamy pudding come together for a nostalgic dessert. It tastes like the frozen treat from childhood, but in cake form. The colors are vibrant, and the flavor is both fruity and smooth. A whipped topping layer makes it extra creamy.
Get the Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Eggnog Poke Cake

A slice of yellow poke cake with vanilla pudding filling and whipped topping sits on a white plate with a fork—a delicious choice for fans of easy poke cakes and new cake recipes.
Eggnog Poke Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This holiday twist starts with a simple cake soaked in eggnog pudding or eggnog itself. The flavors are rich with a hint of nutmeg and spice. It’s topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flair. A festive treat that brings the season to life.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Poke Cake

Boston Cream Poke Cake

A small piece of boston cream inspired cake on a plate.
Boston Cream Poke Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This version transforms the bakery favorite into an easy-to-make cake. Yellow cake is filled with rich vanilla pudding, then topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. The layers soak together beautifully while chilling. It tastes just like the traditional dessert without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Poke Cake

Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Coconut Cream Poke Cake. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

White cake gets an island-style update with coconut milk and cream poured right into it. Topped with whipped topping and shredded coconut, the texture is both soft and light. The coconut flavor is strong without being overpowering. Chill it before serving for the best taste.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Lemon Poke Cake

A slice of lemon cake on a white plate.
Lemon Poke Cake. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Bright and tangy lemon gelatin soaks into fluffy white cake for a citrusy treat. Topped with lemon zest and whipped topping, it’s fresh and light. The zing of lemon makes it refreshing, especially in warmer months. It’s clean, cheerful, and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake

Passion Fruit Poke Cake

Passion Fruit Poke Cake. Photo credit: Zen and Honey.

This tropical twist brings bright and tangy passion fruit syrup or gelatin into a white cake base. The flavor is exotic and unexpected, adding something new to the table. Topped with a layer of cream and fruit, it’s light yet flavorful. It’s a refreshing change from traditional cakes.
Get the Recipe: Passion Fruit Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

This cake features bursts of fresh strawberry flavor soaked into soft white cake. Strawberry gelatin fills the poked holes, adding a bright, juicy contrast to the fluffy texture. Whipped topping and sliced strawberries finish it off with flair. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Cranberry Poke Cake

Cranberry Poke Cake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This cake uses tart cranberry sauce or gelatin for a punchy flavor that contrasts with the soft cake. The bright red color makes it great for holidays or winter gatherings. Topped with whipped topping and a few fresh berries, it’s both pretty and tasty. The tart-sweet balance is what makes it memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Poke Cake

Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake

Piece of poke cake on a metal spatula.
Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This cake brings together chocolate pudding and mint flavor in a rich and cool combo. Crushed Mint Oreos on top add crunch and fun flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a hint of holiday cheer. The mint cuts through the richness in a really satisfying way.
Get the Recipe: Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake

Hot Cocoa Poke Cake

Hot Cocoa Poke Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rich chocolate cake is soaked with hot cocoa mix and sweetened condensed milk for a warm, cozy flavor. A layer of whipped topping and mini marshmallows gives it a mug-inspired finish. It’s like winter comfort in cake form. The chocolate melts into the cake in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Poke Cake

Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert)

Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This version keeps it straightforward with strawberry gelatin poured into a white cake base. Light whipped topping and a few strawberries give it a breezy summer feel. It’s quick to make and always a hit. Perfect for barbecues or last-minute desserts.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Your Go-To Summer Dessert)

Banana Split Poke Cake

Square slice of Banana Split Poke Cake on a decorative floral plate.
Banana Split Poke Cake. Photo credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle.

This playful dessert layers classic banana split elements into every bite. Banana cake is filled with fruity syrups and topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and cherries. There’s a little bit of everything here, from pineapple to strawberries. It’s colorful, fun, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Banana Split Poke Cake

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *