Poke cake
Poke cakes have been around for centuries, and their popularity is only increasing. The poke cake gets its name from the way the cake is poked full of holes after it is baked. This allows the cake to absorb the flavors of the filling, whether it be pudding, fruit, or even coffee.
Poke cakes originated in the United States, but their popularity has spread around the world. There are now poke cake recipes for every season and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a summery fruit cake or a rich and decadent chocolate cake, there’s a poke cake recipe out there for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Get poking!
Advice
When making a poke cake, be sure to use a cake mix that is dense enough to hold up to the poking. A box mix that includes pudding mix is a great option as it will add a bit of extra moisture to the cake. When it comes to poking the holes, be sure to use the end of a wooden spoon to make evenly spaced holes throughout the cake. To make the most of the added moisture, fill the holes with a sweet mixture like a can of sweetened condensed milk or a flavored syrup. Finally, top the cake with a generous layer of whipped cream or frosting of your choice. Enjoy!
Questions
Why is it called a poke cake?
A poke cake is so named because its preparation involves poking holes in the cake with a fork after it is baked and while it is still warm. This allows the cake to be infused with a variety of different flavors, typically a liquid such as jello, pudding, or even condensed milk.
Why is my poke cake soggy?
A poke cake is typically soggy because the cake was not cooked long enough, the cake was not cool enough before adding the filling, the filling was not thick enough, or the filling was not evenly spread over the cake.
How many holes should you poke in a poke cake?
This depends on the recipe you are using. Generally, a poke cake will have several holes poked in it, usually between 8 and 12.
How far in advance can you make a poke cake?
Poke cakes can be made up to a few days in advance. The cake should be stored in the refrigerator, covered in plastic wrap, until you are ready to serve it.
Is poke Hawaiian or Japanese?
Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish, although it has gained popularity in Japan.
When did poke cakes become popular?
Poke cakes became popular in the 1970s.
Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights
Recipes
Southern Coconut Poke Cake
- coconut cream
- sweetened condensed milk
- white cake
- whipped
- sweetened
Reese's Poke Cake
- peanut butter
- chocolate cake
- chocolate frosting
- milk
- peanut butter
- vanilla pudding
- whipped
4th of July Poke Cake
- sugar
- strawberry
- sugar
- vanilla extract
- evaporated milk
- sweetened condensed milk
- all purpose flour
- tartar cream
- salt
- milk
- heavy cream
- baking powder
- egg
Banana Poke Cake
- water
- banana
- vegetable oil
- vanilla wafer
- banana pudding
- egg
- milk
- whipped
Cherry Almond Poke Cake
- maraschino cherry syrup
- almond extract
- maraschino cherry
- powdered sugar
- almond
- white cake
- cream cheese
- almond milk
- whipped
- ingredients cake egg white
Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe
- cinnamon
- caramel sauce
- vegetable oil
- salt
- pumpkin puree
- spice cake
- pumpkin pie spice
- egg
- cream cheese frosting
Almond Joy Poke Cake
- vanilla extract
- sweetened condensed milk
- devil' cake
- powdered sugar
- coconut
- tbl milk
- almond
- tbl butter
- tbl cocoa powder
- ingredients cake
Caramel Apple Toffee Poke Cake
- yellow cake
- vanilla extract
- egg
- cinnamon
- milk
- caramel sauce
Raspberry-Hibiscus Poke Cake
- CAKE
- butter
- baking soda
- vanilla extract
- buttermilk
- baking powder
- almond extract
- salt
- sugar
- lemon zest
- cake flour
- egg white
- FILLING
- powdered gelatin
- sugar
- hibiscus flower
- raspberry
- TOPPING AND ASSEMBLY
- vanilla extract
- marshmallow
- heavy cream
Chocolate Poke Cake
- chocolate cake
- tub cool whip
- chocolate pudding
- hot fudge
- milk
Grasshopper Poke Cake
- CAKE
- cocoa powder
- cooking spray
- devil' cake
- hot fudge
- andes mint
- FROSTING
- butter
- milk
- peppermint extract
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
- green coloring
Peppermint Poke Cake
- chocolate fudge sauce
- chocolate cake
- water
- peppermint extract
- marshmallow creme
- whipped
- candy cane
Better than Anything Zucchini Poke Cake
- carton cool whip
- egg
- squeeze caramel ice cream syrup
- sugar
- baking soda
- milk
- cocoa powder
- vegetable
- salt
- heath chocolate toffee
- all purpose flour
- zucchini
- vanilla
Strawberry Poke Cake
- water
- vanilla cake
- whipped cream
- oil
- strawberry gelatin
- water
- egg
- strawberry
Red White And Blue Poke Cake
- blueberry jell
- jell white chocolate flavor pudding
- strawberry jell
- cool whip
- white cake
- milk
- blueberry
- strawberry
- water
- water
Strawberry Poke Cake
- water
- strawberry jello
- cool whip
- white cake ingredients cake box
- strawberry pie filling
- strawberry
Strawberry Poke Cake
- yellow cake
- strawberry gelatin
- water
- oil
- heavy cream
- confectioners sugar
- vanilla extract
- egg
- strawberry
- cooking spray
Key Lime Poke Cake
- sweetened condensed milk
- vanilla
- white cake
- green coloring
- whipping cream
- key lime juice
- tbl sugar
- yellow coloring
- strawberry
- lime zest
- lime zest
- lime
Piña Colada Poke Cake (+Video)
- sweetened condensed milk
- coconut cream
- butter cake
- pineapple
- tub whipped
- ingredients cake
- sweetened coconut flake
Coconut Cream Poke Cake (+Video)
- coconut cream
- white cake
- cool whip
- sweetened coconut
- ingredients cake egg
Shark Attack Poke Cake
- black coloring
- blue coloring
- white cake
- strawberry fruit roll
- white chocolate chip
- water
- marshmallow fluff
- powdered sugar donut
- whipped
Lemon Poke Cake
- milk
- pkg
- pkg
- water
- round white cake layer
- cool whip whipped
Strawberry Poke Cake
- water
- white cake
- strawberry
- strawberry jell
- cool whip
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake (Extra Fluffy)
- all purpose flour
- sugar
- cool whip
- strawberry jello
- egg
Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake
- milk
- lemon curd
- lemon
Pumpkin Poke Cake
- yellow cake
- pumpkin puree
- sweetened condensed milk
- egg
- cinnamon
- caramel sauce
- salt
- nutmeg
- heavy cream
- cooking spray
Cherry Jello Coke Poke Cake
- milk
- vanilla
- french vanilla cake
- water
- coca cola
- vanilla pudding
- cherry gelatin
- whipped
- maraschino cherry
Ingredient Breakdown
Insights
Staple Ingredients
- egg 30%
- milk 30%
Usual Ingredients
- strawberry 22%
- sweetened condensed milk 22%
- vanilla extract 22%
- water 22%
Rarey Ingredients
- salt 19%
- whipped 19%
- white cake 19%