Poke Cake with Gelatin or Sweetened Milk
A poke cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert made by poking holes into a baked cake and filling them with gelatin or sweetened condensed milk, allowing the flavors to soak in. It’s often topped with whipped cream and garnished with fruits or sprinkles for added taste and decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (e.g., strawberry or raspberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (optional, if not using gelatin)
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- Fresh fruits or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake mix according to the package directions and bake in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes after baking.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- If using gelatin: Dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- If using sweetened condensed milk instead: Pour the can evenly over the holes in the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the filling set.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Garnish with fresh fruit or sprinkles if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of gelatin to change the taste and color of the cake.
- For a creamier version, use sweetened condensed milk instead of gelatin.
- Best served chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: poke cake, gelatin cake, sweetened milk cake, easy dessert, moist cake, party dessert
