Summer Berry Poke Cake – A Light & Refreshing Dessert for Hot Days

Nothing says summer quite like a dessert bursting with fresh berries and light, fluffy cake. This Summer Berry Poke Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It combines a moist vanilla or white cake, juicy berry gelatin, and a sweet, creamy topping with fresh berries for the perfect bite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Berry Poke Cake

This dessert is:

• Quick and easy: Uses cake mix and simple ingredients.
• Cool and refreshing: Perfect chilled dessert for warm weather.
• Visually stunning: Vibrant layers and colorful berries.
• Customizable: Use any berries you have on hand!

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just want to treat yourself, this poke cake is a summer classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this refreshing Summer Berry Poke Cake:

For the cake:

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients on box: eggs, oil, water)
• 1 (3 oz) package strawberry or raspberry flavored gelatin (Jell-O)

For the topping:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• Optional: fresh mint for garnish

How to Make Summer Berry Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the cake

Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box using a 9×13-inch baking dish. Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes after baking.

Step 2: Make the gelatin

Dissolve the berry-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and mix well.

Step 3: Poke the cake

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the cake. Pour the prepared gelatin over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours.

Step 4: Add whipped topping and berries

Once chilled, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake. Garnish with fresh berries in a fun pattern or scattered naturally.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Chill for another 30 minutes or serve immediately. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips and Variations

• Berry combos: Use any mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Cake flavor: White, vanilla, or even lemon cake mix work great.
• Homemade whipped cream: Substitute Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream for a richer topping.
• Patriotic cake: Arrange berries in a flag pattern for a 4th of July treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Summer Berry Poke Cake is best made ahead and chilled. It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the gelatin and whipped topping.

Final Thoughts

With its light texture, fruity flavor, and eye-catching appearance, this Summer Berry Poke Cake is a summer dessert dream come true. It’s perfect for everything from BBQs to birthday parties and will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Print