Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

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Get ready to elevate your dessert game with our irresistible Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake recipe! This delightful treat features a moist white cake infused with tangy raspberry flavors, topped with luscious raspberry preserves, creamy Cool Whip, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this poke cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dessert sensation!

Ingredients:

  • 1 box white cake mix (18.25 oz.)
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box
  • 1 box raspberry flavored gelatin (3 oz.)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 jar raspberry preserves (10 oz.)
  • 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed (8 oz.)
  • 1 bag shredded coconut (7 oz.)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven and follow the instructions on the white cake mix box to prepare the batter. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake according to the package instructions.
  2. Poke the Holes: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Then, using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a meat fork, poke holes in the cake about an inch apart, going about halfway into the cake.
  3. Infuse with Raspberry Flavor: In a bowl, dissolve the raspberry flavored gelatin in 2 cups of hot water. Pour the prepared gelatin evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes as much as possible.
  4. Add Raspberry Preserves: Microwave the raspberry preserves in a small bowl until they are easy to spread, about 30 seconds. Pour the preserves over the cake, spreading them evenly to cover the surface.
  5. Top with Cool Whip: Spread the thawed Cool Whip over the raspberry preserves layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the cake.
  6. Sprinkle with Coconut: Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top of the Cool Whip layer, adding a delightful texture and flavor to the cake.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. Once chilled, slice and serve this heavenly Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake to delight your taste buds!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Chilled Delight: Serve the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake chilled for the best flavor and texture. The cool temperature enhances the refreshing raspberry taste and creamy Cool Whip topping.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Berries: Before serving, garnish each slice of cake with fresh raspberries or other seasonal berries for a burst of color and extra fruity flavor.
  3. Accompany with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve each slice with a dollop of additional whipped cream on top, along with a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
  4. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of this delightful cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying dessert experience.
  5. Serve on Dessert Plates: Present each slice of cake on elegant dessert plates to elevate the dining experience and make it feel like a special occasion.
  6. Dessert Buffet: Include the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake as part of a dessert buffet or spread alongside other sweet treats for a delightful dessert display at parties or gatherings.
  7. Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: For easier serving at parties or events, consider cutting the cake into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serving them on decorative toothpicks or cocktail sticks.
  8. Add a Drizzle: Drizzle a raspberry or chocolate sauce over each slice just before serving for an extra decadent touch that enhances the visual appeal and flavor.
  9. Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination that’s sure to please everyone.
  10. Customize with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans over the top of each slice for added crunch and nutty flavor, if desired.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
  2. Use Within 3-4 Days: Consume the refrigerated cake within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture. The gelatin-infused cake layers may become too soft if stored for too long.
  3. Individual Portions: Cut the remaining cake into individual portions and store them in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for convenient grab-and-go snacks or desserts.
  4. Freezing: While this cake can be frozen, it’s best to freeze individual portions rather than the entire cake. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  5. Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen slices, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Avoid thawing in the microwave, as it can cause the cake to become soggy.
  6. Refrigerate Topped Slices: If the cake slices are topped with whipped cream and coconut, store them in a single layer to prevent the toppings from getting flattened or smeared.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake remains delicious and fresh for maximum enjoyment!

Variations:

  1. Mixed Berry Twist: Substitute raspberry preserves with a mixed berry jam or preserves for a medley of berry flavors, including strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
  2. Lemon Berry Burst: Add a zest of lemon to the cake batter and use lemon-flavored gelatin for a refreshing lemon-berry fusion that’s perfect for summer.
  3. Chocolate Raspberry Delight: Incorporate chocolate chips into the cake batter and top the cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate along with the raspberry preserves for a decadent chocolate-raspberry treat.
  4. Coconut Raspberry Paradise: Mix shredded coconut into the cake batter for added texture and flavor. Top the cake with toasted coconut flakes along with the raspberry preserves and Cool Whip for a tropical twist.
  5. Almond Raspberry Sensation: Add almond extract to the cake batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the cake for a delightful almond-raspberry flavor combination that’s reminiscent of marzipan.
  6. Raspberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: Swirl softened cream cheese into the cake batter before baking and top the cake with a layer of whipped cream cheese frosting along with the raspberry preserves for a creamy cheesecake-inspired dessert.
  7. Vanilla Bean Raspberry Dream: Use a vanilla bean cake mix or add vanilla bean paste to the cake batter for an extra layer of rich vanilla flavor. Pair with raspberry preserves and vanilla bean-infused whipped cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
  8. Raspberry Lemonade Cake: Substitute half of the water in the gelatin mixture with lemonade for a tangy twist. Top the cake with a lemon glaze along with the raspberry preserves and Cool Whip for a refreshing summer treat.
  9. Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cake: Fold mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the cake. Top with raspberry preserves and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a delightful chocolate-raspberry indulgence.
  10. Red Velvet Raspberry Cake: Prepare a red velvet cake mix instead of white cake mix for a vibrant and velvety base. Pair with raspberry preserves and cream cheese frosting for a luxurious red velvet-raspberry delight.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry preserves? While fresh raspberries can be used, they may not distribute evenly throughout the cake. Raspberry preserves provide a concentrated flavor and moisture that evenly infuses the cake.
  2. Can I use a different flavor of gelatin? Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of gelatin to customize the cake to your preferences. Strawberry, cherry, or even lime gelatin can be delicious alternatives.
  3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be used as a substitute for Cool Whip. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form.
  4. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add the Cool Whip and shredded coconut topping right before serving for the best texture.
  5. Can I omit the shredded coconut? Of course! If you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to omit it from the recipe or replace it with chopped nuts or sprinkles for added texture.
  6. Can I use a different size of cake pan? While a 9×13-inch pan is recommended for this recipe, you can use different sizes of pans, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Just ensure the cake is fully baked and the gelatin is evenly distributed.

With its moist and flavorful layers bursting with raspberry goodness, our Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake is a dessert sensation that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a slice of sweet perfection!