Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake Sweet, Fruity, and Comfort in Every Bite

There’s something magical about a Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake. The first time I made it, I remember watching the glossy raspberry filling sink into the soft, tender white cake. It looked like a simple dessert, but when I tasted it, I felt a wave of joy and comfort. Baking is full of these small, beautiful surprises.

Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old FROM UNITED KINGDOM gCooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

I first discovered the magic of poke cakes during a summer picnic with my family. My cousins had brought a raspberry poke cake, and I was instantly hooked. The bright raspberry flavor seeped into the soft white cake, creating a tender, moist, fruity dessert that made everyone smile. Since then, I’ve baked this Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake countless times, each time feeling the same warmth and nostalgia.

This cake is more than dessert it’s a memory maker. Every bite is a combination of soft, buttery cake, tangy raspberry sweetness, and creamy topping. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simple weekend treats.


Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love making this cake because it’s a little bit magic and a little bit tradition. The poke cake technique is so simple: bake, poke, pour in the Jello, and watch it transform. It’s playful and rewarding.

I also love that it’s versatile. Sometimes I swap the raspberry for strawberry or blueberry, but raspberry will always be my go-to. The color is gorgeous, the flavor is vibrant, and it tastes like summer in every bite.

And the best part? This cake brings people together. Friends, family, even neighbors—everyone wants a slice. It’s easy to make in large batches, and it always disappears fast.


Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

For the White Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature

For the Raspberry Jello Layer:

  • 1 (3 oz / 85g) package raspberry-flavored Jello
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • ½ cup (120ml) cold water

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)

My Kitchen Secrets

I always bring my butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature. It makes the cake batter smooth and fluffy.

When pouring the hot Jello over the poked cake, I let it cool slightly. This prevents the Jello from melting the cake and keeps it beautifully infused.

Whipping cream to soft peaks rather than stiff peaks gives a delicate, airy topping that complements the fruity filling perfectly.


How I Make It, Step by Step

  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake bakes, dissolve the raspberry Jello in boiling water, then stir in cold water. Let it cool slightly.
  9. Once the cake is baked, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
  10. Slowly pour the slightly cooled Jello over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  11. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks and spread over the set Jello layer.
  12. Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired and serve chilled.

How I Serve It at Home

I like to slice this cake into generous squares and serve it straight from the pan. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. For special occasions, I add extra whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries on top.

This cake is also great at parties. I cut it into small, bite-sized pieces so everyone can try a slice. It’s colorful, festive, and always disappears first.


Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store this cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.

It’s a great make-ahead dessert because the Jello needs time to set. You can prepare it the day before, and it tastes even better after chilling overnight.

I don’t recommend freezing poke cakes because the Jello and whipped cream don’t freeze well, but the white cake itself can be frozen before adding the Jello layer.


100-Word Short Version

This Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake is a soft, moist, and fruity dessert that melts in your mouth. I bake a tender white cake, poke holes in it, and pour in raspberry Jello, letting it seep throughout. Once chilled, I top it with lightly sweetened whipped cream and optional fresh raspberries. It’s visually stunning, easy to make, and perfect for summer parties or cozy family gatherings. The cake combines buttery richness, tart raspberry flavor, and creamy topping for a delightful treat. Every bite is comforting, sweet, and irresistibly fun.


Recipe Card

⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 50 minutes

🛒 Ingredients
White Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Raspberry Jello:
1 package raspberry Jello (3 oz)
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water

Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Fresh raspberries (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour 9×13 pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar.
  4. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.
  6. Pour batter into pan.
  7. Bake 30–35 mins.
  8. Dissolve Jello in boiling water; add cold water. Cool slightly.
  9. Poke cake holes; pour Jello over cake.
  10. Refrigerate 2+ hours.
  11. Whip cream with sugar; spread over cake.
  12. Garnish with raspberries.

📝 Notes
Bring ingredients to room temperature for a smooth batter.
Pour slightly cooled Jello to avoid melting cake.
Refrigerate for best flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 1g

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Raspberry Jello Poke Cake

Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Marilyn Recipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake is moist, fruity, and topped with whipped cream. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or family dessert nights. The tender white cake absorbs raspberry Jello for a flavorful, colorful treat that melts in your mouth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 package raspberry Jello (3 oz)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Fresh raspberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour 9×13 pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar.
  4. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.
  6. Pour batter into pan.
  7. Bake 30–35 mins.
  8. Dissolve Jello in boiling water; add cold water. Cool slightly.
  9. Poke cake holes; pour Jello over cake.
  10. Refrigerate 2+ hours.
  11. Whip cream with sugar; spread over cake.
  12. Garnish with raspberries.

Notes

Bring ingredients to room temperature for a smooth batter. Pour slightly cooled Jello to avoid melting cake. Refrigerate for best flavor.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Conclusion

This Raspberry Jello Poke Cake with White Cake is more than a dessert it’s a memory in every bite. I bake it for family, friends, or just because. It’s colorful, comforting, and playful. Every slice reminds me of summer picnics, laughter, and the joy of sharing sweet moments with loved ones. If you try this recipe, I hope it fills your kitchen with happiness and your heart with warm memories.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star