If summer had a flavor, it just might be this Summer Berry Poke Cake. With its vibrant stripes of homemade strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry sauce soaked right into a tender white cake and topped off with a billowy, tangy cream cheese whipped frosting, this dessert tastes like a celebration at every bite. Whether you’re headed to a picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just want an effortlessly stunning treat, the Summer Berry Poke Cake captures the best of berry season in an eye-catching and irresistible dessert.

Summer Berry Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to the freshness and contrast of just a handful of clever, colorful ingredients. Each one brings something essential—whether it’s the airy crumb of the cake, the jammy brightness of summer fruits, or the creamy lift of the frosting. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

White cake mix: The perfect soft, neutral canvas for all the berry flavor. Plus, it keeps things fuss-free.
Ingredients for cake mix: You’ll need whatever eggs, oil, or water your specific brand calls for—follow the box!
Diced strawberries: Juicy and fragrant, they pack vibrant color and sweetness into the berry sauce.
Raspberries: Their tartness balances the cake’s sweetness beautifully and deepens the red sauce hue.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten and thicken both berry sauces for a luscious poke filling.
Lemon juice: Brightens the berry flavor and keeps the sauces lively and fresh-tasting.
Water: Helps everything simmer down and dissolve with ease for smooth sauces.
Gelatin powder: Binds the sauces just enough to gently set them in the cake’s pockets.
Blueberries: For the pretty blue contrast and their sweet-tart pop in the blue sauce.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Creates a tangy, rich base for the signature cloud-like topping.
Heavy whipping cream: Whips up light, luxurious peaks to crown the cake.
Vanilla: Adds warmth and completes that dreamy whipped topping flavor.
Fresh berries for garnish: Extra berries on top make it as beautiful as it is delicious—think edible confetti!

How to Make Summer Berry Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the White Cake

Begin by preparing the white cake mix according to package directions, then pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake until golden and just baked through—the perfect base for soaking up fruit sauce. When done, take it out of the oven and let it cool just enough to handle.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart. Don’t be shy—you want plenty of room for all that vibrant berry sauce. Set the cake aside to cool completely while you get started on those jewel-toned sauces.

Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin

In two small bowls, dissolve the gelatin powder: 2 teaspoons in 2 tablespoons of water for each sauce. Let them stand and thicken slightly—this extra step ensures your berry sauces set up perfectly and don’t get runny.

Step 4: Cook the Red Berry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine about 1 cup of strawberries and 1 cup of raspberries with sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the fruit softens (about 5–8 minutes). Mash lightly with a potato masher, then stir in the bloomed gelatin and remaining diced strawberries and raspberries. Continue stirring over medium heat just until the gelatin melts. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature—it should thicken slightly as it sits.

Step 5: Simmer the Blueberry Sauce

Repeat a similar process in a second pot for the blue sauce: combine about 1½ cups of blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of water. Let it simmer and soften, mash gently, and then stir in the gelatin and any blueberries you have left. Once everything is nice and jammy and the gelatin has melted in, take it off the heat and let it cool.

Step 6: Fill and Top the Cake

With both sauces cooled and slightly thick, it’s time for the namesake “poke” moment! Using a spoon, carefully pour or dollop the sauces alternately over the cake, aiming to fill up as many holes as possible with the red and blue mixture. Spread any leftover sauce evenly over the top for a gorgeous marbled effect. Let the cake chill in the fridge until the sauces are set.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

Beat the softened cream cheese and half a cup of powdered sugar until totally smooth. Set aside. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla, and remaining powdered sugar until you have fluffy, stiff peaks—about 4 cups of whipped cream in total. Split this whipped cream in half: gently fold 2 cups into the cream cheese mixture until you have a creamy, pillowy filling.

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Spread the cream cheese-whipped cream mixture over the now-chilled, sauce-filled cake. Use the remaining whipped cream for swirls or as a smooth, thick top layer—piping it with a star tip makes it extra special, but even a spoon will make it look inviting.

Step 9: Garnish and Chill

Before serving, scatter the top with plenty of fresh berries. This is your finishing flourish—each slice will look like a sweet snapshot of summer, with the berries adding both color and a final punch of fresh flavor.

How to Serve Summer Berry Poke Cake

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, pile on a mix of glossy, in-season strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Even a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can heighten the celebration factor for your Summer Berry Poke Cake.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this cake is its versatility—it doesn’t need much! But if you want to offer a spread, try serving it with a refreshing glass of lemonade, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a bowl of extra mixed berries on the side for bright, juicy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Summer Berry Poke Cake in elegant trifle glasses for individual portions, or cut it into squares and stack them high on a tiered dessert tray. For picnics, slice the cake before you arrive and keep individual servings in mason jars for an adorable, mess-free option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly and refrigerate any leftovers. The cold actually helps all the flavors mingle and marry, making the next-day slices even more delicious. Enjoy for up to 3 days, but don’t be surprised if it vanishes well before then!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully if you need to plan way ahead. Simply wrap individual slices (or the whole pan) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before serving.

Reheating

No reheating is needed—this cake is at its creamy, fruity best served cold right from the fridge. But if you prefer room temperature, just let slices rest on the counter for about 20 minutes before eating, and enjoy the flavors at their peak.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work wonderfully in the sauces and for baking. Just thaw and drain them before starting so you don’t end up with extra water in your pudding-like filling.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

Use the rounded handle of a wooden spoon for perfect, wide holes. If you don’t have one, a thick drinking straw or chopstick also works in a pinch—just make sure you poke deep enough for the berry sauces to reach the bottom!

Is there a shortcut for the berry sauces?

If you’re pressed for time, you can use good-quality store-bought preserves or jams as your poke fillings. Just warm them up slightly with a splash of lemon juice to mimic that homemade, saucy texture, then follow the same assembly steps.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free cake mix and make sure to check the gelatin and other ingredients for hidden gluten. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.

How far ahead can I assemble Summer Berry Poke Cake?

You can prepare the whole thing up to a day in advance—the flavors actually intensify overnight as the sauces soak into the cake. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add the fresh berry garnish right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that tastes like summer in every bite, bake up this Summer Berry Poke Cake and see just how much joy a pan of cake can bring! It’s fun, festive, and absolutely loaded with berry goodness—sure to become a favorite at your table. Gather your friends, grab your fork, and get ready to wow your crowd!