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Summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing desserts, and nothing says summer quite like a poke cake.
With its moist layers soaked in flavored gelatins, creams, or syrups, poke cakes are a vibrant way to enjoy seasonal ingredients.
Whether you’re using fresh berries, tropical fruits, or zesty citrus, a poke cake brings bold flavor and irresistible moisture to every bite.
In this collection of 23+ summer poke cake recipes, you’ll discover exciting variations that are perfect for any summer gathering, from pool parties to casual cookouts.
These cakes are not only easy to make, but they also offer a variety of flavors, textures, and toppings that will delight your guests and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Light, fruity, and downright delicious, these poke cakes will elevate any summer celebration.
23+ Irresistible Summer Poke Cake Recipes for Hot Weather Desserts
There’s no better way to enjoy summer than with a vibrant, delicious poke cake!
With so many exciting flavors to choose from, these 23+ summer poke cake recipes are bound to become your go-to desserts this season.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just craving something sweet, these cakes are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oven, and get ready to dive into a world of fruity, creamy, and refreshing poke cakes!
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is the ultimate burst of berry bliss in every bite.
Fluffy white cake is soaked with vibrant strawberry gelatin, allowing the sweet-tart syrup to seep into every forkful.
The aroma is fruity and nostalgic, reminiscent of summertime picnics and family cookouts.
Topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, it’s as light and refreshing as it is visually stunning.
Perfect as a chilled dessert on a hot day or a fruity complement to grilled dishes.
Lemon Poke Cake
Lemon Poke Cake brings a bright, citrusy zing that wakes up your taste buds with every mouthful.
Infused with tart lemon pudding and topped with creamy whipped frosting, it’s both tangy and smooth.
The texture is moist and tender, while the scent of lemon zest fills the air with fresh, sunny energy.
Ideal for summer brunches, tea parties, or as a cooling treat after a savory meal.
It’s sweet, sour, and oh-so-refreshing.
Pineapple Poke Cake
Pineapple Poke Cake delivers a tropical escape with every juicy slice.
Golden cake soaks in crushed pineapple and its natural juices, creating a rich, sweet center bursting with fruit flavor.
The texture is soft and syrupy, while the aroma of fresh pineapple fills the kitchen with beachy vibes.
A layer of whipped topping and coconut flakes adds creaminess and a hint of crunch.
Serve it chilled for the perfect ending to a barbecue or a luau-inspired dinner.
Coconut Cream Poke Cake
Coconut Cream Poke Cake is cool, creamy, and deeply satisfying—perfect for fans of tropical sweetness.
Velvety coconut milk seeps into tender cake layers, giving it an ultra-moist texture that melts in your mouth.
The scent is warm and nutty, like a gentle breeze through a palm grove.
Topped with whipped cream and shredded coconut, it’s light enough for daytime snacking yet indulgent enough for dessert.
A dreamy addition to any summer spread.
Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is like a nostalgic frozen treat reimagined in dessert form.
Fluffy vanilla cake is soaked with tangy orange gelatin and layered with creamy vanilla pudding.
The flavor is sweet and citrusy with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Its vibrant orange hue and fragrant aroma instantly brighten any dessert table.
Pair it with iced tea or citrusy cocktails for a fun, sunny celebration.
Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake
Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of summer berries.
Moist white cake is filled with sweet berry compote and topped with a silky cheesecake layer.
The texture is dense yet airy, with pockets of juicy fruit adding bursts of flavor in every bite.
Its aroma blends the scent of ripe berries and vanilla, making it as inviting as it is beautiful.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any warm-weather get-together.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Banana Pudding Poke Cake is a creamy, dreamy twist on the Southern classic.
Golden cake is soaked with sweet banana pudding, infusing it with rich, velvety flavor.
Each bite offers a smooth texture with soft pockets of banana cream and a whisper of vanilla.
Topped with whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers, it adds crunch, creaminess, and nostalgia all in one.
Serve chilled for a refreshing finish to any summer meal or backyard gathering.
Cherry Poke Cake
Cherry Poke Cake delivers a vibrant burst of ruby-red sweetness that’s both tart and irresistible.
White cake becomes a juicy masterpiece when drenched with cherry gelatin, infusing every crumb with fruity flavor.
The aroma is bold and juicy, like fresh cherries on a warm afternoon.
Topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, it’s a retro delight with timeless summer appeal.
Enjoy it solo or pair with grilled chicken for a perfectly balanced summer feast.
Key Lime Poke Cake
Key Lime Poke Cake is a zesty, tangy treat that captures the flavor of a tropical breeze.
Infused with key lime pudding, the cake becomes ultra-moist with a refreshing citrus kick.
The scent is sharp and sweet, like lime zest curled over a cocktail glass.
Creamy topping and lime slices add brightness and beauty to every bite.
It’s ideal for warm evenings, summer brunches, or beach-themed gatherings.
Watermelon Poke Cake
Watermelon Poke Cake brings the iconic summer fruit into an irresistibly moist dessert form.
White cake is soaked in watermelon-flavored gelatin, giving it a vibrant color and a subtle melon sweetness.
The aroma is light and fruity, like a freshly sliced watermelon at a picnic.
A fluffy whipped topping and sprinkle of mini chocolate chips mimic the look and flavor of the real thing.
Fun, playful, and refreshing—perfect for pool parties and summer birthdays.
Mango Poke Cake
Mango Poke Cake delivers a golden, tropical flavor that’s juicy, smooth, and sunshine-sweet.
Soft cake layers are soaked in mango puree and sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and tender base.
The scent is sweet and floral, filling the room with a tropical aroma that teases the taste buds.
Topped with mango chunks and whipped cream, it’s bright, juicy, and utterly refreshing.
Serve it at cookouts or as a chilled dessert after spicy summer dishes.
Raspberry Poke Cake
Raspberry Poke Cake is a sweet and tart summer delight with a burst of berry flavor in every bite.
White or yellow cake soaks up vibrant raspberry gelatin, creating colorful streaks and bold fruity notes.
The texture is light and bouncy, with a cooling freshness from the berry infusion.
Finished with whipped cream and fresh raspberries, it’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Perfect for garden parties, bridal showers, or any sun-soaked afternoon.
Peach Poke Cake
Peach Poke Cake captures the juicy sweetness of peak-season peaches in every soft and syrupy bite.
Moist vanilla cake is infused with peach gelatin and topped with whipped cream and fresh peach slices.
The aroma is floral and fruity, like walking through a summer orchard at golden hour. It’s light, luscious, and irresistibly refreshing.
Serve it chilled for a sun-drenched dessert that pairs perfectly with grilled fare.
Blueberry Poke Cake
Blueberry Poke Cake is a bold, berry-filled delight that brings both sweetness and depth.
Tender cake is soaked with blueberry pie filling or syrup, delivering bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.
The scent is rich and jammy, with a touch of vanilla from the cake base.
A cool whipped topping and fresh blueberries add contrast and visual appeal.
Perfect for Fourth of July gatherings or laid-back summer evenings.
Rainbow Poke Cake
Rainbow Poke Cake is a playful, colorful dessert that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat.
Brightly colored gelatin stripes soak into soft white cake, creating a tie-dye effect in every slice.
The taste is light, sweet, and fruity with a whimsical twist.
Fluffy whipped cream frosting adds a cool, creamy balance to the vibrant interior.
It’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike—ideal for birthday parties and summer celebrations.
Tres Leches Poke Cake
Tres Leches Poke Cake brings Latin-inspired richness to the summer table with its ultra-moist texture.
Soft cake is soaked in a blend of three milks, making each bite incredibly tender and creamy.
The flavor is subtly sweet with hints of vanilla and caramel.
A layer of whipped topping and cinnamon dusting adds elegance and depth.
Serve it chilled for an indulgent yet refreshing finale to a spicy meal.
Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake blends a beloved classic with creamy poke cake comfort.
Golden cake is infused with strawberry syrup and topped with layers of whipped cream and sliced berries.
The flavor is light, creamy, and full of sun-ripened sweetness.
Its soft texture and cool topping make it a standout summer dessert. Great for picnics, potlucks, or an easy make-ahead treat.
Orange Pineapple Poke Cake
Orange Pineapple Poke Cake brings tropical brightness and citrusy zing to your dessert plate.
Zesty orange gelatin seeps into fluffy cake, layered with crushed pineapple and whipped cream.
The scent is vibrant and juicy, with a beachy sweetness that calls for sunshine.
It’s tangy, tropical, and light enough to enjoy after any meal. A must-have for summer cookouts or fruity dessert tables.
Coconut Poke Cake
Coconut Poke Cake brings a cool, creamy wave of tropical flavor perfect for sunny afternoons.
Soft white cake is soaked with sweetened coconut milk, giving it a rich, moist texture throughout.
The scent is warm and nutty, like toasted coconut on a beach breeze.
Fluffy whipped topping and shredded coconut create a delicate, snowy finish.
Serve it chilled for a refreshing slice of paradise at any summer gathering.
Strawberry Banana Poke Cake
Strawberry Banana Poke Cake is fruity, nostalgic, and bursting with fresh summer flavor.
Moist yellow cake is soaked with strawberry gelatin and layered with banana pudding and fresh slices.
The aroma is sweet and mellow, with notes of ripe banana and sun-warmed strawberries.
A whipped topping adds smoothness, making each bite melt in your mouth.
It’s a delicious blend of flavors that works as both a dessert and a conversation piece.
Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake
Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake is rich, tangy, and indulgently smooth.
White cake is filled with cherry pie filling and topped with a cheesecake pudding layer and whipped cream.
The scent is sweet and slightly tart, evoking memories of cherry orchards in bloom.
The texture is creamy with bursts of fruit, balancing richness with a fruity finish.
Serve it as a centerpiece dessert at any summer dinner or celebration.
Raspberry Lemon Poke Cake
Raspberry Lemon Poke Cake is bright, zesty, and layered with fresh flavor.
Soft lemon cake is drenched in raspberry gelatin, creating a tart-sweet contrast that pops in every bite.
The aroma is citrus-forward with a berry finish—light, floral, and summery.
It’s topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries for a chilled, show-stopping treat. Perfect for afternoon tea, garden parties, or bridal showers.
Tropical Poke Cake
Tropical Poke Cake combines the best of summer fruits into one irresistible dessert.
White cake is soaked in pineapple juice and mango puree, creating a moist, sunny base.
Each bite offers a burst of citrus and tropical sweetness with an airy, spongy texture.
Whipped topping and coconut flakes finish it off with island-inspired flair.
It’s the ultimate dessert to cool down after a spicy meal or long summer day.
Conclusion
As the days get warmer and the sun shines longer, there’s no better time to experiment with these 23+ summer poke cake recipes.
From tropical twists to berry-infused creations, these cakes are the perfect way to highlight seasonal flavors.
Quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing with friends and family, these poke cakes are sure to be a hit at your summer gatherings.
Keep these recipes handy all season long and enjoy a slice of sweet, chilled goodness whenever the mood strikes!
