All-American Poke Cakes That Disappear Before You Can Blink

Poke cakes are fun, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. With their soft texture and flavor-packed fillings, it’s no surprise they disappear fast at parties and family gatherings. You can make them in endless flavor combinations, from fruity to chocolatey.

They start with a simple cake base, then get holes poked throughout to soak up pudding, syrup, or jello. The result is a moist, flavorful dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Top it off with whipped cream or frosting, and it’s ready to serve.

These recipes are great for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers. They’re simple enough for beginners but fun to customize for any occasion. No matter the flavor, poke cakes rarely last long once they’re sliced.

Easy Strawberry Poke Cake

A boxed white cake gets upgraded with strawberry gelatin that seeps into every fork-tender crumb. The mix-and-pour method means dessert can be cooling in the fridge within minutes. Finish with a cloud of whipped topping and sliced berries for a pop of color. Perfect for potlucks or weeknight treats.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Poke Cake

Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Poke Cake

Warm spices and shredded carrots form the base, while sweetened condensed milk adds extra moisture through the tiny holes. Smooth cream-cheese frosting settles into every crevice, giving you frosting in each bite without extra work. A sprinkle of chopped pecans provides crunch and a classic look. Let it chill so the flavors meld nicely.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Poke Cake

Oreo Poke Cake

Bake a simple chocolate cake, then pour cookies-and-cream pudding inside for pockets of creamy filling. Crushed Oreos on top add a bit of crunch that contrasts with the soft crumb below. The recipe uses pantry staples and one mixing bowl, keeping cleanup quick. Serve chilled for the best cookies-and-cream flavor.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Poke Cake

Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake

Yellow cake mix meets vanilla pudding chocolate chips and cherry chunks in this all-star cake. Your family and friends will love this one, everyone does!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake

Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake

Chocolate cake turns refreshingly cool when mint-flavored pudding is poured in while warm. Top with whipped topping and plenty of chopped Mint Oreos for a mint-chip vibe. A brief chill lets the pudding set so slices hold clean edges. Ideal for summer parties when you want bold flavor without much oven time.
Get the Recipe: Mint Oreo Chocolate Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

A buttery yellow cake soaks up banana pudding, creating a creamy layer inside. Crushed vanilla wafers echo the classic bowl dessert with welcome crunch. Finish with whipped topping and banana slices just before serving to keep the fruit fresh. It tastes even better after an overnight rest.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake

Fresh berries star twice: puréed strawberries flavor the gelatin that soaks in, and sliced fruit decorates the top. Using a white or yellow cake base lets the red color shine through every slice. A light whipped topping keeps things breezy. Serve well-chilled for peak berry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Eggnog Poke Cake

Turn holiday eggnog into dessert by pouring a thickened eggnog-pudding blend over a spice-cake base. Nutmeg in the drink infuses the cake with gentle warmth. A dusting of cinnamon or shaved white chocolate on top looks festive. Make it a day ahead so the flavor deepens overnight.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Poke Cake

Lemon Poke Cake

Sweet-tart lemon pudding pushed into a lemon cake adds bright citrus notes in every forkful. The dessert strikes a balance—refreshing without being overly sharp. Finish with whipped topping and a bit of grated peel for fragrance. Perfect for brunch or backyard meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake

Cannoli Cake

White cake gains Italian flair when a ricotta-mascarpone mixture sinks into the openings. Mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over the top echo the bakery pastry. Because the filling is thicker than pudding, give the cake at least four hours to set. Creamy streaks appear in each slice—no frying required.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cake

Chocolate Poke Cake

Chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and condensed milk team up for a fudgy texture bordering on brownie-like. A layer of whipped topping lightens the bite, while chocolate shavings finish the look. Shelf-stable ingredients make it handy when dessert is needed fast. Serve chilled or slightly warmed, depending on preference.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Poke Cake