Description
This Summer Berry Poke Cake is a light, fruity dessert featuring a fluffy vanilla cake soaked with a homemade berry syrup and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries—perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup additional fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix vanilla cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour into prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- While the cake cools, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, simmer mixed berries, sugar, and water for 5-7 minutes until berries soften. Let cool slightly.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon, about 1 inch apart. Pour the cooled berry syrup over the cake and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cake. Garnish with fresh berries. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can use a homemade vanilla cake or gluten-free cake mix if needed.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with applesauce or mashed bananas and use coconut cream for topping.
- Feel free to use seasonal fruit like peaches or cherries as substitutes.
- Best served chilled for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: summer poke cake, berry poke cake, vanilla cake with berries, whipped cream cake, easy summer dessert