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This Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake will be the talk of every potluck, family reunion, and cookout this summer!

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Some of the most popular recipes on my blog are poke cake recipes. I’m not sure if it’s the novelty of a “poke cake” or the fact that they are so easy to make and the flavor combinations are almost endless. When presented with the opportunity to create a cookbook, I had a few ideas. However, the one that stuck out the most, and the one I knew I wanted to publish, was a poke cake cookbook.
I have to start off by telling you that I am in love with this cake! Not only is it a family favorite – but it has rapidly become a reader favorite too! It’s one of the many delicious recipes I share in my cookbook!
Some of you may be asking yourself what exactly is a poke cake. Don’t feel alone – I’ve heard that question so many times!! A poke cake is a baked cake that literally has holes “poked” into it and is generally filled with pudding, flavored gelatin, or some kind of other fillings before being topped with frosting, whipped topping, or other toppings. In this case, a white cake is poked then filled with raspberry-flavored gelatin before being topped with raspberry preserves, Cool Whip, and shredded coconut.
Recipe for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake
- white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the box to prepare cake
- raspberry-flavored gelatin
- hot water
- raspberry preserves (seedless is best if you can find it)
- Cool Whip
- shredded coconut

How to make Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake
- Bake the cake according to package directions using a 9×13-in. baking pan.
- After the cake has baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a meat fork, poke cake every inch or so with the handle of wooden spoon or tines of meat fork halfway into the cake. There is no set number of holes, but you want plenty of places to fill. Mix the raspberry gelatin with 2 cups of hot water until dissolved. Pour the Jello evenly over the cake, trying to fill the holes as much as you can.
- In a small bowl, microwave the raspberry preserves until easy to spread, about 30 seconds. Pour the preserves over the top of the cake and spread evenly. Top with Cool Whip. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
A few tips for making Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake
- Look for seedless raspberry jam if the seeds are a problem!
- If you plan on sharing this cake at a potluck or any kind of gathering – print off plenty of copies of the recipe – or you can send them directly here to the website for the full recipe – people WILL want the recipe!

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Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix, 18.25oz.
- Ingredients listed on box to prepare cake
- 1 box raspberry flavored gelatin (Jello), 3 oz.
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 jar raspberry preserves, 10 oz.
- 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed, 8 oz.
- 1 bag shredded coconut, 7 oz.
Instructions
- Bake the cake according to package directions using a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- After the cake has baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a meat fork, poke cake every inch or so with the handle of wooden spoon or tines of meat fork halfway into the cake. There is no set number of holes, but you want plenty of places to fill. Mix the raspberry gelatin with 2 cups of hot water until dissolved. Pour the Jello evenly over the cake, trying to fill the holes as much as you can.
- In a small bowl, microwave the raspberry preserves until easy to spread, about 30 seconds. Pour the preserves over the top of the cake and spread evenly. Top with Cool Whip. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Look for seedless raspberry jam if the seeds are a problem!
- If you plan on sharing this cake at a potluck or any kind of gathering – print off plenty of copies of the recipe – or you can send them directly here to the website for the full recipe – people WILL want the recipe!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on December 4, 2013. Updated on May 21, 2020.





I made this for my family’s Easter dinner. It was a big hit! Even the ones that don’t like coconut loved it. Definitely will make this cake again. Thanks!
Hi this cake is delicious. Is there any other kind of fruit to use ? I love the raspberry but would like to venture out and try something different. How about blueberry,grape jam with a peanut butter icing? Did you ever try a different flavor? Please let me know
Thanks
I’ve used strawberry jello strawberry preserves or jam and fresh strawberries on top instead of cocanut
I made this today for visiting family, and it was a BIG hit! It really does taste like a Zinger! Cool and refreshing, it is a perfect summer dessert, especially on a day when it’s over 100 degrees outside. Will make this again and again.
Making this right now! Looking forward to eating some tonight!
Hello Jamie, I’ve made this cake 2 times for my Sister she loves Zingers. I’m making one right now for her Birthday. Thank you l love this recipe.
I’m so happy to hear that, Teresa! I hope your sister had a wonderful birthday and enjoyed her cake! 😊
Made this today . . . DELICIOUS!
Literally one of the best cakes I’ve ever made! I’ve always loved zingers and they’re hard to find in my area. Thank you for this delicious recipe!!!!!
I made this cake only I used sugar free cake mix
Sugar free raspberry jello
Sugar free raspberry jam
Unsweetened coconut
It was a hit thank you
I made this cake, for the first time, yesterday. It was to celebrate his 17th birthday, with about 25 people. Complete and total success!! Several comments of my new favorite cake. More comments to request for a future birthdays.
Thank you for posting this recipe. I will be making this many times in my future.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Do you use unsweetened or sweetened coconut?
I use sweetened.