Summer Berry Poke Cake (Printable)

Moist vanilla cake infused with sweet mixed berry sauce and topped with freshly whipped cream.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix plus ingredients listed on package (eggs, oil, water)

→ Berry Sauce

02 - 2 cups mixed summer berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
06 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

→ Whipped Topping

07 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
08 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Garnish

10 - 1 cup fresh mixed berries
11 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bake cake according to package instructions in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
02 - Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire cake surface, spacing approximately 1 inch apart.
03 - Combine berries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into berry mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
04 - Pass berry sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired. Pour warm sauce evenly over cake, ensuring it fills the poke holes completely.
05 - Let cake cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and set.
06 - Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
07 - Spread whipped cream evenly over chilled cake surface. Top with fresh mixed berries and mint leaves just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the berry sauce seeps into every crevice makes each forkful impossibly moist and bursting with fruit flavor
  • It looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort, leaving you more time for guests
  • You can make it ahead and let it chill, which means less stress when hosting
02 -
  • Don't try to poke holes while the cake is piping hot or it will tear instead of making clean channels
  • If you skip straining the berry sauce, the seeds will get caught in the holes and look less pretty
  • The cake needs that full hour of chilling time or the whipped cream will slide right off when you slice it
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water between slices for cleaner cuts through the whipped cream
  • If your berries are particularly tart, taste the sauce before adding it and adjust the sugar accordingly

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