Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake

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Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive, expanded recipe for Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake, complete with introduction, history, ingredients, step-by-step methods, serving suggestions, and even a romantic twist for food lovers. Perfect for sharing with someone special or at gatherings. 🍰💕

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake: A Creamy, Dreamy Love Story in Every Bite

Introduction

Inspired by the iconic Hostess Raspberry Zinger snack cake, this Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake transforms your kitchen into a nostalgic bakery. It’s soft, sweet, tangy, creamy, and topped with luscious coconut—like a sweet kiss of summer in every bite. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of love, memory, and indulgence.

Whether you’re serving it at a family reunion, Valentine’s dinner, birthday bash, or to surprise your sweetheart on a quiet evening, this cake delivers pure joy with a delightful pink hue and creamy texture. ❤️

A Brief History of Zinger Cakes

The original Zinger cakes were first introduced by Hostess in the 1970s as a snack-sized dessert coated in raspberry-flavored icing and coconut. These nostalgic cakes were beloved by generations of school kids and adults alike. The poke cake variation is a modern twist that infuses traditional Jell-O-style gelatin directly into a soft cake, creating a dessert that’s both retro and refreshingly new.

Poke cakes gained popularity in the mid-20th century due to their moist texture, vibrant flavors, and convenience—becoming a staple at potlucks and holidays. This Raspberry Zinger version carries on the tradition with a rich cream cheese layer and a burst of berry goodness.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box — usually 3 egg whites, 1 cup water, â…“ cup vegetable oil)
  • 1 package (3 oz) raspberry gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water

For the Creamy Filling and Topping:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups whipped topping or Cool Whip
  • 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup raspberry preserves (warmed slightly for easier spreading)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Mint leaves
  • White chocolate curls

Method & Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  4. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes on a wire rack.

2. Poke & Soak

  1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, chopstick, or thick skewer, poke holes across the cake—about 1 inch apart.
  2. In a bowl, combine 1 cup boiling water with raspberry gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.
  3. Add ½ cup cold water to the gelatin mix.
  4. Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
  5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the gelatin to set.

3. Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, beat together:
    • 8 oz softened cream cheese
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
      Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled cake.

4. The Zinger Top Layer

  1. Warm the raspberry preserves slightly (about 15 seconds in the microwave).
  2. Drizzle and spread them evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  3. Top with a generous layer of whipped topping or Cool Whip.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded coconut all over for the classic Zinger touch.

5. Chill, Slice & Serve

  1. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 more hours—longer if possible.
  2. Slice into 12 servings.
  3. Garnish each slice with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a romantic touch.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Servings: 12

Lovers’ Note: Dessert for Two (or Twelve)

This cake isn’t just for the sweet tooth—it’s for the sweethearts. Imagine sharing a slice after a candlelit dinner, feeding each other bites while reminiscing about first dates or making new memories. The vibrant pink color and soft, creamy layers make this a perfect dessert to say:

“I love you more than cake… but just barely.”

Want to turn it into a date night activity? Bake it together. Share the mixing duties, sneak a few spoonfuls of whipped cream, and decorate with hearts and initials.

Conclusion: A Cake Worth Falling For

This Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake is a modern take on a vintage treat—moist, tangy, and ultra-creamy. Easy enough for beginners, yet special enough for heartfelt occasions, it proves that great desserts are like great relationships: made layer by layer, sweetened with care, and always worth the wait.

So whether you’re a baking enthusiast, nostalgic snacker, or a hopeless romantic—this cake has something for you. 💕

Would you like a printable version or a romantic recipe card to share or gift? I can help with that too!

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