We Can Thank Jell-O For The Invention Of Poke Cakes
It was the 1970s, an era in which women were entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Looking to cash in on the needs of time-strapped families, companies were introducing fast prep food products like Hamburger Helper and Mug-O-Lunch (an instant meal from Betty Crocker).
A poke cake for all seasons
The folks at General Mills followed up the original version of the poke cake recipe in 1981 with a Jell-O pudding version called the Stripe-It-Rich Cake. The poke cake's popularity faded in the ensuing decades, quickly becoming a forgotten, nostalgic cake of yesteryear. Luckily, in this era of TikTok, it's making a comeback. Today, you'll find recipes that trade Jell-O for inclusions like Dr. Pepper and fresh fruit syrups. Homemade whipped cream can also be used in place of Cool Whip, though this swap would probably sadden General Mills executives.
Another riff on the poke cake involves adding various kinds of booze instead of Jell-O to help add an adult twist on this dessert. Whether you're aiming for a shortcut version of rum cake or prefer your lemon poke cake laced with limoncello, it's another way to get creative with the classic recipe. But be warned, the raw alcohol won't evaporate off like it does during the baking process, so go easy. Whatever way you decide to play with the poke cake recipe, you have the brilliant minds at General Foods Kitchens to thank for the original idea.
