15 Poke Cake and Sheet Cake Recipes That Feed a Whole Crowd

When you need to feed twenty people and you only have an hour, reach for a 9×13 pan. A poke cake or a sheet cake is the hero of every potluck, church supper, office party and family reunion. Bake it, poke it, pour on something delicious, then let the fridge do the rest. No layers, no fancy decorating, and it travels right in the pan. Need a cake for a birthday too? See our birthday cake recipes. Grab your biggest pan..

Strawberry Poke Cake, the One Everybody Remembers

This is the poke cake that showed up at so many 1970s and 80s parties. A fluffy white cake gets poked all over with the handle of a wooden spoon, then soaked with bright strawberry gelatin. Every slice has those pretty red stripes. A layer of whipped topping and fresh berries finishes it off. It is cool, light and perfect for a crowd. Did someone in your family make this for every birthday?

You will need: 1 box white cake mix plus eggs, oil and water it calls for, 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin, 1 cup boiling water, 1/2 cup cold water, 8 oz whipped topping, 2 cups sliced strawberries.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan and cool 15 minutes. 2. Poke holes every inch with a wooden spoon handle. 3. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water. 4. Pour slowly over the cake and chill 3 hours. 5. Spread with whipped topping and add strawberries.

Chocolate Pudding Poke Cake

Chocolate lovers, this one is pure joy. This poke cake starts with a chocolate cake that is poked and then filled with warm chocolate pudding that seeps into every hole. As it chills, the pudding sets into fudgy streaks. A thick layer of chocolate frosting goes on top. It is rich, moist and made mostly from pantry staples. Poll: A) with whipped cream, B) with chocolate chips, C) with crushed cookies, or D) plain and simple?

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients, 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding, 2 cups cold milk, 1 can chocolate frosting.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan. 2. While warm, poke holes all over with a spoon handle. 3. Whisk pudding with milk for 1 minute. 4. Pour over the cake before it sets and spread into the holes. 5. Chill 2 hours, then frost.

Tres Leches, the Original Poke Cake

Long before American gelatin cakes, Latin America had tres leches. A light sponge cake is poked and soaked in three milks: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and cream. It sounds soggy, but the cake holds up and turns creamy and cool. A fluffy whipped cream topping and a dash of cinnamon finish it. Have you ever tried tres leches at a family party?

You will need: 5 eggs separated, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; soak: 1 can evaporated milk, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream; topping: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 3 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon.

How to make it: 1. Beat yolks with sugar, then add milk, vanilla, flour and baking powder. 2. Fold in whites beaten stiff. 3. Bake in a 9×13 pan at 350 F for 25 minutes. 4. Poke and pour the three milks over the warm cake, then chill overnight. 5. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Coconut Cream Poke Cake

If you love coconut cream pie, try this poke cake. A white cake is soaked with cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk, so every bite is sweet and tropical. Then it gets whipped topping and lots of toasted coconut. It is best made the night before, which makes it perfect for busy party days. Toasted or untoasted coconut on top: which do you prefer?

You will need: 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients, 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 8 oz whipped topping, 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut toasted.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan. 2. Poke holes all over while warm. 3. Mix cream of coconut and condensed milk and pour over. 4. Cool, cover and chill overnight. 5. Spread whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Caramel Toffee Poke Cake

Some people call this one better than anything cake, and they might be right. A chocolate cake is soaked with caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk, then topped with whipped cream, more caramel and crunchy toffee bits or nuts. It is very sweet, so cut small squares. This poke cake always disappears first at potlucks. Would you top yours with toffee or chopped pecans?

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup caramel sauce (divided), 8 oz whipped topping, 1 cup toffee bits or chopped nuts.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan. 2. Poke holes all over while warm. 3. Pour condensed milk, then 3/4 cup caramel over the cake. 4. Chill 2 hours. 5. Spread whipped topping and add toffee and the rest of the caramel.

Cookies and Cream Poke Cake

Kids go wild for this one. A white or chocolate cake is filled with vanilla pudding, then covered in whipped topping loaded with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Whole cookies on top make it look like a party. This poke cake is a simple way to make a box cake taste like a bakery treat. How many cookies do you think go missing before they reach the cake?

You will need: 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients, 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding, 2 cups cold milk, 8 oz whipped topping, 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (15 crushed, 5 halved).

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan and poke holes. 2. Whisk pudding with milk and pour over the cake. 3. Chill 1 hour. 4. Fold crushed cookies into whipped topping and spread on top. 5. Decorate with halved cookies.

Chocolate Banana Poke Cake

Chocolate and banana are a match made in heaven. Bake a chocolate cake, poke it, and pour over banana cream pudding so the flavors mix in every bite. Fresh banana slices on top add color and freshness. Add them just before serving so they do not brown. This poke cake tastes a bit like a frozen chocolate banana from the boardwalk. Do you like bananas in desserts, or are you a hard no?

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients, 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding, 2 cups cold milk, 8 oz whipped topping, 2 bananas sliced, chocolate syrup.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan. 2. Poke holes all over while warm. 3. Whisk pudding with milk and pour over the cake. 4. Chill 2 hours and spread with whipped topping. 5. Top with banana slices and a drizzle of chocolate.

Texas Sheet Cake With Warm Fudge Frosting

Everything is bigger in Texas, including this cake. It is a thin chocolate buttermilk cake baked in a large sheet pan, then covered with a warm fudge frosting and pecans while it is still hot. The frosting sets into a glossy, fudgy layer. It feeds a crowd and is ready in under an hour. Poll: A) with pecans, B) without nuts?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup butter, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup cocoa, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla; frosting: 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa, 1/3 cup milk, 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 375 F and grease a 10×15 pan. 2. Boil butter, water and cocoa and pour over flour, sugar, soda and salt. 3. Beat in eggs, buttermilk and vanilla and bake 20 minutes. 4. For frosting, boil butter, cocoa and milk, then whisk in sugar and pecans. 5. Pour over the hot cake.

Vintage Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

It sounds odd, but grandma knew a secret. Mayonnaise is just eggs and oil, so it makes a chocolate cake very moist and tender. This recipe became popular in the 1930s when eggs and butter were hard to come by. You cannot taste the mayo at all, promise. Cut it into squares and serve it straight from the dish. Would you tell your guests the secret ingredient?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 can chocolate frosting.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and grease a 9×13 dish. 2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, soda and salt. 3. Stir in mayonnaise, water and vanilla until smooth. 4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. 5. Cool and frost, then cut into squares.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

If you love peanut butter cups, this cake is for you. A tender chocolate sheet cake gets a creamy peanut butter frosting and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or candy. It is salty, sweet and so easy to slice for a crowd. It is a favorite for game days and school events. Creamy or crunchy peanut butter: which side are you on?

You will need: 1 Texas sheet cake batter (see above) or 1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients; frosting: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts.

How to make it: 1. Bake the chocolate cake in a 10×15 or 9×13 pan and cool. 2. Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth. 3. Add sugar, milk and vanilla and beat until fluffy. 4. Spread over the cake. 5. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Fresh Berry Sheet Cake for Summer Style Parties

A simple vanilla sheet cake covered in cream cheese frosting becomes a showstopper with rows of strawberries and blueberries on top. It is light, fresh and very pretty, and you can make the red, white and blue version for summer holidays. Berries keep it from feeling too heavy after a big meal. Which fruit would you use: berries, peaches or kiwi?

You will need: 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients; frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups strawberries halved, 1 cup blueberries.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9×13 or 10×15 pan and cool fully. 2. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. 3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. 4. Spread over the cake. 5. Arrange berries on top and chill until serving.

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

All the joy of strawberry shortcake without stacking layers. A buttery vanilla sheet cake is topped with sweetened strawberries and clouds of whipped cream. Let the berries sit in sugar for 20 minutes so they make their own syrup that soaks into the cake. It is a cool, creamy dessert for any season. Do you like your strawberry shortcake with sponge cake or biscuits?

You will need: 1 vanilla sheet cake (box mix or homemade), 4 cups sliced strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Bake and cool the cake in a 9×13 pan. 2. Toss strawberries with sugar and rest 20 minutes. 3. Spoon berries and juice over the cake. 4. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. 5. Spread on top and chill 1 hour.

Lemon Sheet Cake With Lemon Glaze

Bright and sunny, this lemon sheet cake is a nice change from chocolate at a potluck. Fresh lemon zest and juice flavor both the cake and the glaze, which soaks in a little while the cake is warm. It is tender, tangy and easy to cut into neat squares. It is a great choice for showers and spring parties. Do you like lemon desserts super tart or just a little tangy?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup butter softened, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, zest of 2 lemons, 1/4 cup lemon juice; glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and grease a 9×13 pan. 2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and zest. 3. Add dry ingredients, milk and juice. 4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. 5. Pour glaze over the warm cake.

Carrot Sheet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is even easier as a sheet cake. No layers to stack, just one moist, spiced cake loaded with carrots and a thick blanket of cream cheese frosting. Add pineapple for extra moisture or walnuts for crunch. It is a favorite for Easter, but it works for any family gathering. Poll: A) raisins, B) walnuts, C) pineapple, or D) none of the above?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups sugar, 1 1/4 cups oil, 4 eggs, 3 cups grated carrots, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and grease a 9×13 pan. 2. Whisk dry ingredients. 3. Beat sugar, oil and eggs, then mix in dry ingredients, carrots and nuts. 4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes and cool. 5. Beat frosting and spread over the cake.

Pumpkin Sheet Cake for Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving crowds, this pumpkin sheet cake is easier than pie and serves more people. It is soft and spiced, with a fluffy cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon. You can bake it a day early and keep it in the fridge. Many people say it tastes like pumpkin bread with frosting. Which dessert wins at your Thanksgiving: pumpkin cake or pumpkin pie? And which poke cake or sheet cake from this list will you bake first? Tell us in the comments!

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup oil, 4 eggs, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin; frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and grease a 10×15 pan. 2. Whisk dry ingredients. 3. Beat sugar, oil, eggs and pumpkin, then add the dry mix. 4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes and cool. 5. Frost and sprinkle with cinnamon.