Peaches & Cream Poke Cake: The Ultimate Easy Summer Dessert

When summer hits and fresh peaches are in abundance, there’s one dessert that always steals the spotlight: Peaches & Cream Poke Cake. This easy yet impressive recipe combines the comforting sweetness of vanilla cake with the luscious, juicy flavor of peach pie filling, topped with homemade whipped cream and a satisfying graham cracker crunch. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with fruity flavor — making it the perfect treat for potlucks, parties, or any sunny day.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is effortless to make but looks like it came straight from a bakery. And the best part? It starts with a simple box cake mix — no complicated prep needed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

1 box vanilla cake mix
A quick, reliable base that provides light, fluffy structure. Follow the box instructions for eggs, oil, and water.
2 cups peach pie filling
This sweet, syrupy filling seeps into the cake’s holes, adding juicy peach flavor in every bite.
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Whips into a light, airy topping that balances the richness of the cake and filling.
¼ cup powdered sugar
Adds sweetness and stabilizes the whipped cream for a firm yet silky finish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the cream’s flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
2 fresh peaches, sliced
Adds texture, natural sweetness, and a beautiful presentation on top.
1 cup crushed graham crackers
Offers a toasty crunch that contrasts with the softness of the whipped cream and cake.
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
A vibrant garnish that adds color and a refreshing finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions (usually adding eggs, oil, and water). Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Pro Tip: Speed up the cooling process by placing the cake in the fridge after it’s slightly cooled at room temperature.

2. Poke the Cake

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. These holes will allow the peach filling to soak in, giving the cake its signature moist texture.

3. Add Peach Pie Filling

Spoon the peach pie filling over the cake, spreading it evenly and pressing it gently into the holes to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

4. Make the Whipped Cream

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form (about 3–5 minutes).
Tip for Perfect Whip: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping to help the cream set faster and hold better.

5. Frost the Cake

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the peach layer using a spatula, creating a smooth and fluffy topping.

6. Garnish

Decorate the top of the cake with fresh peach slices and crushed graham crackers for added crunch and visual appeal. Add a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness if desired.

7. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld, the whipped cream to set, and the cake to firm up for perfect cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Pair with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combo.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent!

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make ahead: This cake is even better the next day! Make it a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers if you want to prep in stages. Add the whipped topping fresh for best results.

Why Everyone Loves This Peach Poke Cake

Ridiculously easy with a cake mix base.
Fresh, fruity, and creamy — the ideal combo.
Customizable with different fruit fillings or toppings.
Crowd-pleasing presentation with little effort.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Summer Dessert

This Peaches & Cream Poke Cake is everything you want in a summer dessert — light, flavorful, cool, and easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around at family gatherings and potlucks because everyone needs to know how to make it.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this cake will become a go-to favorite in your dessert rotation. So go ahead, make it once — and don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature summer sweet.