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Dump vs. Poke Cake: What’s the difference?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, simple yet flavorful cake, you’ve probably come across two types of recipes in your search: the dump cake and the poke cake. Both cakes are convenient and delicious, especially for the amount of effort required.
These two types of cakes both have funny names, but there are some differences – it all comes down to preparation. A dump cake is dumped. A poke cake is poked. With the former, you dump a very small number of ingredients into your cake pan and throw it in the oven. With the latter, you make a still relatively simple cake, and then when it’s baked, you poke the cake and brush or pour on a liquid substance to add extra flavor and moisture, then hide the holes with a topping or frosting. But which option is best for your next party or potluck? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a dump cake?
Traditionally, a dump cake is made by pouring a can of fruit or pie filling into a baking dish or cake pan. Next, you add a prepared box of cake mix on top. Then bake the whole thing for a cobbler-like dessert that’s both cakey and moist. You can find many different dump cake recipes, but they all keep the process and ingredient list as simple as possible.
For example, this apple dump cake recipe uses only three ingredients: butter, vanilla cake mix, and apple pie filling. Similarly, this peach dump cake complicates things only slightly by adding some extra flavor to the canned peaches and boxed cake mix via almonds, cinnamon, and vanilla. For the most part, though, simple is the name of the game. So if you have limited ingredients on hand, aren’t super confident in your baking skills, or just want to improve on a boxed cake mix, a dump cake might be for you. Just keep in mind that dump cakes typically take a little longer to bake than the average cake mix – closer to 40-60 minutes.
What is a poke cake?
Poke cakes are only slightly more difficult to make, but they’re also more impressive than dump cakes. Traditional poke cake recipes rely on a boxed cake mix for the base, liquid Jell-O to pour over the poked holes in the cake after baking, and then whipped dessert topping. The result, when you cut into the cake, is a pretty display of bright colors against a yellow or vanilla cake background, for an aesthetically pleasing slice and an even distribution of flavors. If Jell-O isn’t your thing, however, you’ll be happy to know that poke cake has evolved.
While the process is more or less the same, the ingredients will vary depending on your recipe. You can swap out the Jell-O for sweet, fruit-based syrups or pie fillings. Condensed milk is also a favorite for an extra creamy, rich cake. With a little creativity and a little effort, a poke cake can impress.
Whether you choose a dump cake or a poke cake, both options offer a delicious and relatively easy way to create a flavorful dessert. The dump cake is perfect for those who want a quick and easy option that uses minimal ingredients and results in a satisfying cobbler-like treat. The poke cake, on the other hand, allows for more customization and creativity, with the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and fillings.
So the next time you crave a homemade cake but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, try either the dump cake or the poke cake. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family with a delicious dessert.
Sources:
https://www.mashed.com/1434675/dump-vs-poke-cake-difference/
FAQS
The main difference is the method of preparation. A dump cake is simply a bunch of ingredients poured into a pan and baked together, while a poke cake requires baking a cake and then poking holes in it to add a flavorful liquid.
Are dump cakes and poke cakes easy to make?
Yes, both dump cakes and poke cakes are known for their simplicity. Dump cakes require minimal effort as you only need to combine a few ingredients and bake. Poke cakes may require an extra step of poking holes and adding a liquid, but they are still relatively easy to make.
Can I customize the flavors of Dump Cakes and Poke Cakes?
Absolutely! Both types of cakes offer a lot of room for customization. With dump cakes, you can choose different fruit or cake fillings to create different flavors. With poke cakes, you can experiment with different liquids like syrups or fillings to create unique flavors.
Do Dump Cakes and Poke Cakes require special ingredients?
No, one of the advantages of dump cakes and poke cakes is that they can be made with readily available ingredients. Dump cakes typically use canned fruit or cake fillings, while poke cakes often start with a boxed cake mix. You can easily find these ingredients at most grocery stores.
Which type of cake is better for parties or potlucks?
Both dump cakes and poke cakes are great options for parties or potlucks. Dump cakes are quick to assemble and easy to transport, making them convenient for such occasions. Poke cakes, on the other hand, offer a visually appealing presentation and can be customized to match the theme or preferences of the event.
Can I make dump cakes and poke cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make dump cakes and poke cakes in advance. Dump cakes can be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Poke cakes can also be made ahead, and the flavors often improve as the cake absorbs the liquid over time. Just be sure to store properly to maintain freshness.