Zinger Cake

Zinger Cake is a delicious easy treat that combines the flavors of a classic raspberry Zinger dessert with a moist and fluffy vanilla cake. With just 12 ingredients, it's the perfect sweet for entertaining. A store-bought cake mix base with a raspberry jello filling, makes for the best poke cake recipe.

A slice of Raspberry Zinger Cake, made from a white cake box mix, filled with raspberry goodness, and topped with a creamy coconut whipped cream, will bring your childhood treat favorite to a fresh, homemade reality!

You can make this dessert ahead of time making entertaining easier. Whether you're baking it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Childhood Favorite: Reminiscent of the beloved Hostess Zinger snack cakes, this homemade version is a nostalgic treat that brings back happy memories from childhood.
• All Occasion Treat: Raspberry Zinger Cake is an excellent make-ahead cake for any holiday, birthday party, or special occasion!
• Easy to Make: With ease of a packaged cake mix and option for fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip, you can make this cake in no time with basic kitchen tools.
• Sweet and Creamy: The layers of raspberry preserves and coconut whipped cream complements the cake's flavor perfectly.

What is a Zinger?

A Zinger is a type of snack cake produced by Hostess Brands. It typically consists of a moist and fluffy cake filled with a layer of creamy filling, coated in a flavored icing, and sometimes topped with sweetened shredded coconut. The most common flavors of Zingers include chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Cake

• Eggs: The egg yolk contributes to the richness and moisture, while the egg whites provide structure and stability.
• Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Coconut Extract: Provides the cake with a distinct coconut flavor.
• White Cake Mix: Serves as the base of the cake, providing the dry ingredients needed for the batter. It includes flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings.
• Raspberry Flavored Gelatin: The raspberry JellO adds both flavor and color to the cake.

Topping:

• Raspberry Preserves: Provides a sweet and fruity filling for the cake.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Used to create a creamy topping for the cake. It adds richness and a light, airy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping and helps stabilize it.
• Coconut Extract: Enhances the coconut flavor in the whipped cream topping.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
• Fresh Raspberries: Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the cake.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls
• Hand Mixer 
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 13”x9” Baking Dish

How to Make A Raspberry Zinger Cake

Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 13x9 pan with nonstick spray or butter.
2. In a large bowl, blend with a hand mixer or whisk eggs, milk, oil, and coconut extract.
3. Once combined, add the cake mix and mix just until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
5. Poke holes over the entire cake, about ½-inch apart.

6. In a medium bowl. Combine 2 cups boiling water and raspberry gelatin. Whisk until fully dissolved.

7. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the entire cake. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the topping.

Topping

1. Spread evenly the raspberry jam over the entire cake.

2. In a large bowl, combine heaving whipping cream, powdered sugar, and coconut extract. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Either evenly spread all of the topping over the entire cake or spread half of it over the entire cake and pipe the other half along the edges of the pan using a piping bag and star tip.

4. Sprinkle coconut all over the top. Place fresh raspberries along the top as desired.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Topping Substitute: An 8 ounce container of Cool Whip can be used in place of the fresh whipped cream.
• Raspberry Substitute: Instead of a raspberry themed cake, strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries garnish can be used in place of the raspberry gelatin and fresh raspberries.
• White Cake Mix Substitute: If you want to substitute the boxed cake mix with a homemade cake version, use these ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Storage

Leftover Zinger Cake is best stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. It's best enjoyed within 2-3 days to ensure the cake maintains its desired texture and the whipped cream remains fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Berry Recipes to Try

• Strawberries Tres Leches Cake
• Cherry Berry On a Cloud
• White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies
• Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits (Copycat Recipe)