This Root Beer Float Poke Cake brings the beloved soda fountain flavor to a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert. Made with a soft vanilla cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with fluffy root beer–infused whipped topping, it’s a cool and creamy twist on a classic American treat — finished with bright maraschino cherries for the perfect retro touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures all the joy of a root beer float in cake form. The cake is moist and tender, thanks to the root beer and condensed milk, while the topping is light, creamy, and packed with soda-shop flavor. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, no special equipment required, and ideal for potlucks, birthdays, or casual summer get-togethers.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1¼ cups root beer (for cake batter)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Frosting / Topping:
- 1 box Dream Whip (2.3 oz) or whipped topping mix
- 1 cup cold root beer (for Dream Whip)
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, root beer, oil, and eggs. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Once cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke evenly spaced holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for added moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Dream Whip topping by whipping it with 1 cup of cold root beer until soft peaks form. Chill the whipped topping briefly to help it set.
- Spread the root beer whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight, for best texture.
- Just before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries and slice with a warm knife for cleaner edges.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 12 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Chill time: 3–4 hours minimum (overnight preferred)
Total time: About 4–5 hours including chilling
Variations
- Chocolate version: Use chocolate cake mix for a root beer float–meets–chocolate twist.
- Root beer extract: Add a few drops of root beer extract to intensify the soda flavor in both the cake and whipped topping.
- Homemade whipped topping: Replace Dream Whip with stabilized whipped cream for a more natural flavor.
- Frosting boost: Fold in a bit of vanilla pudding mix to the whipped topping for added creaminess.
- Mini poke cakes: Bake in individual ramekins or cupcake tins for single-serving versions.
storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It’s best served chilled, straight from the fridge.
Freezing is not recommended, as the whipped topping may separate when thawed.
Reheating is unnecessary — this cake is meant to be served cold.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Yes, a homemade vanilla cake can be used, but be sure it’s sturdy enough to handle the condensed milk soak.
Will the root beer flavor be strong?
The flavor is gentle and nostalgic — not overpowering, but clearly reminiscent of a classic root beer float.
Can I substitute Dream Whip?
Yes, use stabilized whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping if preferred.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s best made the day before to give the flavors time to meld and the topping to set.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
It adds essential moisture and sweetness to the poke cake. While substitutions are possible, the result may vary in texture.
Can I use diet root beer?
Yes, but full-sugar root beer offers a more robust flavor. If using diet, avoid ones with strong artificial sweeteners that may alter the taste.
What kind of cherries should I use?
Maraschino cherries are traditional for this soda-fountain-inspired dessert. Drain them well before topping.
Why is the whipped topping chilled before spreading?
Chilling helps the whipped topping set slightly, making it easier to spread evenly and hold its shape on the cake.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
It’s best served cold to maintain the creamy topping and moist texture, but it can sit out briefly for serving.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a warm, clean knife (run under hot water and wiped dry) to slice through the cake cleanly, especially when chilled.
Conclusion
Root Beer Float Poke Cake is a nostalgic, crowd-friendly dessert that’s easy to prepare and full of charm. With its moist vanilla base, creamy root beer topping, and classic cherry garnish, it brings soda fountain fun to the table in a fresh and unexpected way. Whether served at picnics, parties, or summer birthdays, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
PrintRoot Beer Float Poke Cake
A soft vanilla poke cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with fluffy root-beer whipped cream, garnished with maraschino cherries for a nostalgic soda-fountain treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box (13.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1 ¼ cups root beer (for batter)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- Frosting / Topping:
- 1 box Dream Whip (2.3 oz) or other whipped topping mix
- 1 cup cold root beer (for Dream Whip)
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla cake mix, 1¼ cups root beer, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Once cool, poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon or a thick straw.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- In a chilled bowl, whip Dream Whip with 1 cup cold root beer until soft peaks form. Refrigerate briefly to set the texture.
- Spread the root beer whipped cream evenly over the cake.
- Chill the cake for at least 3–4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the topping to firm up.
- Top with maraschino cherries just before serving.
- Use a warm knife for cleaner slices.
Notes
- Chilling the cake overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Root beer extract can be added to the topping for extra depth.
- Use full-fat sweetened condensed milk for the richest texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg