Picture a freshly baked cake, riddled with tiny but purposeful holes, and each one a portal for sweet, flavorful magic. That's the essence of a poke cake, a dessert with a name as straightforward as its construction. At its heart, a poke cake is a vehicle for soaking up all kinds of goodness, from fruity gelatin to rich pudding. The result? A moist, flavor-packed bite in every forkful.

Although most of us have no idea what Jell-O actually is, we have childhood memories of the jiggly dessert. But in the 1970s, the colorful mix was more than just a sweet treat. The poke cake was originally introduced as a clever way to use boxed Jell-O, which is why poke cakes have a nostalgic charm. They instantly takes you back to 1970s kitchens with avocado-green appliances and pineapple-shaped gelatin molds ready to be filled with everything from fruit to fish, perhaps as a sign of prefeminist rage.

Whether you're a fan of retro treats or just love a dessert that embraces its kitschy roots, poke cakes have stood the test of time. They're also endlessly customizable and perfect for showcasing your favorite flavors. But who do we thank for this wacky yet wonderful dessert innovation?