Dreamy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe: Summer’s Sweet Charm

Sweet summer memories flood back when making this creamy strawberry poke cake that bursts with fruity delight.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen inspire every tender, moist bite.

Layers of soft white cake become magical when punctured with delectable strawberry sauce.

Each forkful promises a cool, refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

Whipped cream and fresh berries crown this dreamy treat with pure elegance.

Luscious and light, this simple cake feels like a celebration of sunshine.

You’ll want to share this irresistible dessert with everyone you know.

Grab a slice and savor pure bliss.

What Makes Strawberry Poke Cake So Popular

• Use boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it ideal for beginner bakers without complicated techniques.
• The vibrant strawberry flavor and creamy topping guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance, allowing the gelatin to set perfectly and saving you last-minute stress before serving.

What to Gather Before Baking Strawberry Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: Basic foundation of the dessert, provides light and fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the cake.
• Oil or Butter: Ensures moisture and smooth cake consistency.

• Strawberry Jell-O: Creates vibrant strawberry flavor and signature moist texture.
• Boiling Water, Cold Water: Essential for dissolving and setting the gelatin properly.

• Whipped Topping, Cool Whip: Adds creamy, light layer over the cake.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides fresh, sweet garnish and natural fruit flavor, choose ripe and bright red berries for best presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Strawberry Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake The Cake Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare cake mix following package directions. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake according to package time, typically 25-30 minutes. Allow cake to cool for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Cake Holes

Using a fork or wooden spoon handle, carefully poke multiple holes across the entire cake surface. Ensure holes are evenly distributed and go about halfway through the cake’s depth.

Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Gelatin

• Boiling water
• Cold water

Stir ingredients until gelatin completely dissolves.

Step 4: Infuse Cake With Gelatin

Slowly pour gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure liquid seeps into every hole. This will create a vibrant strawberry flavor throughout the dessert.

Step 5: Chill And Set

Refrigerate cake for minimum 3 hours or overnight. This allows gelatin to set and flavors to fully integrate.

Step 6: Add Creamy Topping

Spread whipped topping evenly across chilled cake surface.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Top cake with fresh sliced strawberries. Add extra strawberries for decoration if desired. Slice and enjoy chilled.

Kitchen Tips to Improve Your Strawberry Poke Cake

• Hole-Poking Technique: Create deep, evenly spaced holes to ensure maximum Jell-O absorption for a moist, flavorful cake.
• Temperature Control: Allow cake to cool slightly before adding Jell-O to prevent liquid from burning or becoming absorbed too quickly.
• Gelatin Mixing Precision: Dissolve Jell-O completely in boiling water first, then add cold water to achieve the perfect consistency for cake soaking.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to let flavors meld and Jell-O set completely, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
• Topping Tip: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for a vibrant garnish that adds both visual appeal and burst of natural sweetness to the dessert.

How to Keep Strawberry Poke Cake Fresh for Later

• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the cake's texture and prevent the whipped topping from becoming watery.
• Add fresh strawberries just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess when storing leftovers.

Serving Companions for Strawberry Poke Cake

• Uncork a chilled rosé champagne or sparkling wine that matches the cake's sweet berry profile, cutting through the richness with elegant bubbles.
• Brew a light roast coffee or vanilla-infused espresso that enhances the strawberry's brightness and balances the dessert's sweetness.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or white chocolate ice cream, creating a luxurious temperature and texture contrast that amplifies the cake's fruity essence.
• Pour a cold strawberry smoothie or light strawberry lemonade that echoes the dessert's primary flavor and provides a refreshing palate cleanse.

Strawberry Poke Cake Twists to Try Next

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free cake mix, substitute Jell-O with agar-based strawberry gelatin, and replace whipped topping with coconut cream or vegan whipped topping for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Select a sugar-free cake mix, use sugar-free strawberry gelatin, and opt for a light whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Create a almond flour or coconut flour-based cake, use sugar-free gelatin, and top with a low-carb whipped cream alternative to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

Answers to FAQs on Strawberry Poke Cake

• What ingredients do I need for a strawberry poke cake?

You’ll need a white or vanilla cake mix, strawberry Jell-O, water, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries. The basic pantry staples make this dessert simple to prepare.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! This cake requires minimal baking skills. You’ll follow the cake mix instructions, poke some holes, and pour Jell-O over the cake. Even novice bakers can create a delicious dessert with this foolproof method.

• Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?

Yes, you can swap strawberry Jell-O for other flavors like raspberry or cherry. This allows you to customize the cake’s taste and experiment with different fruity combinations.

• How long does the cake need to chill?

The cake needs to refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but overnight chilling is recommended. This ensures the Jell-O sets properly and the flavors meld together perfectly.

Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry poke cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its moist layers and luscious filling. Creamy strawberry essence and whipped topping create a heavenly treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 (3 ounces/85 grams) box strawberry Jell-O
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Baking and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 cup eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water (as specified on cake mix box)

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tub (8 ounces/227 grams) whipped topping, thawed
• Optional: extra strawberries for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake batter according to package guidelines and transfer to a rectangular baking dish.
2. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
3. Allow the cake to cool for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
4. Create numerous small perforations across the entire cake surface using a fork or wooden spoon handle.
5. Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O completely in boiling water, stirring until no granules remain.
6. Incorporate cold water into the gelatin mixture, blending thoroughly.
7. Carefully drizzle the liquid gelatin over the cake, ensuring it penetrates all the created holes.
8. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the gelatin to set and infuse the cake completely.
9. Once fully chilled, evenly distribute whipped topping across the cake’s surface using a smooth, gentle motion.
10. Garnish the cake with fresh sliced strawberries, arranging them decoratively to enhance visual appeal and add a burst of fruity flavor.

Notes

• Ensure cake mix is thoroughly combined to prevent lumps and create a smooth, even texture.
• Use a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to create consistent, evenly spaced holes for maximum Jell-O absorption.
• Chill cake completely before adding whipped topping to prevent melting and maintain a clean, professional appearance.
• Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free or sugar-free alternatives for dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid ratios as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg