This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity dessert that everyone loves! Soft vanilla cake is poked and filled with sweet strawberry sauce, topped with fluffy whipped cream.
Honestly, every slice feels like a little party. I can’t resist adding extra strawberries on top! It’s perfect for gatherings, and it’s so easy to make—just poke, pour, and frost!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake, providing a light fluffy texture. If you prefer homemade, you can use a homemade vanilla cake recipe instead. Just make sure it’s a similar consistency!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries can work too. Just thaw and drain them before slicing.
Strawberry Gelatin: The gelatin gives the cake its unique flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use sugar-free gelatin or even fruit puree to infuse natural flavor.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is super convenient! If you want to keep it lighter, consider homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream. Just whip it up with a little sugar for sweetness.
Mint Leaves: These are for garnish, adding a nice touch. If you’re not a fan of mint, you can skip it or use other fresh herbs like basil for a unique twist!
How Can I Make Sure My Cake Is Moist and Delicious?
To keep your poke cake moist, pouring the gelatin over the holes is crucial. This allows the flavors to seep in. After you poke the holes (step 4), make sure to do it gently, using the handle of a wooden spoon to avoid breaking up the cake.
- Use a deep enough hole for the gelatin to fill but not so deep that it falls apart.
- After baking and cooling, let your cake set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the gelatin to properly set and soak through.
Patience is key—don’t skip the chilling time! It helps the cake absorb all the strawberry goodness.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: eggs, water, oil)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup of strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Strawberry Poke Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake, plus at least 2 hours in the fridge for chilling. So, set aside about 3 hours total, including cooling and chilling time, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box (usually around 350°F or 175°C). In a mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix as directed, adding in the eggs, water, and oil. Once everything’s mixed well, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake it in the preheated oven for the time specified on the cake box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the dish.
2. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top of the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. This will allow the delicious gelatin mixture to soak up into the cake!
3. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water by stirring until fully mixed. Then, add in 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture, stirring gently to combine.
4. Pour the Gelatin Over the Cake:
Evenly pour the gelatin mixture over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into all those lovely holes you’ve made. This is where all the fruity flavor will come from!
5. Chill the Cake:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. This step is key to getting that perfect texture.
6. Add the Topping:
Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the chilled cake. If you like, decorate it with fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint for a lovely touch!
7. Slice and Enjoy:
Your refreshing Strawberry Poke Cake is now ready to serve! Slice it up and enjoy this delightful treat!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberry gelatin with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even orange. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be a delicious poke cake!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?
No problem! You can use frozen strawberries instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before slicing, so the excess moisture doesn’t affect the cake’s texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it; just enjoy as a cool treat!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the cake a day ahead and refrigerate it after adding the gelatin. Just wait to spread the whipped topping until shortly before serving for a fresh look and texture.
