This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity dessert! It’s light and fluffy, soaked in delicious strawberry jelly, and topped with creamy whipped frosting. Who can resist that?
I love how easy this cake is to make. Just bake, poke, and pour! It gets better as it chills, so you can make it ahead. Perfect for summer picnics or anytime you want a sweet treat! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake. You can use any white cake mix you like, or even a homemade recipe if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free cake mix to substitute.
Strawberry Jell-O: This is what brings that fruity flavor to your cake. If you want to swap flavors, feel free to use raspberry, cherry, or even lemon jello. Just keep in mind that the color and taste will change a bit.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best for a burst of flavor and texture. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can opt for frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
Whipped Topping: I like Cool Whip for its ease, but if you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form for a fresh taste!
How Do I Ensure My Cake Cools Completely?
Cooling your cake properly is key to a great Strawberry Poke Cake. If you don’t allow it to cool completely, the Jell-O won’t set right. Here are a few tips:
- Let the cake sit in the pan for about 10-15 minutes after baking.
- Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes into it; otherwise, you risk it crumbling.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (with ingredients required to make the cake)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup strawberry Jell-O mix (3 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This strawberry poke cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you need to let it chill for at least 2 hours. So, in total, you should plan for roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. While it heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it gently, or you can line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
2. Make the Cake:
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. Mix it up well, then pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake it as directed and keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan.
3. Poke the Cake:
Once the cake is cool, take the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer and poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart. This step is fun and helps the Jell-O soak in nicely!
4. Prepare the Strawberry Jell-O:
In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it really well until it’s completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix again so everything is combined.
5. Pour the Jell-O:
Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture evenly over the holes in the cake, making sure it seeps in. Once done, cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, allowing the Jell-O to set.
6. Add the Whipped Topping:
After your Jell-O has set nicely, it’s time to spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. This will create a lovely creamy layer on top!
7. Decorate the Cake:
Finally, decorate the top of your cake with the sliced fresh strawberries. If you’d like, you can add some fresh mint leaves for a beautiful garnish, making it look even more appetizing.
8. Slice and Serve:
Now you’re ready to slice your chilled Strawberry Poke Cake! Serve it up and enjoy a refreshing treat that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Other Flavors of Jell-O for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry Jell-O is traditional, you can experiment with different flavors like raspberry, cherry, or blue raspberry. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will change accordingly!
How Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
You can bake the cake a day in advance and let it cool completely before adding the Jell-O mixture. Just make sure to cover it well before refrigerating. Add the whipped topping and strawberries on the day you plan to serve for the best texture!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cake from getting soggy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Strawberry Poke Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, it’s better to keep the whipped topping separate from the cake until serving. If that’s not possible, store it all together, but know the whipped topping may become a bit softer.
