This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any gathering! It’s moist and fluffy, soaked with sweet strawberry goodness, and topped with creamy whipped frosting.
I love how easy it is to make! Just bake, poke, and drizzle those strawberry jello bursts over the top. It’s a delight to see everyone’s smiles when they take a bite. 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the foundation of your poke cake. If you prefer homemade, you can use a from-scratch vanilla cake recipe. For a lighter option, consider using angel food cake, which complements the strawberries well.
Strawberry Gelatin: The gelatin gives that fruity flavor and a fun texture. If you want a natural twist, try using fresh strawberry puree mixed with cornstarch for a gelatin-free version.
Whipped Topping: While I enjoy using Cool Whip, feel free to substitute with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until peaks form.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries are essential for flavor. If they’re out of season or too pricey, frozen strawberries can work too! Just thaw and slice them before using.
How Do I Make Sure My Cake Has Even Holes for the Gelatin?
Poking holes in your cake is a key step for soaking up the gelatin. Use a wooden spoon handle or a similar tool—just be gentle so you don’t break the cake. The holes need to be spaced about 1-2 inches apart to distribute the gelatin evenly.
- Cool the cake slightly for about 10-15 minutes to avoid melting the gelatin too quickly.
- Be thorough with the holes; you want plenty of paths for the liquid to seep in!
Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Poke Cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30-35 minutes of baking time, and an additional 2 hours for chilling in the fridge. The total time from start to enjoying a slice is roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix together the white cake mix, eggs, and water until everything is smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
While the cake is cooling, you can make the strawberry gelatin. In a separate bowl, add the powdered gelatin and pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Next, add 1 cup of cold water and mix well to combine.
3. Poke and Fill the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled slightly, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top of the cake. Be generous with the holes—they’ll allow the gelatin to soak in! Now, pour the prepared strawberry gelatin mixture over the top of the cake, making sure the gelatin fills the holes nicely. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, so the gelatin can set and soak into the cake.
4. Add the Toppings:
After about 2 hours, once the gelatin has set, it’s time for the final touches! Spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire cake. Then, top with the sliced fresh strawberries and add some fresh mint leaves for a touch of brightness.
5. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your refreshing Best Strawberry Poke Cake and serve chilled. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry is delicious, you can substitute with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even lemon for a twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the gelatin will affect the overall taste of your cake.
Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free cake mix and replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute, like unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Just ensure your whipped topping is also dairy-free, such as coconut whipped topping.
How Should I Store Leftover Poke Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so you can serve it straight from the fridge! If it’s close to the garnish time, add fresh strawberries and mint leaves just before serving to keep them fresh.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries instead. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before slicing. Alternatively, you can use other berries like blueberries or diced peaches for a fruity twist.
