Strawberry poke cake is a perfect dessert if youโre having gatherings with family or friends. They will love you even more once they get a bite of this super light and delicious cake. It’s literally THE BEST.
If youโre new to this cake mix type of cake, it’s hard to describe but I’ll do my best…It’s the perfect combination of light, moist, sweet, melts right in your mouth, and heavenly – all wrapped up in every single bite! Be certain to check out these Strawberry Cheesecake Puffs for another perfect strawberry dessert recipe.
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About This Cake Mix Strawberry Poke Cake
This super moist cake filled with strawberry goodness will make your sweet tooth happy. Just look at this cake in all its glory! Not only is it Instagram-worthy, but the flavor is out of this world.
If you want to impress your special someone (or maybe you just want to devour this cake by yourself), then this jello poke cake recipe is perfect.
The best thing about it is you donโt have to feel guilty while eating this strawberry poke cake with fresh strawberries because it is filled with so much fruit youโll think itโs still healthy (and it has to be, right?!).
Why We Love This Recipe
- It’s flavored with fresh strawberries
- It reminds us of the taste of these Mini Strawberry Lemon Tarts
- This recipe is similar to my Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Ingredients / Shopping List
Strawberry Poke Cake:
- 1 yellow or white cake mix, prepared
- 1 strawberry jello mix, prepared
- 10 oz Cool Whip
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
Strawberry Dessert Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 TBL fresh lemon juice
Substitutions and Additions
Strawberry jello mix: If you want more colors and flavors in your cake, you can substitute any flavored gelatin mix for a more exciting slice. This is the perfect way to change up the taste and flavor.
Cool whip: If you don’t have ready-to-use whipped cream in your fridge, you can always make your own homemade heavy whipping cream. Simply combine cold heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract. Beat it in the mixer at a high-speed setting until you get that whipped cream consistency.
Jello filling: Not everyone is a fan of jello. If you are looking for a great substitute for your jello filling, try using cream cheese instead. In a bowl, add cream cheese and mashed strawberries with sugar. Mix them all together and pour them evenly on your cake. Another substitute for all the sweet tooths out there is sweetened condensed milk. Just get a can of condensed milk and pour it evenly on your cake, making sure all the holes are soaked with this sweet filling.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
- Oven
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Fridge
- Saucepan
- Baking pan
How To Make Strawberry Poke Cake
Just a few simple steps are all that you need to whip up this easy cake recipe!
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is being preheated, get a mixing bowl and prepare your yellow/white cake mix according to the directions on the box. I prefer using a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe. Make certain to spray the bottom of the pan with non-stick spray so that the cake wonโt stick on the pan. Carefully pour your cake batter into the baking pan and pop it in the oven.
Step 2
While the cake is baking, you can start preparing the strawberry dessert topping. In a medium pan, put the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice together. Turn the stove on to medium heat and cook for about 6 minutes or until you get a thick consistency.
It will take longer to thicken if you use frozen fruit. You will know the strawberry topping is ready once it coats the back of a spoon. If so, pour it into a heat-proof bowl and set it aside. Donโt forget to use a kitchen glove so you donโt accidentally burn yourself.
Step 3
Check your cake in the oven. Poke a toothpick in the middle part of the cake and if it comes out clean, then itโs ready to go. Place it on a cooling rack and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 4
In another bowl, pour boiling water (follow measurements written on the jello pack) on the gelatin mix and stir until all the powder has dissolved. When everything is completely dissolved, transfer it into a jar so you can easily pour it out.
Step 5
Wash the strawberries thoroughly and slice them vertically. This will later be put on top of the cake at the end for garnishing.
Step 6
Poke holes in the cake so the jello has a place to go once you pour it in. I used the handle of a wooden spoon and poked in fairly even lines all the way up the cake.
Step 7
Once youโre done poking the cake, itโs time to pour in the jello you made. Make sure to pour evenly to cover every hole you made. Let it cool.
Step 8
Spread the strawberry dessert topping evenly over the cake. Then, let it cool for a bit longer.
Step 9
Once everything is cool, top the cake with cool whipped cream and lay down the sliced strawberries around the cake. You can design the strawberries any way you want. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
Step 10
Slice up your cake with jello and serve chilled. Sit back and enjoy the best strawberry poke cake ever!
Add-Ins
This strawberry poke cake is perfect itself but if you are looking for something more, here are other things you can add to your cake:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Chocolate drizzle
Tips
- Use a sharp serrated bread knife to level the top part of your cake. Leveling your cake is not really necessary because it still tastes the same even if you don’t do this part. Although making your cake even will make it easier for you to design it and it will surely look more professional.
- If you want a more colorful cake, you can add a different food coloring to the jello mix.
- Make sure to clean your knife after every slice so that the cake won’t look messy and it will retain its beautiful appearance.
FAQs
It is called a โpoke cakeโ because you’re literally poking holes into the cake after baking it. The holes will then be filled with jello, so you get a taste of all the flavors in every bite.ย
Transfer the cake into an air-tight container before putting it in the fridge. This way, the cake wonโt dry up, and you can enjoy a slice of whatโs left of this amazing strawberry poke cake anytime you want.ย
No, you can be as experimental as you want. If you want a more colorful and flavorful poke cake, you are free to use any flavored gelatin powder you prefer.
More Cake Recipes
- Hot Cocoa Chocolate Dump Cake
- Homemade Green Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
- Mouth-Watering Pina Colada Poke Cake
๐ Recipe
Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 yellow or white cake mix prepared
- 1 strawberry jello mix prepared
- 10 oz. Cool Whip
- 1 pint fresh strawberriesย
Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberriesย
- 1/2 cup granulated sugarย ย
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is being preheated, get a mixing bowl and prepare your yellow/white cake mix according to the directions on the box. I prefer using a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe. Make certain to spray the bottom of the pan with non-stick spray so that the cake wonโt stick on the pan. Carefully pour your cake batter into the baking pan and pop it in the oven.
- While the cake is baking, you can start preparing the strawberry dessert topping. In a medium pan, put the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice together. Turn the stove on to medium heat and cook for about 6 minutes or until you get a thick consistency.ย
- It will take longer to thicken if you use frozen fruit. You will know the strawberry topping is ready once it coats the back of a spoon. If so, pour it into a heat-proof bowl and set it aside. Donโt forget to use a kitchen glove so you donโt accidentally burn yourself.ย
- Check your cake in the oven. Poke a toothpick in the middle part of the cake and if it comes out clean, then itโs ready to go. Place it on a cooling rack and let it cool for about 15 minutes.ย
- In another bowl, pour boiling water (follow measurements written on the jello pack) on the gelatin mix and stir until all the powder has dissolved. When everything is completely dissolved, transfer it into a jar so you can easily pour it out.
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly and slice them vertically.ย This will later be put on top of the cake at the end for garnishing.ย
- Poke holes in the cake so the jello has a place to go once you pour it in. I used the handle of a wooden spoon and poke in fairly even lines all the way up the cake.ย
- Once youโre done poking the cake, itโs time to pour in the jello you made. Make sure to pour evenly to cover every hole you made. Let it cool.
- Spread the strawberry dessert topping evenly over the cake. Then, let it cool for a bit longer.ย
- Once everything is cool, top the cake with cool whipped cream and lay down the sliced strawberries around the cake. You can design the strawberries any way you want. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Slice up your cake with jello and serve chilled. Sit back and enjoy the best strawberry poke cake ever!
Nutrition
Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!
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Wow. This is such an easy recipe for a lovely dish! Looks delicious, too!
This is a great recipe for anyone who loves strawberries. The combination of light, moist, and sweet makes it have a great flavor. Thanks for commenting.