This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity dessert! It’s soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet strawberry goodness that makes every bite a treat.
My favorite part? The jiggly strawberry topping that oozes right into the cake! It’s like a summer party on a plate. 🍓 Just bake, poke, and pour—it couldn’t be easier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This forms the base of your poke cake. I prefer using a good quality mix for the best texture. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make a homemade white cake from scratch with flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder.
Strawberry Jell-O: The Jell-O gives the cake its fruity flavor and moisture. If you want a healthier option, consider using a sugar-free gelatin. You can also swap it with another flavored gelatin like raspberry or cherry if strawberries aren’t your thing.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for its light texture. If you prefer a less processed option, homemade whipped cream is a fantastic substitute! Just whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are a must for that bright flavor. If strawberries are out of season, try using fresh blueberries or raspberries instead to keep it fresh and fruity!
Mint Leaves: They add a lovely touch of freshness to the cake. If mint isn’t available, you can omit it or use a sprinkle of edible flowers for color.
How Do You Properly Poke the Cake for the Jell-O?
Poking holes in the cake is crucial for allowing the Jell-O mixture to seep in, making the cake moist and flavorful. Here’s how you can do it easily:
- After the cake bakes, let it cool for 10 minutes; this makes it easier to poke without breaking.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top. Make sure the holes are about 1 inch apart.
- Be gentle; you want to create holes that are deep enough for the Jell-O but not so deep that the cake falls apart.
Letting the Jell-O mixture soak in will create a delightful taste and texture throughout the cake, so don’t skip this step!
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients required for the mix – eggs, water, oil)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup strawberry Jell-O (or similar gelatin)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 35-40 minutes to prepare and bake. After that, you’ll need to let it chill for at least 2 hours, so plan for a bit of waiting time. But it’s totally worth it for the refreshing taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix package. While that’s happening, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. Then, follow the directions on the cake mix package to prepare the batter. Pour this delicious batter into your prepared baking pan and bake it in the oven until a toothpick comes out clean, which should take about 25-30 minutes.
2. Make the Strawberry Mixture:
While the cake is baking, let’s make the strawberry topping. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Make sure to stir it well until it’s completely dissolved. Then, add in 1 cup of cold water and give it a gentle stir again. Set this mixture aside to cool a bit.
3. Poke and Pour:
Once your cake is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, take a wooden spoon handle or a fork and poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. This is where all that yummy Jell-O will soak in! Now, pour the prepared strawberry Jell-O evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then cover it and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so it sets nicely.
4. Finish and Serve:
After the cake has chilled and set, take it out and spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. Then, decorate with the sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle on some mint leaves if you like. Now, it’s time to slice and serve your refreshing Best Strawberry Poke Cake. Enjoy each delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jell-O?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavors of gelatin, like raspberry or blue raspberry, for a different twist. Just make sure the flavor complements the overall taste of the cake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you want to prevent the whipped topping from becoming soggy, try to cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular white cake mix. Just be sure to follow the same instructions for preparation on the package.
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Topping?
If you prefer a different topping, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will add a delicious, fresh taste to your cake!
