This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity treat! It starts with a moist vanilla cake that’s poked and filled with delicious strawberry puree, making it extra sweet and flavorful.
I love how easy this cake is to make! Just bake, poke, and pour in the strawberry goodness. Top it off with whipped cream for a light finish that screams summer. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake mix: Using a white cake mix makes this recipe easy, but you can swap it for a yellow cake mix for a richer flavor. Some prefer homemade white cake if you have time, but stick to what works best for you!
Fresh strawberries: Dicing fresh strawberries adds great texture. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries can work, but let them thaw and drain excess moisture first.
Strawberry gelatin: This ingredient gives the cake extra strawberry flavor. If you’re avoiding Jell-O, opt for a homemade fruit puree with some sugar as a substitute.
Whipped topping: I recommend using Cool Whip for convenience, but you can make your own whipped cream if you prefer. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form.
How Do I Make Sure My Cake Has the Perfect Holes for the Gelatin?
Poking holes is a crucial part of this recipe. It allows the gelatin to soak in, creating that luscious texture. Use a wooden spoon handle or a fork to poke deep but not completely through the cake. The holes should be close together for maximum absorption.
- Start by cooling the cake for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up slightly, making poking easier.
- Poke holes every 1-2 inches across the cake. You’ll want enough holes, but be careful not to tear the cake apart.
Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus extra for topping)
For the Strawberry Gelatin:
- 1 3-ounce box strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for added creaminess)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need at least 2 hours to chill it in the fridge before serving. In total, plan for around 3 hours (including cooling and chilling time) to enjoy your Strawberry Poke Cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Prepare the white cake mix following the package directions, and pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it spreads evenly!
2. Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake as instructed on the box, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This is a good time to tidy up your area!
3. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
While the cake is cooling, grab a medium bowl and dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Mix it well until it’s completely dissolved, then stir in 1 cup of cold water. Set this mixture aside for later!
4. Poke the Cake:
When the cake has cooled slightly, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke deep holes all over the cake—about 20 holes should do it. Don’t worry; they’ll be filled with deliciousness!
5. Pour the Gelatin:
Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake. Make sure it seeps into the holes you just made. The cake will absorb the gelatin to add a burst of flavor!
6. Chill the Cake:
Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully chilled. This helps the flavors meld and keeps it refreshingly cool.
7. Prepare the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping and softened cream cheese (if you’re using it). Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will make the topping extra delicious!
8. Spread the Topping:
Once the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Make it as neat or as fun as you’d like!
9. Add the Strawberries:
Top the cake with the diced fresh strawberries. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, add some fresh mint leaves as a garnish!
10. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice, serve, and enjoy this refreshing Strawberry Poke Cake! Keep it cold and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While a white cake mix is traditional, you can use yellow cake mix or even a lemon cake mix for a citrusy twist. Just follow the package instructions as usual!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, cover the top with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Substitute Fresh Strawberries for Frozen Ones?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Make sure they’re fully thawed and drained of excess liquid to prevent making the cake soggy. Just chop them up and proceed with the recipe!
How Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this cake dairy-free by using a dairy-free whipped topping and replacing the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omitting it altogether. The cake will still be deliciously fruity and refreshing!
