If you’re craving a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of fluffy white cake soaked with sweet strawberry gelatin, layered with creamy whipped topping, and optionally adorned with fresh strawberries that make every bite burst with freshness. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’re moments away from a crowd-pleasing treat that’s ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe means gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing the cake’s flavors and textures to life. From the tender crumb of the white cake mix to the vibrant strawberry gelatin, every component enhances the final masterpiece.
- White cake mix: The base of the cake provides a soft, airy structure that’s perfect for soaking up the strawberry goodness.
- Eggs, water, and oil: These essentials, called for by the cake mix, keep the cake moist and tender.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin (3 oz): Infuses the cake with that unmistakable fruity sweetness and a beautiful pink hue.
- Boiling water (1 cup): Helps dissolve the gelatin completely, ensuring a smooth, flavorful soak.
- Cold water (½ cup): Adds balance to the gelatin mixture for the perfect soaking consistency.
- Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Creamy and light, this topping adds richness and a lovely contrast to the fruity cake.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): Adds a fresh, natural strawberry flavor and vibrant color when sliced and used as a garnish.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter as directed—this is where that trusty white cake mix shines with convenience. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for easy slicing later. Bake the cake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then set it aside to cool completely. This cooling step is important to help the gelatin soak in perfectly without melting or running off.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Gelatin Mixture
While the cake cools, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in one cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved to create a smooth, vibrant mixture. Next, add the half cup of cold water and stir again; this cools the gelatin so it’s ready to be poured over your cake without cooking it further.
Step 3: Poke and Pour the Gelatin
Now the fun part! Use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across your completely cooled cake. These holes will help the strawberry gelatin seep deep into the cake, creating that moist, flavorful texture everyone loves about poke cakes. Slowly pour your gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure it gently fills each hole. Cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least three hours so the gelatin can set beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping and Finish
After the cake has chilled and the strawberry gelatin has set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the surface. This layer adds a cool, creamy texture that complements the fruity soaked cake perfectly. For an extra touch of freshness and elegance, add sliced fresh strawberries on top. Once decorated, slice it up, serve chilled, and watch your friends and family swoon.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices are a natural topper, bringing a burst of color and an extra hint of fruity freshness to each slice. You can also sprinkle some shredded coconut or a few mint leaves for an appealing presentation and added flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn your strawberry poke cake into a full dessert spread, consider pairing it with a simple vanilla ice cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet. The creamy and tangy notes complement the sweet strawberry flavor while refreshing the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in clear glass dishes to showcase those pretty layers of pink gelatin soaked cake and fluffy whipped topping. Alternatively, cut the cake into bite-sized portions and serve them on a dessert tray with fresh berries or edible flowers for an elegant party platter that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps best when covered and refrigerated. Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
While you can freeze strawberry poke cake, it’s best to freeze before adding the whipped topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before adding whipped topping and garnish to keep textures intact.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the perfect balance between cool creaminess and soft cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin?
While fresh strawberries add wonderful flavor as a garnish, the strawberry-flavored gelatin is essential for that signature poke cake texture and vibrant pink color. Using only fresh strawberries won’t replicate the same moistness and infused flavor inside the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can absolutely use a gluten-free white cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients like whipped topping are also gluten-free for a safe and tasty dessert.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
You can use any similarly sized baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch pan—just expect the cake to be thicker and adjust baking times slightly. Keep an eye on it and test doneness with a toothpick.
How long does the refrigeration step need to be?
The cake needs at least three hours to chill so the gelatin can fully set inside and the flavors can meld. For best results, you can refrigerate it overnight.
Can I substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream?
Yes! Freshly whipped cream makes a wonderful alternative, adding a richer flavor and light texture. Just be cautious about serving time as it may not hold as well in the refrigerator over several days.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the simplicity combined with those bright strawberry flavors makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion. So go ahead, give it a try and share this sweet joy with your loved ones—you’ll be delighted by the smiles it brings!
Print
Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. A moist white cake is baked and then poked with holes before being soaked with sweet strawberry gelatin. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and fresh strawberries, this cake offers a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors that is sure to please your family and guests.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients needed on the package: eggs, water, and oil)
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the cake mix package to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the cake batter as directed on the cake mix box, combining all required ingredients and mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for about 25 minutes or as specified on the package, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature, which helps the gelatin absorb properly without melting the whipped topping.
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Stir in ½ cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture to cool it down, ensuring it doesn’t melt the cake or whipped topping when poured.
- Prepare Cake for Gelatin: Use a fork or the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the cooled cake, creating channels for the gelatin to seep in.
- Pour Gelatin Mixture: Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, allowing it to settle into the holes and soak into the cake layers.
- Refrigerate: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and the cake is chilled.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, covering the surface completely.
- Garnish: Optionally, top the cake with fresh sliced strawberries for added freshness and decoration.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing and fruity dessert!
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the gelatin to prevent it from melting the gelatin or whipped topping.
- Using fresh strawberries as a garnish adds texture and enhances the flavor.
- For a firmer gelatin layer, refrigerate for longer than 3 hours if needed.
- Whipped topping can be substituted with homemade whipped cream for a fresher option.
