This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity dessert that everyone loves! With a soft cake soaked in sweet strawberry goodness, it’s perfect for parties or just a family treat.
Let’s be real, the frosting is like a fluffy cloud of strawberry magic! I always have a piece ready for a snack. Just bake, poke, and pour the magic—so simple and so delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: This recipe calls for a white cake mix, which provides a light texture. If you prefer, you can use homemade cake batter or a lemon cake mix for a twist. Gluten-free cake mixes also work well if needed!
Strawberry Jell-O: The strawberry Jell-O adds vibrant flavor and color. You can swap it for any flavor of Jell-O you like, such as raspberry or cherry, for a different taste. Just remember to adjust the fruit toppings accordingly!
Whipped Topping: Store-bought whipped topping is convenient, but homemade whipped cream gives a fresher taste. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. It has a richer flavor that many prefer!
Sliced Fresh Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variety. Canned strawberries could work in a pinch but may not have the same texture.
How Do I Make Perfect Holes for the Jell-O?
Poking holes in the cake is a crucial step for allowing the Jell-O to seep in and enhance flavor. Use the end of a wooden spoon for even spacing, about 1 inch apart. Press down gently to create holes deep enough for the liquid to penetrate but not so deep that the cake crumbles.
- Make sure the cake has cooled slightly to avoid it falling apart.
- Poke the holes evenly across the cake to ensure an even distribution of the Jell-O.
- If necessary, double-check that the holes are completely filled with Jell-O to maximize the flavor.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup strawberry Jell-O (3 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of baking time, plus an additional 2 hours for chilling. In total, you’ll spend roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes to make this delightful treat, allowing the flavors to totally blend together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. Add a bit of flour to coat the greased pan, then tap out the extra. This will help the cake come out easily later!
2. Making the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1 cup of water, vegetable oil, and the 3 eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Once it’s mixed, pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Baking the Cake:
Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake according to the package instructions, which is usually around 30 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
4. Preparing the Strawberry Layer:
While your cake is cooling, grab a bowl and dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until it’s completely dissolved and no granules are left. This sugary goodness is going to add that fruity flavor we love!
5. Poking the Cake:
After the cake has cooled slightly, take the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart. This will allow the Jell-O mixture to seep into the cake, making it extra delicious!
6. Adding the Strawberry Jell-O:
Pour the dissolved Jell-O mixture evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it fills all the holes you just made. Now, let the cake cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
7. Topping It Off:
Once the cake is completely cooled, take your thawed whipped topping and spread it evenly over the top of the cake. This creamy layer is going to make it even more delightful!
8. Adding Fresh Strawberries:
Take the sliced fresh strawberries and arrange them beautifully on top of the whipped topping. If you’d like, you can also add some fresh mint leaves for a lovely garnish.
9. Chilling the Cake:
Now, pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld together and makes each bite oh-so-refreshing!
10. Serving Your Cake:
After chilling, slice up your delicious strawberry poke cake and get ready to enjoy! It’s a perfect treat for any occasion!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberry Jell-O with any gelatin flavor you prefer. Just keep in mind that the end result will taste different, but it can be a fun way to mix things up!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover poke cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them as a topping to avoid making the whipped topping soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Whipped Topping?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream. Simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will add a delightful, fresh flavor to your poke cake!
