Irresistibly Sweet Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe For Beginners

Dessert enthusiasts adore this strawberry poke cake for its irresistible blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Creamy layers meld perfectly with the vibrant strawberry poke cake texture that makes every bite a delightful experience.

Soft, moist cake meets luscious strawberry filling in this crowd-pleasing treat that sparks joy at any gathering.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.

Whipped cream tops this delectable creation, adding a cloud-like softness that completes the sensory experience.

Each forkful promises a burst of strawberry goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate dessert that turns an ordinary moment into a sweet celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Strawberry Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: Provides the fluffy foundation for this delightful dessert, choose a high-quality mix for better texture and flavor.
• Eggs: Binds the cake mix together, ensures richness and structure, select fresh large eggs for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates moisture and helps cake stay soft, opt for neutral-flavored oil like canola.

• Strawberry Jell-O: Delivers vibrant color and fruity flavor, select name-brand for intense taste and consistent setting.
• Boiling Water: Dissolves gelatin completely, use freshly boiled water for smooth mixture.
• Cold Water: Helps cool and stabilize the gelatin, ensures proper consistency.

• Whipped Topping: Adds creamy, light layer, choose frozen whipped cream for convenience and consistent texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides bright, fresh garnish, select ripe, deep red berries without blemishes for best presentation.

Tools That Help You Poke and Pour Just Right

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking and serving the cake, provides perfect size and shape.
• Fork or wooden spoon handle: Perfect for creating holes in the cake, ensuring gelatin absorption.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing Jell-O mixture and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurately measuring water and Jell-O powder.
• Whisk or spoon: Helps dissolve Jell-O and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife: Useful for slicing strawberries and cutting cake servings.
• Spatula: Great for spreading whipped topping evenly across the cake surface.

How to Bake and Fill a Strawberry Poke Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees and whip up the cake batter following the package magic.

• Bake the Base

Pour the batter into a rectangular pan and bake until golden and perfect (about 25 minutes).

• Create Cake Craters

After cooling for 15 minutes, grab a fork and playfully poke holes all over the cake’s surface.

• Inject Strawberry Goodness

Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water to create a vibrant liquid. Carefully drizzle this sweet mixture over the cake, letting it seep into every delicious hole.

• Chill and Set

Slide the cake into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, allowing the gelatin to transform the dessert into a juicy wonderland.

• Finish with Flair

Top the chilled cake with a cloud of whipped cream and sprinkle fresh strawberry slices for a stunning finale.

Creative Toppings and Flavor Twists

• This cake tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to fully develop and gelatin to set perfectly.
• Replace traditional cake mix with gluten-free or sugar-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Enhance the strawberry flavor by adding a layer of strawberry preserves between the cake and whipped topping for an extra burst of fruity goodness.
• Experiment with different fruit toppings like raspberries or blueberries, or sprinkle crushed graham crackers for added texture and visual appeal.

Presenting This Cake for the Perfect Finish

• Berry Bliss Presentation: Arrange cake slices on elegant white plates with a drizzle of extra strawberry syrup for a restaurant-style finish.
• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack individual cake squares in mason jars for a portable and cute dessert perfect for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.
• Whipped Cream Wonderland: Create beautiful swirls of whipped topping using a piping bag, then sprinkle extra fresh strawberry slices in a decorative pattern across the top for a stunning visual effect.
• Dessert Bar Delight: Set up a cake station with extra toppings like chocolate shavings, crushed graham crackers, or additional fresh berries so guests can customize their slice.

Storing Tips for Maximum Freshness

• Store the strawberry poke cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil when storing to prevent the whipped topping from absorbing other refrigerator odors and maintaining its delicate structure.
• Always keep the cake chilled at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety. Remove from refrigerator just before serving for best taste and presentation.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying for optimal taste and consistency.

Luscious Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories come alive with strawberry poke cake, a dessert that whispers pure indulgence. Creamy layers of moist cake drenched in strawberry glaze promise delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 box white cake mix (plus box ingredients: 3 eggs, ⅓ cup oil, 1 cup water)
• 1 (85 g / 3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
• ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
• 1 tub (226 g / 8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• Optional: extra strawberries for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and craft the cake mixture according to package guidelines, ensuring smooth batter consistency.
2. Baking Process: Transfer the batter into a 9×13-inch baking vessel and bake until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 25-30 minutes.
3. Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to rest and cool for 15-20 minutes, creating optimal temperature for gelatin absorption.
4. Perforation Method: Puncture the cake’s surface comprehensively using a fork or wooden spoon handle, creating pathways for flavor infusion.
5. Gelatin Mixture: Dissolve strawberry Jell-O completely in boiling water, then incorporate cold water to stabilize the liquid mixture.
6. Liquid Absorption: Gently cascade the gelatin solution across the cake, ensuring thorough penetration through created perforations.
7. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 3 hours, permitting complete gelatin settlement and flavor integration.
8. Topping Application: Distribute whipped topping evenly across the chilled cake surface, creating a smooth, uniform layer.
9. Garnishing Finale: Artfully arrange fresh strawberry slices atop the cake, enhancing visual appeal and providing a vibrant flavor complement.

Notes

• Poke holes evenly and consistently across the cake surface to ensure balanced Jell-O absorption and moisture distribution.
• Allow cake to cool slightly before adding Jell-O to prevent gelatin from breaking down and maintain structural integrity.
• Pour Jell-O mixture slowly and carefully, giving it time to seep into holes without overwhelming the cake’s structure.
• Refrigerate cake for minimum recommended time to let gelatin set completely and develop optimal flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg