Strawberry Poke Cake – an effortless summer dessert made from a white boxed cake mix. After baking, holes are poked into the cake and filled with strawberry gelatin, then the cake is finished with whipped topping and fresh strawberries. Simple to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Strawberry Poke Cake
Poke cakes bring back memories of family potlucks and easy, crowd-pleasing desserts. This strawberry version is built on a white boxed cake mix for a dependable base. After baking, you poke holes through the cake, pour in prepared strawberry gelatin so it soaks into the holes, and finish with whipped topping and fresh strawberry slices. The result is moist, flavorful, and full of bright strawberry taste in every bite.
Using a boxed mix keeps the recipe quick and consistent. The jello mixture should be fully dissolved and still pourable so it seeps into the cake. Chill the cake so the filling sets, then add the whipped topping and strawberries just before serving for the best texture.
Common Questions About Making a Strawberry Poke Cake
What is a strawberry poke cake?
A strawberry poke cake begins with a baked white cake made from a boxed mix. After baking, holes are poked through the top with a skewer, and a softened strawberry gelatin mixture is poured over the cake so it sinks into those holes. The cake is chilled, then topped with whipped topping and sliced strawberries.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 slices.
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream if you plan to serve the cake immediately, but it may weep over time. For make-ahead convenience and sturdier topping, store-bought whipped topping (Cool Whip) is a better choice.
What kind of cake mix should I use?
White cake mix is used here, but yellow or lemon mixes also work well if you prefer a different base flavor.
Can I use other jello flavors?
Yes. Strawberry is classic here, but you can experiment with lemon, cherry, raspberry, or other flavors to match your taste.
How long does this cake last?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days for best freshness.
What other poke cake flavors can I try?
Popular variations include lemon, pineapple, butterscotch, and Oreo poke cakes—each offering a different, delicious profile depending on the gelatin and toppings you choose.
Quick Recipe Summary
Strawberry Poke Cake
Simple, make-ahead poke cake filled with strawberry gelatin and topped with whipped topping and fresh strawberries.
10 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box – eggs, oil, etc)
- 1 box (3 ounces) strawberry jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9″x13″ pan with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions in a large bowl.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake as directed on the box.
- While the cake bakes, dissolve the strawberry jello in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- After baking, poke holes throughout the warm cake with a skewer and pour the jello mixture over the top so it seeps into the holes.
- Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until fully set.
- Top with whipped topping and fresh strawberry slices before slicing and serving.
Notes
* The exact amounts for cake mix ingredients (eggs, oil, water) depend on the brand and are listed on the box.
Never miss a Mildly Meandering recipe
Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Check out the web story for this recipe by clicking HERE.