Best Strawberry Poke Cake

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There’s nothing quite like a refreshing, sweet, and creamy dessert to brighten up any gathering. This Strawberry Poke Cake is a timeless treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With a light, fluffy cake base infused with strawberry gelatin and topped with a luscious layer of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, every bite is pure bliss.

A Classic and Irresistible Dessert

Strawberry Poke Cake has been a family favorite for generations, thanks to its simplicity and incredible flavor. The process of poking holes into the cake and pouring strawberry gelatin over it ensures a moist and flavorful dessert with beautiful ribbons of strawberry goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is the ultimate combination of light cake, juicy strawberries, and creamy topping, making it perfect for any occasion.

• Super Moist and Flavorful – The gelatin seeps into the cake, keeping it moist and packed with strawberry flavor.
• Quick and Easy to Make – A simple cake mix base and a few easy steps make this recipe practically foolproof.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer BBQ, birthday, or just a sweet craving, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable – Swap the strawberry gelatin for other flavors or add different toppings like chocolate drizzle or crushed cookies.

This cake is as delicious as it looks, and it’s sure to impress your family and guests! Stay tuned for the ingredient list and step-by-step instructions to make this dreamy dessert at home.

Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake

To make this deliciously moist and flavorful Strawberry Poke Cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fresh fruit flavor.

For the Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix – A light and fluffy base that absorbs the strawberry gelatin beautifully. You can also use yellow cake mix for a slightly richer flavor.
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box – Typically eggs, oil, and water. Follow the package instructions for the best results.

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O brand or any other) – The star ingredient that soaks into the cake and gives it its signature fruity taste and color.
• 1 cup boiling water – Helps dissolve the gelatin completely for even absorption.
• 1/2 cup cold water – Helps cool the gelatin mixture before pouring it over the cake.

For the Topping:

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream) – A light and airy topping that balances out the rich, fruity cake.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced – Adds a fresh and juicy touch to each bite. You can also dice some to sprinkle on top for extra texture.
• Optional: 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or glaze – Brushed on top of the strawberries for a glossy and enhanced strawberry flavor.

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How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake

Making this cake is easy and fun! Just follow these simple steps to create a dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with nonstick spray or butter.

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake as directed (usually 25-30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.

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Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon, a straw, or a fork to poke holes all over the surface. Space the holes about 1 inch apart to allow the gelatin to soak evenly into the cake.

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Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin

In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix again.

Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set and infuse the cake with flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Topping

Once the cake has chilled and the gelatin is set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire cake.

Arrange the fresh strawberry slices on top, covering as much or as little as you like. For extra shine and sweetness, you can brush a light layer of strawberry jam or glaze over the strawberries.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. The combination of the soft, strawberry-infused cake, the creamy whipped topping, and the juicy strawberries makes every bite simply irresistible!

This Strawberry Poke Cake is perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or any time you want a sweet and refreshing dessert. Stay tuned for baking times, storage tips, and expert tricks to make this cake even better!

How Long to Bake Strawberry Poke Cake

Baking time is crucial to achieving the perfect texture for your Strawberry Poke Cake. Since the base of this recipe is a boxed cake mix, the baking time follows general cake mix guidelines. However, oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on your cake to prevent overbaking.

Here’s a general guide:

• 9×13-inch pan – Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cupcakes version – If making cupcakes instead of a full cake, bake for 15-18 minutes until set.

After baking, let the cake cool for about 15-20 minutes before poking holes and adding the strawberry gelatin mixture.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover Strawberry Poke Cake, don’t worry—it stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator – Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gelatin keeps the cake moist, making it just as delicious the next day!
• Freezer – You can freeze the cake (before adding the whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add whipped topping and fresh strawberries.

For the best texture, always serve the cake chilled!

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Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Poke Cake

Want to take your cake to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure the best results:

• Use a Wooden Spoon Handle – To create the perfect-sized holes for the gelatin to soak in, use the rounded end of a wooden spoon. Avoid using a fork, as it creates smaller holes that may not absorb the gelatin as well.
• Let the Cake Fully Chill – Refrigerating the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) helps the gelatin set completely, giving the cake the perfect texture.
• Try a Different Gelatin Flavor – While strawberry is a classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even lemon for a unique twist.
• Make it Extra Decadent – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the whipped topping, or sprinkle crushed graham crackers for a strawberry cheesecake vibe.
• Use Fresh Strawberries for the Best Flavor – Fresh, ripe strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness and make the cake look even more beautiful.

This cake is easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, from summer BBQs to Valentine’s Day celebrations! Stay tuned for the printable recipe with a quick summary of ingredients, instructions, and cooking details.

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