Strawberry Poke Cake is a delicious, refreshing dessert that combines a soft vanilla cake, sweet strawberry gelatin, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s a simple yet stunning cake that’s perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to impress without too much effort. The best part? It gets even better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together for a moist and flavorful bite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Poke Cake

This Strawberry Poke Cake is an easy, semi-homemade dessert that brings together the flavors of fresh strawberries and fluffy cake in a way that feels indulgent yet light. It’s the perfect treat for warm weather, and because it’s made in advance, it takes the stress out of last-minute dessert prep.

A Burst of Strawberry Flavor – Every bite is packed with the fresh, juicy taste of strawberries, thanks to the gelatin that seeps into the cake.
Moist and Refreshing – The poke technique ensures the cake stays soft and absorbs all the delicious strawberry syrup, making it extra moist.
Simple and Quick – Using a cake mix as a base makes this recipe easy to prepare while still tasting homemade.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making it for a party, potluck, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is always a hit.

Let’s dive into the details of this classic Strawberry Poke Cake and why it deserves a spot in your dessert rotation!

Ingredients for Strawberry Poke Cake

To make this delightful Strawberry Poke Cake, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully for a moist, flavorful dessert.

Vanilla Cake Mix – A boxed white or vanilla cake mix provides a light and fluffy base. You’ll also need the ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, water, and oil).
Strawberry Gelatin (Jell-O) – This is what gives the cake its signature strawberry flavor and beautiful red color.
Boiling Water – Helps dissolve the gelatin so it can be poured into the cake.
Cold Water – Cools down the gelatin mixture before adding it to the cake.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) – A creamy, airy topping that balances the sweetness of the cake and gelatin.
Fresh Strawberries – Sliced strawberries add a fresh, juicy element to the cake, making it even more delicious.

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake

Making this cake is incredibly easy, and the process of “poking” ensures the flavors meld together perfectly. Here’s how to bring it all together step by step.

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 butter or nonstick spray.

Mix the cake batter according to the package instructions and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Bake as directed on the box, usually around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are deep enough to allow the strawberry gelatin to seep inside, giving the cake its signature flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin

In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Then, add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix well.

Step 4: Pour the Gelatin Over the Cake

Slowly pour the prepared gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping and Strawberries

Once the cake has chilled, spread an even layer of whipped topping over the top. Then, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries for a vibrant and refreshing finish.

Your Strawberry Poke Cake is now ready to serve! Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy this sweet and fruity treat.

How Long to Chill Strawberry Poke Cake

For the best flavor and texture, Strawberry Poke Cake needs time to chill and absorb all the delicious strawberry gelatin. Here’s a guide to ensure perfect results:

Minimum Chill Time – Let the cake chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the gelatin to fully set.
Ideal Chill Time – For best results, refrigerate the cake for 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb all the moisture.
Quick Chill Tip – If you’re short on time, place the cake in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to speed up the setting process, but avoid freezing it solid.

How to Store Leftovers

Strawberry Poke Cake stores well and even tastes better the next day! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator – Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer – If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to do so before adding the whipped topping and strawberries. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then add the toppings.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Poke Cake

Here are a few simple tips to make sure your poke cake turns out flawless every time:

Use a Wooden Spoon Handle – A wooden spoon handle is the perfect size for poking holes in the cake. Avoid using a fork, as the holes may be too small to absorb enough gelatin.
Don’t Over-Saturate the Cake – Pour the gelatin mixture slowly to ensure it soaks into the holes without making the cake too soggy.
Chill for the Best Flavor – The longer the cake chills, the better it tastes! Overnight refrigeration enhances the texture and allows the flavors to fully develop.
Customize with Toppings – Add a drizzle of strawberry sauce, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, or even white chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

With these tips, you’ll have the perfect Strawberry Poke Cake every time—light, refreshing, and bursting with strawberry flavor!