Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that’s both effortless to make and an absolute showstopper at any gathering, look no further than this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake. This dreamy dessert features a tender white cake base infused with vibrant strawberry gelatin, all crowned with a blanket of creamy whipped topping and fresh strawberries. Every forkful is a celebration of summer sweetness and simple comfort, making it the perfect way to brighten up any potluck, picnic, or sweet craving at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated about this list, but every ingredient plays its own delicious part. From the delicate crumb of a white cake to the burst of juicy strawberries, each bite of Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is packed with color and flavor.
- White Cake Mix: The perfect fluffy, neutral base that lets the strawberry flavors shine. Prepare according to the box instructions for best results.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water: Essential for bringing the cake mix together (double-check your box for exact amounts).
- Strawberry Gelatin (3-ounce box): Adds a sweet, eye-catching strawberry layer that seeps into every bite.
- Boiling Water: Dissolves the strawberry gelatin for that vivid swirl throughout the cake.
- Cold Water: Helps cool down the gelatin before pouring it onto the cake.
- Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Creamy, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, this is the ultimate finishing touch.
- Fresh Strawberries (chopped): Infuse even more berry goodness and add a juicy burst on top of every slice.
- Extra Strawberries (optional, for garnish): For that irresistible, picture-perfect presentation.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing the white cake mix just as the box instructs. Pour the silky batter into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish so you get even edges and a beautiful rise. Let it bake as directed (usually 25 to 30 minutes) until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick pulls out clean from the center.
Step 2: Cool and Poke
Once the cake is baked to perfection, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes. When it’s warm but not hot, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw and start poking holes all over the cake—about 1 inch apart. These little wells are what will catch all that lovely strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Strawberry Gelatin
In a medium bowl, combine the box of strawberry gelatin with one cup of boiling water. Stir until the powder has completely dissolved—the vivid pink color is so satisfying! Next, pour in the cold water and mix again, bringing the gelatin to the perfect temperature for soaking into your cake.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Evenly pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the entire surface of the cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes you created. The cake will quite literally soak up the flavor! Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, allowing the gelatin to fully infuse so you get those gorgeous stripy layers when slicing.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, generously spread the whipped topping over the surface, swirling to the edges for that bakery finish. Sprinkle on the chopped strawberries for a fresh, juicy bite, and add extra sliced strawberries if you want to dazzle your guests (or yourself) a little more. Keep refrigerated until serving—if you can resist!
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
Garnishes
For a classic finish, scatter extra fresh strawberry slices or whole berries right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of mint or a drizzle of strawberry syrup makes this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake absolutely photo-worthy—or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a platter of fresh summer berries or a fruit salad. Even a crisp glass of lemonade or iced tea is a perfect dessert companion!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn each slice into a mini masterpiece by serving in individual mason jars for picnics or parties—just layer cubes of cake, a dollop of whipped topping, and plenty of strawberries. Or, cut the cake into squares and layer it in a trifle dish with extra berries and more whipped topping for a stunning party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cake leftovers should always be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. The whipped topping stays cool and creamy, and the gelatin keeps the cake supple and moist—making Easy Strawberry Poke Cake just as irresistible the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this dessert even earlier, you can freeze the cake (before adding whipped topping and fresh strawberries). Wrap cooled, gelatin-soaked cake tightly in plastic wrap then foil. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, top with whipped topping and berries, and enjoy.
Reheating
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. In fact, the chill is what makes those strawberry flavors sing, especially on hot days. Simply slice and serve straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a silky, freshly-whipped touch to Easy Strawberry Poke Cake. Just whip about 2 cups of cold heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then spread on top as you would with store-bought.
How far ahead can I make this cake?
You can prepare the entire cake (except final garnishes) up to 24 hours in advance. It actually gets even better after chilling overnight, as the flavors have more time to mingle. Just add the whipped topping and extra strawberries close to serving time for best results.
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Of course! While strawberry is classic in Easy Strawberry Poke Cake, raspberry or cherry gelatin both complement the fresh strawberries well. Feel free to experiment if you want a slightly different twist on the original.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply grab your favorite gluten-free white cake mix and proceed with the recipe as written. Be sure to double-check that your gelatin and whipped topping are gluten-free, too.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Certainly. To serve a larger group, bake two cakes side by side in separate 9×13-inch pans, or use a sheet pan if your oven can accommodate. Just scale up the gelatin and topping accordingly, and watch this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake disappear in record time!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake truly is a delicious shortcut to smiles and seconds. With its bold strawberry flavor, creamy topping, and everyday pantry ingredients, it’s a dessert that’s impossible not to love. Give it a try the next time you want a sweet, no-fuss highlight for your table—you just might find it becomes your new go-to favorite!
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Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful dessert perfect for summer gatherings. A light and airy white cake infused with sweet strawberry gelatin, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, this no-fuss cake is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: typically eggs, oil, and water)
Strawberry Gelatin Mixture:
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- Optional extra strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare the cake mix as per package instructions. Bake in a 9×13-inch dish until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Poke Holes: Using a straw, poke holes in the cake.
- Make Gelatin Mixture: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, add cold water, and pour over the cake.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours.
- Add Topping: Spread whipped topping over the cake, sprinkle with strawberries, and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix chopped strawberries into the gelatin.
- You can use strawberry cake mix for a more intense berry taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
