This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a treat that’s sure to bring smiles! It’s a fluffy vanilla cake filled with sweet strawberry goodness and topped with whipped cream.
You’ll love how easy it is to make this cake! Just poke holes, pour your strawberry mix, and let it chill. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds—just like mine do! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A standard white cake mix is the base here. You could use a yellow cake mix for a richer flavor, or even a gluten-free mix if needed. Homemade cake can also be an option if you’re up for it!
Strawberry Gelatin: This gives that burst of strawberry flavor. If you’re avoiding gelatin, try using a fruit puree or a vegan gelatin alternative. Jell-O brand can also be switched with similar flavors, like raspberry for a twist!
Fresh Strawberries: These are key for decoration and flavor. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch – just thaw and slice them before use. If you want, you could mix in other berries for added color and flavor!
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is a convenient choice. Yet, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste! Use heavy cream to whip it up nicely with sugar or vanilla.
How Do I Properly Poke Holes in the Cake?
Poking the holes is essential for letting the gelatin soak into the cake. Make sure to do this carefully, creating evenly spaced holes about one inch apart, without going all the way through the cake. Here are some tips:
- Use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork; both work well.
- Don’t rush – take your time to ensure the holes are nicely spaced.
- After poking, pour the gelatin slowly so it fills the holes well without overflowing.
By allowing the gelatin to seep in, you’ll get that delicious strawberry flavor in every bite! Enjoy your delightful creation!
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
For The Toppings:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness to the whipped topping)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry poke cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25-30 minutes to bake, plus an extra 2 hours in the refrigerator for the gelatin to set. So, in total, plan for about 2 hours and 45 minutes before you can enjoy your yummy dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the white cake mix, eggs, and water according to the package instructions. You want it to be nice and smooth—no lumps!
2. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, poke it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
3. Adding the Strawberry Gelatin:
While your cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry gelatin according to the package instructions using boiling water. Once your cake has cooled for a bit, take a wooden spoon or a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake, spaced about 1 inch apart. Now, grab your gelatin and carefully pour it over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps down into all those holes!
4. Cool and Top:
Now it’s time to let the cake chill! Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so the gelatin can set properly. When you’re ready to serve, take the cake out and spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. If you like a bit of sweetness, you can mix in the powdered sugar with the whipped topping before spreading it. To make it pretty, decorate with sliced strawberries and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious strawberry poke cake is ready to serve chilled. Cut it into squares, enjoy, and share with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. They can add a delightful burst of flavor to your cake, but the texture might be a bit softer than fresh strawberries.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Strawberry Poke Cake?
You can store leftover strawberry poke cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Yes! While strawberry is classic, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even orange. Just match the gelatin flavor with corresponding fresh fruits for a fun twist!
What If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
If you don’t have whipped topping, you can easily make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will give you a delicious homemade topping for your poke cake!
