When you think of a perfect summer dessert, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a light, fluffy cake topped with vibrant, juicy strawberries and creamy whipped topping. Enter Strawberry Poke Cake, a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This irresistible treat is bursting with strawberry flavor and features a light, airy texture with a perfect balance of sweetness. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering, look no further—this easy-to-make Strawberry Poke Cake is everything you need and more.
The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in how simple it is to prepare. With a few key ingredients, you can create a cake that’s guaranteed to be a hit. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step to make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake, share some helpful tips, explore fun variations, and provide storage suggestions so you can enjoy it for days to come.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Strawberry Poke Cake:
- For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or 1 homemade yellow cake if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O gelatin (or another flavor of your choice)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
This combination of ingredients creates a cake that’s tender on the inside, infused with vibrant strawberry flavor, and topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting. The strawberry Jell-O filling soaks into the cake, creating a moist, flavorful experience in every bite.
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Next, follow the instructions on the box of your yellow cake mix. Typically, you’ll combine the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs, mixing until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake
Once your cake has cooled, it’s time to make the signature “poke” holes that give this dessert its name. Using the end of a wooden spoon or a straw, gently poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. Be sure not to poke all the way through the cake, but rather create deep wells for the Jell-O to soak into.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well to make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, add the cold water and mix again. Let the Jell-O mixture sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly, but don’t let it firm up.
Step 4: Pour the Jell-O Mixture over the Cake
Slowly pour the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cooled cake, making sure to pour it evenly over the holes you’ve poked. The gelatin will seep into the holes, creating vibrant, strawberry-infused pockets throughout the cake. Use a spoon to gently push any Jell-O that has pooled on top of the cake into the holes, ensuring that the cake absorbs as much flavor as possible.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Once the Jell-O has been poured over the cake, cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until the Jell-O has fully set and the cake has had time to soak up the flavors. This step is essential for getting the best texture and flavor from the cake.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Topping
While the cake is chilling, it’s time to prepare the whipped topping. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be thick and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is fully chilled and the Jell-O has set, spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out, covering the entire surface. For extra flair, garnish the top with fresh diced strawberries or whole strawberry halves.
Conservation and Storage
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious dessert), you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the cake from drying out.
Freezing:
While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. After making the cake and before topping it with whipped cream, wrap the entire cake (unfrosted) tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving.
Variations
While the classic strawberry version is a favorite, there are plenty of ways to customize your Strawberry Poke Cake to suit your tastes or the season. Here are a few variations to try:
- Mixed Berry Poke Cake: Instead of just using strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberries, you can use a mixed berry Jell-O (like raspberry or blueberry) and top the cake with a combination of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a colorful, fruity twist.
- Lemon Poke Cake: Swap out the yellow cake mix for a lemon cake mix, and use lemon Jell-O instead of strawberry. The tangy lemon flavor paired with the sweet whipped cream topping creates a refreshing, light dessert perfect for spring or summer.
- Chocolate Strawberry Poke Cake: For a more decadent version, try using a chocolate cake mix and chocolate Jell-O. Top it with strawberry whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delicious chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Sugar-Free or Low-Calorie: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using sugar-free Jell-O and a sugar-free whipped topping. You can also make the cake with a low-sugar cake mix for a lighter dessert.
- Caribbean Poke Cake: Use coconut cake mix and pineapple Jell-O for a tropical twist. Top it with coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for a fun, vacation-inspired version of the poke cake.
Serving Suggestions
For Parties:
This cake is perfect for a crowd! Serve it in a large 9×13-inch pan, and let guests scoop out their servings. It’s light enough to enjoy after a big meal but still satisfies that craving for something sweet.
For a Special Occasion:
Dress up the cake for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. Add festive sprinkles or themed decorations, and serve it on a decorative platter to create a show-stopping centerpiece.
As a Refreshing Summer Dessert:
On a hot day, this chilled dessert is the ultimate treat. Pair it with a cold beverage, like lemonade or iced tea, for a refreshing end to a summer meal.
Conclusion
The Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a dessert that’s perfect for almost any occasion. With its bright, fruity flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible sweetness, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you stick to the classic strawberry version or experiment with fun variations, this cake delivers on both taste and nostalgia. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch as it disappears in minutes. Perfect for summer picnics, holiday celebrations, or simply a special treat for the family, this poke cake is as delicious as it is versatile. Enjoy every sweet bite!
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Best Strawberry Poke Cake: 7 Irresistible Delights Await
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Strawberry Poke Cake combines the perfect balance of soft, fluffy cake, vibrant strawberry Jell-O filling, and whipped cream topping. It’s a refreshing and delicious dessert that’s ideal for summer picnics, holiday celebrations, or family gatherings. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix (or 1 homemade yellow cake mix if preferred)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup water
For the Strawberry Filling:
1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O gelatin (or another flavor of your choice)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
For the Topping:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Follow the instructions on the box of the yellow cake mix, mixing together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes in the cake, about 1 inch apart. Don’t poke all the way through to the bottom, but make deep wells for the Jell-O to soak into.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir again. Let the Jell-O cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cake.
Step 4: Pour the Jell-O Mixture Over the Cake
Slowly pour the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cake, making sure it evenly covers the surface and seeps into the holes. Use a spoon to gently push any Jell-O that pools on top into the holes. The gelatin will infuse the cake, adding vibrant strawberry flavor.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours, or until the Jell-O has set and the cake has absorbed the flavors. This is an essential step for getting the best texture and taste.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Topping
While the cake chills, prepare the whipped topping. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is fully chilled and the Jell-O has set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake using a spatula. Garnish the top with diced fresh strawberries or whole strawberry halves for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Notes
Use Whole Milk: If you want to make the whipped topping extra rich, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with whole milk, but it won’t be as thick or creamy as using only whipping cream.
Don’t Overbake the Cake: Overbaking the cake can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on it and check with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully cooked but not overdone.
Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes and adding the Jell-O, so the gelatin doesn’t melt and pool in unwanted spots.
Make Ahead: This dessert can be made the day before serving. Just store it in the fridge and garnish with fresh strawberries just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the recipe (about 1 piece of cake)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Best Strawberry Poke Cake, Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe, Easy Strawberry Cake, Jell-O Poke Cake, Strawberry Dessert, Summer Cake, Fluffy Strawberry Cake
