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