This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity treat! It’s a soft, fluffy cake poked full of sweet strawberry goodness and topped with fluffy whipped cream. Yum!
Whenever I make this cake, it disappears in no time. People just can’t resist that burst of strawberry flavor! I love serving it cold on warm days—so refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of your poke cake. I love using a classic white mix for its light texture. If you want a twist, you can use a vanilla or lemon cake mix instead for a different flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for this recipe. If fresh berries are not available, frozen strawberries can work too—just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: The gelatin adds that fruity flavor and helps the cake stay moist. For a different flavor, consider using raspberry or cherry gelatin, or even sugar-free versions if you’re looking to reduce sugar.
Whipped Topping: While I typically use Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream can take this cake to the next level. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form.
How Do You Perfectly Poke the Cake Without Ruining It?
Poking holes in your cake is essential for letting the gelatin soak in, but it needs to be done carefully.
- After cooling the cake for 10 minutes, use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon. Poke holes about an inch apart all over the cake.
- Make sure to poke deep enough, but not all the way through the bottom. This allows the gelatin to penetrate well without compromising the cake texture.
This technique is what makes the cake moist and flavorful, so take your time to do it right!
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required to make the cake)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Gelatin:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder
For Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced for topping
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 10 minutes for preparation, 30 minutes for baking, and then at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, overall, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 40 minutes to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and make sure to grease and flour it so the cake comes out smoothly after baking.
2. Make the Cake:
Prepare the white cake mix following the package instructions. Once everything is mixed well, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake it for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will give you a nice fluffy cake!
3. Prepare the Gelatin:
While the cake is baking, take a bowl and mix the boiling water with the strawberry gelatin powder. Stir it until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Set it aside to cool slightly while the cake finishes baking.
4. Poke the Cake:
Once the cake has baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, take a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This is where all the yummy gelatin will soak in!
5. Combine Cake and Gelatin:
Carefully pour the prepared gelatin mixture over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes you poked. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, and then pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the gelatin set properly.
6. Top with Whipped Topping:
After the cake has chilled and the gelatin is set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake. This adds a delicious creamy layer!
7. Garnish:
Now it’s time to make it pretty! Top the cake with sliced fresh strawberries and if you like, add some mint leaves for a pop of color.
8. Serve:
Cut the cake into squares and serve it chilled. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Best Strawberry Poke Cake!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to hull and slice them finely for even distribution on top of the cake. If they’re too large, they may not pair well with the light texture of the cake.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Gelatin?
No problem! You can substitute with another flavor of gelatin, like raspberry or cherry, for a different twist. Just prepare it in the same way as indicated for strawberry gelatin. The cake will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake is best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Just remember to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake it and prepare the gelatin a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully overnight!
