This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun dessert that’s colorful and full of flavor! It’s made with a fluffy cake, creamy whipped topping, and fresh strawberries that make it super tasty.
You can never go wrong with cake and strawberries! I love how easy it is to make; just poke holes, pour the fruity goodness over, and let it chill. Perfect for gatherings or just because! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Cake Mix: A box mix is super convenient, but feel free to use homemade vanilla cake if you prefer. Just make sure it’s light and fluffy to absorb the Jell-O well.
Strawberry Jell-O: This adds flavor and color! If you want a different fruit flavor, try raspberry or cherry Jell-O instead. Just remember, the sweetness will vary with each flavor.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is my go-to, but you can always use homemade whipped cream. Whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla for a fresh taste.
Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries not only makes it delicious but also pretty! If strawberries are out of season, you could opt for other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
Mint Leaves: These are optional, but they give a lovely pop of color and freshness. You can skip them or use other herbs like basil for a unique twist.
How Do You Get Perfectly Even Holes in Your Cake?
Poking the holes in your cake is key to allowing the Jell-O to soak in. Use a fork or a wooden skewer, and ensure you poke holes about 1 inch apart. Don’t push too deep; just enough to let the Jell-O seep in. This makes sure every bite is flavorful!
- After the cake cools for about 10 minutes, take your fork and gently poke straight down.
- Make sure to cover the whole top of the cake, so it absorbs the Jell-O evenly.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required for the cake)
For the Jell-O:
- 1 cup strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 3 hours of chilling time for the Jell-O to set. You’ll bake the cake, mix the Jell-O, poke the holes, and let it all come together in the fridge. It’s an easy and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will help the cake come out easily after baking.
2. Bake the Cake:
Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the box, using the required ingredients like eggs and water. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven. Once it’s baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
3. Make the Jell-O Mixture:
While the cake is cooling, grab a separate bowl. Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. After that, mix in 1 cup of cold water. Set this aside.
4. Poke the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled slightly, take a fork or a skewer and poke holes all over the top of the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart; this will help the Jell-O soak in nicely.
5. Pour and Chill:
Carefully pour the prepared Jell-O mixture over the poke holes in the cake, making sure it seeps in nicely. Now, transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill it for at least 3 hours. This is important for the Jell-O to set properly!
6. Add the Topping:
Once your cake is set, take it out of the fridge and spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. It’s going to be delicious and creamy!
7. Decorate and Serve:
Last but not least, decorate your cake with the sliced fresh strawberries. If you want to make it extra pretty, add a few mint leaves for garnish. Now it’s ready to slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Best Strawberry Poke Cake!
Can I Use Other Flavors of Jell-O?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavors of Jell-O, like raspberry or cherry, for a different twist on this cake. Just make sure to follow the same instructions for dissolving and mixing!
How Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
You can prepare this cake a day in advance! Just follow the recipe up to step 6, then cover it tightly after it sets in the refrigerator. Adding the whipped topping and fresh strawberries should be done just before serving to keep them fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you have added whipped topping or strawberries, keep an eye on them, as they might not last as long.
Can I Substitute Homemade Whipped Cream for the Topping?
Definitely! You can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then spread it over the cake. It adds a lovely fresh flavor!
