If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s as dazzling as it is delicious, the Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is about to become your go-to recipe. This sweet stunner delivers vibrant strawberry flavor, an ultra-moist crumb, and a cloud-like whipped topping — all with minimal effort! Even when summer’s heat drives us from the kitchen, you can whip up this refreshing treat with simple pantry ingredients and fresh berries. Whether it’s for a potluck, birthday party, or just a Wednesday night craving, Easy Strawberry Poke Cake always steals the show and delights everyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity, and with Easy Strawberry Poke Cake, each ingredient brings its own magic to the table. The list is short, but every part is essential for that signature color, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this cake unforgettable.
- White Cake Mix: Delivers a soft, fluffy base that soaks up all the yummy strawberry flavor. Just grab your favorite brand and follow the box instructions for best results.
- Strawberry Gelatin: This is the secret ingredient for those gorgeous pink stripes and juicy berry taste in every bite.
- Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin, ensuring it’s perfectly distributed throughout the cake.
- Cold Water: Helps drop the temperature of the gelatin mixture so it sets up beautifully inside the cake.
- Whipped Topping: A super simple, sweet and creamy layer that ties everything together — and makes decorating a breeze.
- Fresh Strawberries: Diced berries add a juicy pop of real fruit to every forkful and make your cake totally Instagram-worthy.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
First, prepare your white cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. The baking time should be around 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it — you want a lightly golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean.
Step 2: Poke the Holes
As soon as the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for just 15 minutes. Then, take the handle of a wooden spoon (or something similar) and poke holes evenly all over the warm cake. Try to space the holes about an inch apart — this is what will create those signature strawberry streaks throughout every slice.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Gelatin
Next, dissolve your strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to bring down the temperature, which helps the gelatin start setting once it’s poured on the cake. This step really lets the Easy Strawberry Poke Cake live up to its name!
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the gelatin mixture slowly and evenly over the surface of the cake, making sure it sinks into all the poked holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (longer if you have time), so the gelatin can set and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, spread a thick, even layer of whipped topping over the top. Sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries all over for a burst of color and freshness. For a little extra flair, you can even toss the berries in a sprinkle of sugar for a glossier finish. Keep the Easy Strawberry Poke Cake refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
Garnishes
Garnishing this cake is half the fun! Besides the fresh diced strawberries, try adding a few mint leaves, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a handful of pastel sprinkles for a festive pop. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can make this cake look straight out of a bakery window.
Side Dishes
This cake is wonderfully light and pairs perfectly with other simple desserts like vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a small fruit salad. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider a cool pitcher of lemonade, or a platter of crisp, buttery cookies for a delightful summer dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stick to the traditional pan! Turn Easy Strawberry Poke Cake into bite-sized trifles by layering cubes of cake, whipped topping, and strawberries in small jars or cups. Or slice it into squares and serve on a pretty cake stand for instant party style. Individual dessert cups are especially fun for kids and outdoor celebrations, making cleanup effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Strawberry Poke Cake, just cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle together overnight.
Freezing
Surprisingly, this cake freezes quite well! Wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. For best taste and texture, freeze before adding the whipped topping and fresh strawberries, and add those just before serving.
Reheating
This is a dessert best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your cake was frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving for that just-made taste and even texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry gives the classic flavor, raspberry or cherry gelatin will work just as well and offer a fun twist on the Easy Strawberry Poke Cake. Try your favorite and see which version you love best.
Do I have to use store-bought whipped topping?
Not at all. If you prefer homemade whipped cream, simply beat cold heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Spread it over the chilled cake right before serving for an extra-special touch.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
The handle of a wooden spoon is perfect for making generously sized holes, but you can also use a thick straw or even a clean chopstick. Just be sure the holes are wide enough for the gelatin to flow in easily.
Can I make Easy Strawberry Poke Cake in advance?
Yes! In fact, this cake gets even better after chilling, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or busy weeks. Assemble the cake the day before and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to add the whipped topping and strawberries.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Always grease your baking pan before pouring in the batter, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Letting the cake cool slightly before poking also helps prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake enough. It’s a recipe that brings smiles, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. So the next time you need a cheerful, crowd-pleasing dessert, give this one a try — your friends and family will thank you, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity delight of this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake. A light and airy white cake soaked in strawberry gelatin, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, making it a perfect summer dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Strawberry Gelatin Mixture:
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare and bake cake according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Create Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake.
- Make Gelatin Mixture: In a medium bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then stir in cold water. Pour gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Add Toppings: Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake, then sprinkle diced strawberries on top.
- Serve: Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar before topping the cake.
- Try this recipe with raspberry or cherry gelatin for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
