Strawberry Poke Cake
Strawberry Poke Cake is one of those easy, go-to desserts that checks every box—it’s crowd-pleasing, low-effort, and works for just about any occasion. Starting with a boxed cake mix keeps things simple, but the strawberry gelatin and whipped topping make it feel like more than the sum of its parts. You can make it ahead, store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze the cake base if you want to prep early. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual hangout, it always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (15 ounces)
- Water, butter, milk, and eggs (according to the cake box instructions)
- 3 ounces strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. In most cases, this means mixing the cake mix with water, oil (or butter), and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth.1 box white cake mix, Water, butter, milk, and eggs (according to the cake box instructions)
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or the top springs back when gently pressed.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Once slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- In a large measuring cup or bowl, mix the strawberry gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Carefully pour the liquid over the entire cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.3 ounces strawberry-flavored gelatin, 1 cup boiling water
- Let the cake cool completely to room temperature. Then spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).8 ounces frozen whipped topping
- Right before serving, top with fresh-sliced strawberries for a vibrant finish. Slice, serve, and enjoy!1 ½ cups fresh strawberries
Video
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="vBqWVjKX" upload-date="2025-08-26T09:30:28+00:00" name="The Easiest Strawberry Poke Cake Ever" description="You won’t believe how quickly this comes together." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]
Notes
- Prep the Baking Dish: Grease or line your baking dish well to make it easier to remove slices later without sticking.
- Mix Thoroughly: Beat the cake batter until fully smooth so you don’t get dry spots or uneven texture in your cake.
- Space Out Holes Evenly: Use a spoon handle or thick straw to make holes while the cake is still warm, which helps keep the cake from tearing.
- Fully Dissolve Gelatin: Stir the gelatin until no granules remain so it’s smooth and pours cleanly into the holes.
- Pour Slowly: Let the gelatin settle gradually so it fills the holes instead of pooling on top of the cake.
- Cool Before Topping: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding whipped topping, or it may melt and slide off.
- Chill for Best Results: Give the cake several hours in the fridge to let the gelatin set and flavors come together.
- Make Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices to keep your cuts neat, especially with the whipped topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!