Strawberry Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Poke Cake is a wonderfully light, moist, and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich flavor of cake. This simple yet stunning dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any time you want to indulge in a treat that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The cake is “punched” with holes and filled with a luscious strawberry gelatin, allowing the flavors to soak deep into the cake. Topped with a creamy whipped topping, it’s a refreshing dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup water

For the filling:

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the topping:

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer topping)

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix according to the instructions on the cake box (usually beating for 2 minutes). Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake according to the package instructions (typically 25-30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Make the gelatin filling: While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberry gelatin. In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and mix well. Let the gelatin sit to cool slightly, then stir in the diced fresh strawberries.

3. Poke the cake: Once the cake is finished baking, allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface.

4. Add the filling: Slowly pour the prepared strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure the liquid gets into all the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the gelatin for about 20 minutes.

5. Prepare the topping: While the cake is absorbing the gelatin, prepare the whipped topping. If you want a richer topping, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Then, fold in the whipped topping and spread the mixture evenly over the cooled cake.

6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to fully meld together. Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh strawberries if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12-16

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

• Different fruits: While strawberries are the classic choice, you can swap in other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a fun twist.

• Flavored cake mix: Try using a strawberry or white cake mix instead of yellow for a different flavor profile that complements the fruit.

• For a creamier filling: Add some sweetened condensed milk or vanilla pudding to the whipped topping for extra richness and creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover strawberry poke cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: This cake is best served chilled and should not be reheated. It’s a refreshing, cool dessert that’s perfect for hot weather.

FAQs

Can I make this poke cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the gelatin soaks into the cake and enhances the flavor.

Can I use fresh strawberries for the topping?

Yes! Fresh strawberries are a wonderful addition to the topping. You can either slice them and arrange them on top of the whipped topping or fold them into the whipped cream for extra texture.

Can I use sugar-free gelatin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sugar-free strawberry gelatin to reduce the sugar content. The cake will still turn out delicious and refreshing.

How can I make the cake more flavorful?

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter, or even a bit of lemon zest to the whipped topping for a citrusy kick.

Can I make this cake without using a box cake mix?

Absolutely! You can make the cake from scratch using a homemade yellow cake recipe. Just make sure to bake the cake in the same 9×13-inch pan and follow the rest of the instructions.

Can I freeze strawberry poke cake?

You can freeze the cake, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the whipped topping. To freeze, wrap the cake (without the topping) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then top with the whipped cream before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warm weather and family gatherings. With its moist cake, fruity gelatin filling, and creamy topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake will be a hit with everyone. Simple ingredients, a bit of chilling time, and you have a dessert that everyone will love!

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