If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a burst of summer in every bite, then you absolutely need to try this Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe. It combines the soft, moist texture of a classic strawberry cake with a luscious gelatin filling that seeps into every nook and cranny, creating a moist and flavorful experience unlike any other. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries, this cake is as visually appealing as it is irresistibly delicious. Whether you are serving it at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays an essential role: from the fluffy cake base to the refreshing strawberry gelatin filling, and the creamy whipped topping that balances the flavors perfectly.
- Strawberry cake mix: The foundation of this cake providing its delightful strawberry flavor and tender crumb.
- Water: Helps to hydrate the cake mix and gelatin, ensuring perfect texture and consistency.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without adding any overpowering flavors.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake batter.
- Strawberry gelatin: Adds that signature poke cake moisture with an extra boost of strawberry flavor.
- Boiling water: Needed to dissolve the gelatin completely for even distribution in the cake.
- Cold water: Helps to cool the gelatin mixture so it can be poured over the cake without melting it.
- Whipped topping: Provides a light and creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the fruity cake.
- Fresh strawberries: Adds a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely garnish to finish off the cake.
How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter and Bake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until the batter is smooth and evenly combined. Pour this into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step gives you a beautifully tender and flavorful strawberry base to work with.
Step 2: Cool and Poke the Cake
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This brief cooling period ensures the cake is firm enough to poke without crumbling apart. Grab the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake, making sure to push all the way down to the bottom. These holes are crucial because they allow the strawberry gelatin to soak in deeply, creating that signature moist texture.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Gelatin Mixture
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in one cup of boiling water, stirring vigorously until completely dissolved. Then add half a cup of cold water to cool the gelatin mixture slightly. Slowly pour this liquid evenly over the poked cake, letting it seep into every hole you made. This infusion is what really transforms the cake into a luscious, strawberry-soaked delight.
Step 4: Chill and Add the Final Touches
Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours at this stage. Allowing the gelatin to set fully is key to achieving the iconic poke cake texture. After it’s nicely chilled and set, spread a generous layer of whipped topping all over the cake’s surface. This cool, creamy topping perfectly complements the tangy strawberry flavors. Finally, scatter freshly chopped strawberries on top for that extra pop of freshness and color.
Step 5: Final Chill and Serve
Pop the cake back into the refrigerator for another hour to firm up the whipped topping and let everything come together beautifully. When ready, slice your cake into squares and prepare for compliments. This cake simply melts in your mouth and bursts with strawberry goodness — a perfect treat for any occasion.
How to Serve Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few lovely garnishes takes this Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Alongside the fresh strawberry chunks, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that pairs well with the sweetness. For a bit of texture, toasted coconut flakes or slivered almonds make an excellent topping too.
Side Dishes
While the cake is delightful all on its own, pairing it with light, complementary side dishes enhances the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream serves as a perfect cooling contrast to the fruity cake. Fresh fruit salad or a citrus sorbet can also be refreshing accompaniments, especially during warm weather gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference when you want to impress guests or make a special occasion feel memorable. Serve this strawberry poke cake recipe in individual mason jars for an adorable single-serve treat. Alternatively, transform slices into mini trifles by layering cake cubes with additional whipped topping and fresh strawberries in clear glasses, showing off the vibrant layers beautifully. For a rustic charm, place the whole cake on a charming cake stand adorned with fresh strawberry vines or edible flowers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. Make sure the whipped topping is covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake, but there are some things to keep in mind. It’s best to freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping and fresh strawberries. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled cake, reheating is not recommended for preserving its texture and flavor. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for the best strawberry-infused moistness and creamy topping experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! Homemade strawberry cake works wonderfully if you prefer baking from scratch. The key is ensuring the cake is sturdy enough to hold the gelatin without crumbling.
What can I substitute for the strawberry gelatin?
If you want to skip gelatin or have dietary restrictions, you can try using fresh strawberry puree combined with a thickener like agar-agar, but it won’t have quite the same setting effect and moisture infusion.
How long does this cake need to chill?
The cake requires at least two hours for the gelatin to set and an additional hour after adding the toppings, for a total of about three hours chilling time before serving.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan or dairy-free, look for a vegan strawberry cake mix, use plant-based whipped topping, and choose egg substitutes in the cake batter. Just keep in mind the texture might differ slightly.
Is it okay to poke fewer holes in the cake?
While you can poke fewer holes, doing so will reduce the amount of gelatin that soaks in, resulting in a less moist and less flavorful poke cake. So for the best results, poke evenly across the entire cake surface.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves vibrant, moist cakes filled with fresh fruit flavor and creamy goodness. It’s truly an easy way to impress family and friends without tons of fuss or fancy ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a go-to dessert for all your celebrations!
Print
Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 3h 45m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that combines a classic strawberry-flavored cake with a luscious strawberry gelatin filling, topped with creamy whipped topping and fresh strawberries. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this easy-to-make poke cake impresses with its vibrant flavor and attractive presentation.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Topping
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 1 cup of water, vegetable oil, and the eggs. Mix well until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes so it’s warm but not hot.
- Poke Holes: Using the end of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake, ensuring the holes reach all the way to the bottom to allow the gelatin to soak in.
- Prepare Gelatin: In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring continuously until completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water into the dissolved gelatin mixture to cool it slightly.
- Pour Gelatin Over Cake: Evenly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake surface, making sure the liquid seeps into all the holes poked earlier.
- Chill to Set: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set firmly inside the cake.
- Apply Whipped Topping: Once the gelatin has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries over the whipped topping for added freshness and color.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the cake for another hour to allow all layers to meld and chill completely.
- Serve: Slice the cake into servings and enjoy this refreshing and fruity Strawberry Poke Cake!
Notes
- Make sure to poke holes deep enough to allow gelatin to penetrate the cake fully.
- Use fresh strawberries that are firm and ripe for the best texture and flavor on top.
- For a creamier topping, you can substitute whipped topping with fresh whipped cream.
- To make this cake ahead, prepare the cake and gelatin layers and refrigerate overnight before adding the topping and strawberries just before serving.
- If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
