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
Scale
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.
