This fun and colorful strawberry poke cake is super easy to make! With a fluffy cake, strawberry jello, and creamy cool whip, it’s a treat that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake. You can substitute it with vanilla or even yellow cake mix if you prefer a richer flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a homemade cake mix!
Strawberry Jello: This is what gives the cake its fruity flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, you can use sugar-free Jello without losing too much flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: It adds creaminess and sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work well here, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): For a homemade version, use real whipped cream. If you’re watching calories, a light whipped topping is available.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best for garnish. You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry topping.
How Do You Successfully Poke Holes Without Ruining the Cake?
Poking holes in the cake is essential for letting the strawberry mixture soak in, but it’s also important to do it gently. Here’s how:
- Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the surface.
- Don’t poke all the way to the bottom; you want the mixture to soak into the cake without falling apart.
By taking your time here, you’ll ensure a beautifully moist cake. Enjoy this sweet treat!
Best Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus required ingredients as per box, usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jello gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Fresh strawberries, sliced for topping
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry poke cake will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and 30-35 minutes for baking. You’ll want to chill the cake for at least 2 hours, so plan to make it ahead of time if you can. In total, you’re looking at about 2.5 hours before you can enjoy this tasty dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Next, prepare the white cake mix batter by following the package directions carefully. Pour all that lovely batter into your greased baking pan and pop it into the oven!
2. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. Now it’s time to poke holes all over the surface of the cake using a wooden spoon handle or a skewer. Make sure to poke deep enough for the liquid to soak in, but not all the way to the bottom!
3. Mix the Strawberry Topping:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until everything is completely dissolved, then mix in the sweetened condensed milk until it’s well blended. This is where all the strawberry goodness comes in!
4. Pour and Chill:
Pour that wonderfully colorful strawberry mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes you poked. Let the cake cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours so it can set properly.
5. Top and Serve:
After the chilling time is over, spread the whipped topping generously over the cake. Then it’s time to decorate! Top with fresh slices of strawberries and add mint leaves for a lovely garnish, if you like. Finally, slice it into squares and serve it chilled.
This strawberry poke cake is moist and bursting with strawberry flavor, complemented by the light whipped topping and fresh strawberry garnish. Enjoy this simple, refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Jello?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even lime for a fun twist. Just be aware that the flavor will change accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember that the whipped topping may start to lose its fluff over time.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, this cake is great for making in advance! You can prepare the whole cake and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just add the fresh strawberry garnish right before serving for optimal freshness.
What If I Don’t Have Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you can’t find sweetened condensed milk, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of sugar, heating until dissolved. Allow it to cool before mixing with the Jello for a similar creamy texture.
