This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity treat! It starts with a fluffy vanilla cake that’s poked and filled with sweet strawberry goodness. Topped with creamy whipped cream, it’s a hit at any gathering!
Making this cake is a breeze! I love to share it with friends, and trust me, they always ask for seconds. It’s just so light and refreshing—perfect for sunny days! 🍓✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake. If you prefer homemade, you can use flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter instead. However, stick with the cake mix for convenience. Vanilla cake mix works well too!
Strawberry Gelatin: For a fresher option, consider using pureed strawberries or a homemade fruit sauce. If you need a vegetarian version, check for gelatin alternatives made from agar-agar.
Fresh Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are great, you can use frozen strawberries as a substitute if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding!
Whipped Topping: Instead of Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream for a fresh taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut whipped cream is a tasty alternative.
How Do You Create the Perfect Poke Holes in Your Cake?
Poking holes in your cake is a fun and simple step that allows the gelatin to soak in better. Use a fork to gently poke holes about an inch apart all over the surface. The holes should be deep enough to hold the gelatin but not so deep that it falls apart.
- Wait about 10 minutes after removing the cake from the oven to poke the holes. This will keep it from being too hot.
- Make sure the gelatin is slightly cooled before pouring over the cake to prevent it from melting the cake.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Poke Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of preparation time, 30-35 minutes to bake, plus at least 2 hours to chill and set. Overall, you’ll need around 3 hours for the entire process, including cooling and chilling time. It’s super simple and oh-so-refreshing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, get a 9×13 inch baking dish ready by greasing and flouring it. This will help our cake not to stick later.
2. Making the Cake Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix everything together according to the package instructions until it’s nice and smooth. This batter will be the base for our delicious cake.
3. Baking the Cake:
Now, pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Yay, cake time!
4. Preparing the Strawberry Gelatin:
While your cake is baking, let’s prepare the strawberry gelatin. In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well. Let it cool a bit while the cake finishes baking.
5. Poking Holes in the Cake:
Once the cake is out of the oven and has cooled for about 10 minutes, it’s time to poke holes! Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake—this will help the gelatin soak in and make the cake extra flavorful.
6. Adding the Strawberry Gelatin:
Pour the strawberry gelatin evenly over the cake, making sure it fills in all the holes. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This cooling step is key for everything to set up nicely!
7. Topping the Cake:
Once the gelatin has set, it’s time for the fun part! Spread the thawed whipped topping over the cake, making it look all fluffy and inviting. Decorate with the sliced fresh strawberries on top, and if you like, add some fresh mint leaves for a pretty garnish.
8. Serving the Cake:
Now, slice your refreshing strawberry poke cake and serve it chilled. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! If you want to experiment, you can use a different flavor of gelatin, like raspberry or blueberry, to change up the taste. Keep in mind that the colors and flavors will vary, so it may create a different visual and taste experience!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead! Just follow the instructions up to step 7, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld nicely, making it even more delicious by the time you serve it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the cake covered to maintain its moisture and freshness. If the whipped topping starts to lose its texture, you can add a bit more before serving!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used! Just thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before using. Fresh strawberries offer the best texture and presentation, but frozen strawberries will work in a pinch!
