Strawberry Poke Cake – Moist and Flavorful Dessert Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry poke cake is a delightful, moist dessert that combines a fluffy white cake with sweet strawberry gelatin and creamy whipped topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings or a simple family treat.

Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) (3 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 4: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water and mix well.
- Step 5: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, then pour the strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set fully.
- Step 7: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
- Step 8: Slice and serve the cake chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, gently fold a handful of chopped fresh strawberries into the whipped topping before spreading it on the cake.
- Use a flavored whipped topping, such as strawberry or vanilla, to enhance the dessert’s richness.
- Try substituting the white cake mix with a yellow cake mix for a slightly different taste and color.
Storage
Store the strawberry poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the gelatin’s texture and the whipped topping’s freshness. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if preferred.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberry juice instead of gelatin?
Fresh strawberry juice won’t set like gelatin does, so it won’t soak into the cake the same way. Gelatin gives the poke cake its distinctive moist, flavorful texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate after adding the gelatin and whipped topping. It will taste even better as the flavors meld overnight.
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Strawberry Poke Cake – Moist and Flavorful Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Poke Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. A white cake base is baked to perfection, then poked to allow a sweet strawberry gelatin soak that infuses every bite with vibrant flavor. Topped with creamy whipped topping and fresh strawberry slices, this cake is a refreshing treat sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) (3 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake won’t stick.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to avoid crumbling when poking holes.
- Dissolve Gelatin: While the cake cools, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix thoroughly.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the cake surface. This allows the gelatin mixture to soak into the cake deeply.
- Pour Gelatin Mixture: Pour the dissolved strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the entire cake, letting it seep into the holes for maximum flavor infusion.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours so the gelatin sets inside the cake.
- Top with Whipped Cream and Strawberries: After chilling, spread 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries on top to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best moist and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before poking holes to avoid breaking it.
- Use fresh strawberries for topping to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Refrigeration time is crucial to allow the gelatin to properly soak and set, ensuring moistness.
- For extra flavor, warm the gelatin mixture slightly before pouring it over the cake but avoid it being too hot to prevent melting the whipped topping later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry poke cake, moist cake, easy dessert, strawberry gelatin cake, whipped topping cake

