The best Strawberry Poke Cake is effortless to make. It starts with a cake mix but results in a moist and flavor packed dessert.

Strawberry Poke Cake sliced on a plate.
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Strawberry Poke Cake is an easy cake recipe with so much flavor. It is such an Easy Strawberry Dessert. You will love this cake for any occasion. I have been making this cake for years along with Strawberry Fluff Salad, Paula Deen Strawberry Cake and Strawberry Shortcake Bars for tons of strawberry flavor.

For something different, make Fireball Poke Cake and ​​Strawberry Honey Bun Cake.

What is a poke cake?

It is a cake recipe that you poke holes all over after you bake it. Typically these types of cakes have various filling that is generously all over the cake.

This make it so moist and delicious.

Why we love this recipe

  • This cake is simple but fabulous.
  • You only need a few ingredients to make a poke cake.
  • Strawberry Poke Cake is versatile and easy to adapt for what you have in the pantry.
  • Everyone loves it. This recipe is always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients for recipe: eggs, oil, cake mix, jello, water, strawberries, cool whip.

Ingredients

  • White Cake Mix. Plus, the ingredients to prepare the cake based on the instructions .
  • Whipped Topping. I used Cool Whip but Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe is great as well.
  • Fresh Strawberries. I do not recommend frozen strawberries in this recipe.

Get the complete list of ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom.

Recipe variations

  • Jello. You can use any flavor you prefer in this recipe instead of strawberry Jell-O. Some delicious options include: lemon, lime, cherry, peach, and raspberry.
  • Cake Mix. Feel free to try other types of boxed cake mix. Yellow cake is a fabulous substitution for white cake mix. However, keep in mind the contrast between the jello can cake will not be as vibrant as with white cake mix. You can even use chocolate cake. I think chocolate cake mix and cherry would make an amazing combination. Try strawberry cake mix for more flavor.
  • Toppings. The options are endless for toppings. Once you add the store-bought Cool Whip, feel free to add anything you like. Some ideas we love include: sprinkles, coconut, chopped pecans or walnuts, and mini chocolate chips. Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is also delicious.
  • Pudding. Substitute vanilla pudding for the Jell-O. This ingredient swap makes it taste like strawberry shortcake.
  • Homemade whipped topping. If you have just a few extra minutes, you can easily make whipped cream from scratch. It does not take long at all and is practically effortless.

How to make strawberry poke cake recipe

Cake in baking dish cooling.

Step 1. Bake the cake according to the package instructions in the prepared pan. Then allow to cool.

Holes poked in cake.

Step 3. Poke holes all over the cake. You can use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon. I don’t suggest a toothpick because it’s so small.

Jello poured over cake.

Step 4. Make the Jello mixture. Then, spoon the strawberry sauce liquid all over the top of the cake. Make sure to work quickly so the gelatin does not solidify. Then refrigerate for 3-4 hours.

Whipped topping and strawberries on cake.

Step 5. Add the topping. Top the Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with the whipped topping and the sliced strawberries. It’s even better topped with Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream.

Strawberry Poke Cake sliced on a spatula.

Storage

Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. If your cake pan has a lid, use that to cover the cake.

Otherwise, you can use foil or plastic wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it last?

The cake will last up to 5 days stored in the fridge.

How to freeze a poke cake?

Freeze the cake without the topping. Make sure to cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and again with aluminum foil. You can also place the cake inside a large ziploc bag.

It can be frozen up to one month in the freezer.

When you are ready to enjoy, allow the cake to thaw in the fridge the day before. Then add the cool whip and berries when ready to serve.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can! You can make the cake up to 24 hours in advance.

Bake the cake as instructed and poke the holes. Pour the jello mixture all over the cake and refrigerate.

Do not add the cool whip and strawberries. Wait until you are ready to serve. Then spread the whipped cream and garnish with the sliced strawberries.

What do you use to poke a hole in a cake?

You can use a fork or the end of a wooden spoon. I have even used a straw before.

When poking holes, make sure to go all the way down so the filling will be able to soak all the way through.

The key is being generous when poking the holes. The more holes equals more filling getting into the cake.
You definitely want all of that luscious flavor soaked into the cake. It will make for the best dessert.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure the jello has completely dissolved in the hot water. It needs to be well mixed and dissolved before you add the cold water. This will make it easier to mix and result in a smooth consistency.
  • Stick toothpicks in the cake. We do this when storing so the plastic wrap does not damage the topping.
  • Wait to add the topping until ready to serve. Feel free to make this a day in advance but wait to add the topping. When you are ready to serve, add the cool whip and strawberries on top.

    This will prevent the strawberry juice from running into the whipped topping.

More poke cake recipes

Try this easy dessert recipe today for a delicious treat. Then please leave a comment and star rating.

Strawberry Poke Cake

4.86 from 7 votes
The best Strawberry Poke Cake is effortless to make. It starts with a cake mix but results in a moist and flavor packed dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 295

Ingredients

  • 1 box White Cake Mix
  • *Ingredients to prepare the cake based on the instructions
  • 1 Strawberry gelatin mix 3.4 oz box
  • 1 cup boiling Water
  • 1 cup cold Water
  • 8 oz Whipped Topping Cool Whip
  • Fresh Strawberries sliced
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Instructions

  • Prepare cake mix as directed and bake in a 9×13 pan. Let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Poke cake with fork at ½ inch intervals.
  • Prepare jell-o as directed. Spoon over cake mix until jell-o liquid is all gone. Work quickly before the gelatin solidifies.
  • Chill the cake for 3-4 hours.  Then top with the whipped topping and the sliced strawberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 295kcal, Carbohydrates 46g, Protein 4g, Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 28mg, Sodium 356mg, Potassium 56mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 29g, Vitamin A 54IU, Calcium 112mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

4.86 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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