Valentine’s Day Poke Cake is super easy and such a festive dessert. The cake is perfectly moist and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Anyone can make this poke cake and it’s one of our favorite Valentine’s day cakes. It is super easy and starts with a cake mix. We jazz it up with some extras and the outcome is a really decadent poke cake.
The sprinkles make it super pretty for the occasion and the kids can help. This is the perfect dessert and so easy. I also make Valentine’s Day Dirt Cake, Valentine’s Day Rolo Pretzel Turtles and Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies every year.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
- It starts with a cake mix. The recipe is super easy using a cake mix.
- Minimum expense. The recipe is budget friendly to make.
- Delicious and crowd friendly. The cake is so yummy, festive and easy to feed a large group at family gatherings.
Ingredients
- White Cake Mix Box. Plus, the ingredients to make the cake on the bake of the box including eggs and oil.
- Strawberry Jello Mix
- Boiled Water
- Cold Water
- Whipped Topping. We used cool whip but store brand is fine too.
- Valentine’s Day Sprinkles. Use any type you like. You can use pinks and purples or reds or heart shaped sprinkles. Anything will look pretty.
Find the complete list of ingredients for this Valentines Day recipe at the bottom of post.
Variation Ideas
- Jello. You can substitute raspberry or cherry jello instead of strawberry for more delicious flavors.
- Cake mix. We used cake mix but yellow cake mix, chocolate cake or red velvet cakes would work as well. Strawberry cake mix would be pretty if you want even more pink. I like to use what is on sale at the grocery store.
- Sprinkles. You can change the sprinkles for any occasion or color you want. This cake can be made year round.
- Frosting. You can use a cream cheese frosting instead of cool whip on top. Another idea is to dust with powdered sugar for a simple topping idea that is tasty.
- Homemade whipped cream. Store bought is fine but you can certainly make homemade whipped cream. It is so easy to make and you just beat until peaks form.
- Sweetened condensed milk. Pour a can over the cake to soak into the holes.
- Pudding. Try a pudding mixture instead of jello.
How to Make Valentine Poke Cake
Step 1. First, prepare the box cake mix based on the directions on the box in a mixing bowl using high speed. I used a medium bowl. You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Bake the cake batter in the oven using 9×13 inch pan.
Step 2. Allow the cake to cool. Then poke holes all over the cake. I used the handle of a wooden spoon.
Step 3. Combine the gelatin mixture based on the package instructions. Once combined, spoon this all over the cake.
Step 4. Finally, put the cake in the fridge for about 3 to 4 hours. After it has chilled, top with the tub of whipped cream and sprinkles. Put back in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve. You can also top with fresh strawberries when ready to serve.
Storage
Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. You can also place inside an airtight container. Place in the fridge up to 2 days.
Can You Make Poke Cake Ahead of Time?
You can make this a day ahead. It needs time to set so this works out perfectly.
However, I don’t suggest making it any sooner or it will become too soggy.
Also, if possible, wait to add the sprinkles until you are ready to serve so they do not run.
Pro Tips
- Holes. When making the holes in the cake, make sure they go all the way to the bottom. You want all of the liquid to saturate the cake. You can use anything you prefer but I like to use a wooden spoon because it makes the perfect size holes.
- Cake mix. If you prefer homemade, you can make the cake from scratch instead of using the mix.
- Sprinkles. Make sure to cover the cake generously with sprinkles. These make it so festive.
More Valentine’s Day Desserts
- Valentines day chocolate covered pretzels
- Easy Valentine’s Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
- Valentine’s day sugar cookies
- The best Valentines day rocky road candy
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
It’s your turn to try this strawberry jello poke cake recipe for one of our favorite easy dessert recipes. Please leave a comment and star rating once you do.
Valentine’s Day Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box White Cake Mix
- *Plus ingredients to make the cake on the bake of the box.
- 3.3 oz Strawberry Jello Mix
- 1 cup Boiled Water
- 1 cup Cold Water
- 16 oz Whipped Topping cool whip
- Valentine’s Day Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix based on the directions on the back of the box in a 9X13 pan.
- Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Poke cake with the end of a wooden spoon throughout the cake. I spaced the holes about 1″ apart on the cake.
- Prepare jell-o as directed. Spoon over cake mix until jell-o liquid is all gone.
- Chill 3 to 4 hours and top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
