Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake with its moist white cake, fresh strawberries, and jiggly strawberry jello makes the perfect refreshing dessert! Made with three easy ingredients, you can enjoy this easy cake any time of year!

Liquid Jello mix is poured over the cake so that it seeps down into the cake, making each bite full of strawberry flavor and oh so moist. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a perfect dessert for spring and summer events but the shelf stable ingredients mean you can bake one up whenever the craving strikes!

It's an easy dessert for a backyard barbecue, a birthday party, a picnic in the park, or a treat for the whole family. If you're a fan of simple summer treats, don't miss this Fruit Pizza, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, or our tasty Orange Creamsicle Cookies!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Strawberry Jello: Gives the cake its burst of fruity flavor and vibrant pink color. You can really swap out the strawberry with any other flavor. See below for some inspiration.
• White Cake Mix: The simple base for poke cake. Don't forget to check the box for other ingredients needed to bake the cake. Feel free to make a homemade white cake if you prefer.
• Cool Whip: Makes a simple topping for the cake.

Variations

• Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake: Stir in some fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the cake batter or swap the white cake for a lemon cake mix. For a bigger punch of lemon flavor, sprinkle more lemon zest over the top of the whipped topping.
• Lemon or Lime Twist: For a bright refreshing flavor, swap the strawberry Jello with lemon or lime Jello and garnish the cake with lemon or lime zest.
• Mixed Berry Medley: Use mixed berry Jello instead of strawberry and garnish with an assortment of fresh berries.
• Chocolate Berry: Swap the white cake mix with a chocolate cake mix! Top the cake with chocolate shavings or drizzle it with a rich chocolate ganache and garnish with fresh strawberries.
• Tropical Cake: Use pineapple Jello and garnish the cake with diced pineapple and toasted coconut flakes.

How To Make a Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with Jello

1. Step 1: Bake the cake mix. Bake the cake mix following the directions on the package. When cooked, allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Step 2: Poke holes in the cake. Use a round object, such as the end of a wooden spoon with a round handle, to poke holes in the cake.
3. Step 3: Add the jello. Prepare the strawberry jello according to package instructions, but do not refrigerate. Pour the jello mixture over the top of the cake so that it soaks into the holes created.
4. Step 4: Chill. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours or until the jello is completely set.
5. Step 5: Garnish and serve. Add a layer of Cool Whip on top and enjoy!

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake may soften slightly the longer it sits from the moisture in the Jello. Freezing is not recommended for this cake as it may alter the texture.
• Make Ahead: You can make a poke cake up to 2 days in advance. The cake base can be baked and poked with holes, and the Jello can be poured over it. However, it is recommended to add the Cool Whip layer closer to the serving time for the best texture and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy this all-occasion cake after a hearty weekend dinner of our easy Instant Pot baked ziti or marry me chicken tortellini.
• Carry this strawberry jello cake along to a family potluck with this easy chicken tetrazzini or sloppy joe tater tot casserole.
• For larger groups, offer some dessert choices along with the cake like these 4th of July cupcakes and our fruit pizza cookies.

More Delicious Strawberry Desserts

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