This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and fruity treat! It’s a soft cake soaked with sweet strawberry goodness, topped with creamy whipped topping and fresh strawberries.
Making this cake always makes me smile; it’s super easy and perfect for parties. Plus, I love how every slice looks so colorful and inviting! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: This recipe uses white cake mix for a light and fluffy texture. You can substitute it with yellow cake mix for a richer flavor or even a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding and lifting the cake. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
Strawberry Gelatin: The gel adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer, use homemade strawberry puree combined with gelatin powder instead of pre-packaged gelatin for a fresh twist.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for its ease and texture. If you prefer homemade, you can whip heavy cream with a little sugar until peaks form, but feel free to adjust sweetness to your taste.
Mint Leaves: Garnishing with mint adds a nice touch of color and flavor. If you don’t have fresh mint, consider using a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty finish instead.
How Do I Ensure My Poke Cake Has Perfect Holes for the Gelatin?
Poking holes in the cake evenly is crucial for allowing the gelatin to soak in well. Here’s how to get it right:
- Wait about 10 minutes after baking the cake to let it cool slightly. The warm cake helps the gelatin absorb better.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart. Make sure to poke deeply but not all the way through the bottom of the cake.
- Pour the gelatin mixture slowly, allowing it to seep into each hole. This enhances flavor throughout the cake.
Best Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 large eggs (as per cake mix instructions)
- 1 cup water (as per cake mix instructions)
For The Gelatin:
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare plus 30 minutes to bake. After that, you will need to let it cool and chill, which adds another 2 hours. So, set aside about 2 hours and 45 minutes in total, mainly for cooling and chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking. Next, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, mixing in water, eggs, and any oil if needed. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
2. Poke the Cake:
Once your cake is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake, spaced about 1 inch apart—this is where the strawberry gelatin will soak in!
3. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
In a separate bowl, make the strawberry gelatin by dissolving it in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until it’s completely dissolved. Then, add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir again to combine.
4. Pour the Gelatin and Chill:
Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. After it’s cool, pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so it can set properly.
5. Finish the Cake:
Once the cake is nicely chilled, spread the whipped topping over the top evenly. Then, decorate with the sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream. If you’d like, add some fresh mint leaves for a beautiful finish. Now, your cake is ready to serve cold and delicious!
Enjoy every bite of your refreshing Best Strawberry Poke Cake!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! You can swap the strawberry gelatin for any fruit-flavored gelatin you prefer, such as raspberry or cherry. Just follow the same dissolving instructions, and you’ll have a unique take on this poke cake!
How Do I Store Leftover Poke Cake?
Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It should last about 3-4 days. If possible, keep the strawberries and whipped topping separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain optimal freshness.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure to check the gelatin packaging as well, but most flavors are naturally gluten-free. Follow the rest of the recipe as directed!
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Topping?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks and use that instead. This gives the cake a delicious, fresh flavor and can be a great alternative if you want to avoid store-bought toppings.
