Strawberry Jello Poke Cake – A Moist & Refreshing Dessert

Introduction

If you’re looking for a light, fruity, and incredibly moist cake, then Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is the perfect dessert! This retro classic features a soft vanilla cake soaked with strawberry Jello, topped with a whipped, creamy layer, and finished with fresh strawberries for an irresistible treat.

Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, summer gatherings, or a simple family dessert, this easy-to-make cake is bursting with strawberry flavor and always a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Super Moist & Flavorful – The Jello infuses every bite!
✔️ Light & Refreshing – Perfect for warm-weather desserts.
✔️ Easy to Make – Uses a simple cake mix as the base.
✔️ Customizable – Swap flavors or add toppings!
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, BBQs, or holidays.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, serving ideas, and FAQs to nail this delicious dessert! 🍓✨


What is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a soft, baked cake that is “poked” with holes and then soaked with a flavorful Jello, pudding, or syrup mixture. This allows the cake to absorb the flavors and stay ultra-moist, creating a beautiful, marbled effect when sliced.

🌟 The Secret? The Jello seeps into the cake, making it bursting with fruity flavor and irresistibly soft!


Key Ingredients & Their Roles

1. Cake Base (The Foundation) 🎂

  • White or yellow cake mix – A light, fluffy base that absorbs the Jello well.
  • Eggs, oil, and water – Needed for the cake mix.

2. Strawberry Jello (The Flavor Infusion) 🍓

  • Strawberry Jello mix (3 oz package) – The key to the vibrant color & fruity taste.
  • Boiling water – Dissolves the Jello for easy absorption.

3. Whipped Topping (The Creamy Layer) 🥄

  • Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream – Adds a light, creamy texture on top.

4. Fresh Strawberries (For Garnish) 🍓

  • Adds a fresh, juicy touch to the cake.

5. Optional Additions (For Extra Flavor) 🍫🌿

  • Vanilla pudding – Makes the topping extra creamy.
  • Shredded coconut or white chocolate shavings – Adds texture & sweetness.
  • Strawberry glaze – For an extra fruity drizzle.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown & a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

  • Using a fork, wooden spoon handle, or chopstick, poke holes all over the cake.
  • Make sure the holes go deep enough for the Jello to seep in.

Step 3: Prepare the Jello Mixture

  • In a bowl, mix:
    1 package (3 oz) Strawberry Jello
    1 cup boiling water
    1/2 cup cold water
  • Stir until the Jello is fully dissolved.

Step 4: Pour Jello Over Cake

  • Slowly pour the Jello mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
  • Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow the Jello to set.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Topping

  • If using Cool Whip, simply spread it over the chilled cake.
  • For homemade whipped cream, beat:
    2 cups heavy cream
    ¼ cup powdered sugar
    1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Spread evenly over the cake.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  • Decorate with fresh strawberry slices.
  • Add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for extra flavor.
  • Slice & serve chilled! 🍓🍰

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

✔️ Use a fork or chopstick for smaller holes – Helps the Jello absorb better.
✔️ Let the Jello soak for at least 2 hours – Ensures maximum moisture.
✔️ Use a homemade vanilla cake – For a richer flavor.
✔️ Chill before serving – The flavors set better & taste amazing cold!
✔️ Garnish just before serving – Keeps strawberries fresh & vibrant.


Flavor Variations & Customizations

1. Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake 🍋

  • Use lemon cake mix instead of vanilla.
  • Swap strawberry Jello for lemon Jello.
  • Garnish with lemon zest & fresh strawberries.

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake 🍫🍓

  • Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla.
  • Top with chocolate ganache drizzle.

3. Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake 🍰

  • Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the whipped topping.
  • Use vanilla pudding in the frosting for extra richness.

4. Mixed Berry Poke Cake 🫐🍓

  • Use a mix of raspberry & strawberry Jello.
  • Top with blueberries & raspberries for a vibrant look.

5. Low-Sugar & Keto-Friendly Version 🌱

  • Use sugar-free cake mix & sugar-free Jello.
  • Swap Cool Whip for keto-friendly whipped cream.

Best Side Dishes & Pairings

Beverages to Serve With This Cake

Vanilla Latte or Iced Coffee – Complements the sweetness.
🍹 Strawberry Lemonade – Refreshing & fruity.
🍷 Sweet Rosé or Moscato – A perfect pairing for summer gatherings.

Other Desserts to Pair With

🍪 Strawberry Shortbread Cookies – A crunchy contrast.
🍦 Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – A creamy pairing.
🍫 Dark Chocolate Truffles – A decadent balance to the fruity cake.


FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day since the flavors meld together.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! Wrap slices in plastic wrap & freeze for up to 2 months.

4. Can I use other Jello flavors?

Absolutely! Try raspberry, cherry, or lime for fun variations.

5. What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water before cutting.


Conclusion

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is moist, fruity, creamy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you make it for a summer picnic, holiday gathering, or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

🔥 Try it today for an easy, refreshing dessert that everyone will love!

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Strawberry Jello Poke Cake – A Moist & Refreshing Dessert


  • Author: Emy

Description

This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a fun, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Moist cake, infused with sweet strawberry Jello, topped with fluffy whipped cream—what’s not to love?


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

For the Strawberry Jello:

  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jello (or any berry Jello flavor you prefer)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water

For the Topping:

  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat according to package instructions (usually for about 2 minutes).
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then use a fork to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Jello:

  1. In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until the Jello completely dissolves.
  2. Add 1/2 cup cold water and mix well.
  3. Slowly pour the Jello mixture over the cooled cake, making sure to cover all the holes. The liquid will seep into the cake, creating a colorful, flavorful effect.

3. Chill the Cake:

  1. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the Jello is fully set and the cake is cold.

4. Make the Topping:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping and powdered sugar. Stir gently until smooth.
  2. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
  2. Slice and serve the cake chilled for a refreshing, light dessert!

🔥

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