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Strawberry Poke Cake is a wonderfully moist, refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a light, fluffy cake base. This dessert is both easy to make and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or just a casual family gathering, this cake is sure to be the star of the table.

The cake is “poked” with holes after baking, allowing the strawberry filling to seep in, creating a flavorful and moist texture throughout. Topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, it’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The combination of vibrant strawberry flavor and light, airy cake makes this dessert irresistible, and it’s perfect for those who love fruity desserts with a creamy finish.

Not only is Strawberry Poke Cake incredibly tasty, but it also allows you to experiment with different variations—whether you want to add a hint of lemon, swap out the strawberry filling for another fruit, or even make it with a different cake mix. This cake can be made in advance, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing choice for any event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Moist Texture

The “poke” technique ensures the cake is incredibly moist, with every bite packed with strawberry flavor.

2. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients, this cake is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for beginners or when you’re short on time.

3. Versatile and Customizable

While strawberry is the classic flavor, you can switch up the fruit or add a twist with flavors like lemon, raspberry, or even chocolate.

4. Visually Stunning

The vibrant strawberry topping, whipped cream, and colorful cake create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions.

5. Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly

You can prepare this cake in advance, and it stores well in the fridge or even the freezer, making it ideal for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Boxed vanilla cake mix
Eggs
Oil
Water

For the Strawberry Filling:

Strawberry gelatin mix
Boiling water
Fresh strawberries

For the Topping:

Whipped cream or whipped topping
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)

Variations

Lemon Poke Cake: Swap the strawberry gelatin for lemon gelatin and top with a layer of lemon curd for a zesty twist.
Berry Medley: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a mixed berry poke cake. You can adjust the gelatin to match the fruit.
Chocolate Poke Cake: Replace the vanilla cake mix with chocolate cake and fill it with strawberry gelatin for a decadent combination of flavors.
Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free cake mix, gelatin, and whipped topping for a lighter version of this dessert.

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions, adding eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the time indicated on the box (usually around 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberry filling. In a bowl, mix the strawberry gelatin with boiling water, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is done and cooled slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1-inch apart. Be sure to poke all the way to the bottom of the cake.

Step 5: Add the Strawberry Filling

Pour the cooled strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure the liquid seeps into the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the filling and let it cool completely, about 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Top the Cake

Once the cake has cooled and absorbed the strawberry filling, spread a layer of whipped cream or whipped topping over the entire surface. Decorate with fresh strawberries on top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve! You can chill the cake in the refrigerator before serving for a cooler treat, or serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overbake the Cake

Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out. The cake should be soft and spring back when touched.

2. Use Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries add great flavor and texture to the topping. You can slice them thinly or leave them whole for a more dramatic presentation.

3. Chill the Cake

Let the cake chill for a couple of hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the cake stays moist.

4. Make It the Night Before

Strawberry Poke Cake tastes even better when made ahead of time. Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge to give it time to set.

5. Poke the Cake While It’s Warm

For best results, poke the cake while it’s still slightly warm. This allows the strawberry filling to soak in more effectively.

How to Serve

Strawberry Poke Cake is perfect on its own, but it can be served alongside other desserts like chocolate chip cookies or fruit salad for a more festive spread. It’s especially refreshing when served chilled, making it ideal for summer parties, barbecues, or picnics. You can also serve it as a light dessert after a heavier meal or pair it with a cup of coffee or iced tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover strawberry poke cake should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the poke cake, but it’s best to freeze it without the whipped topping. Freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and add the whipped topping and fresh strawberries.

Reheating

While this cake is best served cold, if you prefer it slightly warmed, you can microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. However, it’s often best enjoyed chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?

Yes! You can definitely use a homemade vanilla cake recipe instead of a boxed cake mix. Just be sure to poke holes and add the gelatin mixture once the cake is baked.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the topping, but frozen strawberries can be used in the filling. If you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess liquid.

3. Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes! You can use any flavor of gelatin you prefer, such as raspberry, blueberry, or lemon, to create a different fruity flavor profile.

4. Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?

Yes, poking holes is essential because it allows the strawberry gelatin mixture to seep into the cake, ensuring the cake is extra moist and flavorful.

5. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free whipped topping and a dairy-free cake mix to make this recipe dairy-free.

6. How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

Let the gelatin mixture cool before pouring it over the cake to avoid making the cake too wet. Also, make sure to allow the cake to cool before adding the whipped topping.

7. How long should I let the cake sit before serving?

Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, so the flavors can develop and the cake can absorb the filling.

8. Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Yes! You can mix in chopped fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even kiwi to complement the strawberry flavor.

9. Can I use a different topping?

While whipped cream is the classic topping, you can also use frosting, yogurt, or even ice cream for a different twist.

10. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Strawberry Poke Cake is a simple yet spectacular dessert that combines moist cake, sweet strawberry filling, and a creamy topping to create a treat that is sure to please. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or just a sweet snack, this cake is versatile, easy to prepare, and always a crowd favorite. With endless variations and the option to make it ahead of time, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.