This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a festive treat that’s super easy to make! It’s a soft vanilla cake filled with sweet strawberry goodness. Yum!
Every time I make this cake, my friends can’t resist sneaking a piece before it’s fully cooled. It’s just that good! I love to top it with fluffy whipped cream—so refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A white cake mix forms the base of this cake. You can substitute it with a vanilla cake mix if you want a slightly different flavor. Homemade cake is also a great option if you have the time!
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist. If you prefer, you can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist.
Strawberry Flavored Gelatin: The gel adds sweetness and moisture. You can use a sugar-free option if you’re watching your sugar intake or try another flavored gelatin like raspberry for a unique taste.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for its ease. You can make your own whipped cream for a fresher taste or substitute with dairy-free whipped topping for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Stays Moist and Fluffy?
Getting that light and fluffy texture is key! Start by properly mixing your ingredients. Make sure you don’t overmix; mix until just combined. This keeps air in the batter, giving you a lovely, fluffy cake.
- Follow the baking time closely; overbaking can dry out the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before poking holes. This helps retain moisture when the gelatin is added.
Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetening whipped topping)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Baking will take about 30 minutes, so you can enjoy this delicious treat in just over 2 and a half hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven as directed on the cake mix box. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1 cup of water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix everything together until smooth and well blended. Once mixed, pour the batter into the prepared pan.
2. Bake and Cool the Cake:
Bake the cake according to the package instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Poke Holes and Add Strawberry Layer:
Once the cake is completely cooled, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake, making them about 1 inch apart. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour this gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
4. Refrigerate and Prepare the Topping:
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the gelatin set. After it has set, you can prepare the topping. If you like, mix the whipped topping with powdered sugar until it’s sweetened to your taste. Once mixed, spread this whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Decorate the top of your beautiful cake with sliced fresh strawberries, and if you want, add a few mint leaves for that extra touch. Now it’s time to slice, serve, and enjoy your delightful Best Strawberry Poke Cake!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, you can use any flavor of gelatin you like, such as raspberry or cherry. Just ensure that the color and flavor complement the cake mix for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?
No problem! You can substitute fresh strawberries with thawed frozen strawberries or even use canned strawberries in syrup. If using canned ones, be sure to drain the syrup off to avoid excess moisture!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the cake tightly to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
Yes! Check that your cake mix is dairy-free (many are) and use a dairy-free whipped topping instead of regular whipped topping. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of the cake!
