Why You’ll Love Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe
This cake is simple to make with boxed cake mix and a few easy ingredients.
The strawberry gelatin soaks into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
It is a great make-ahead dessert because it needs time to chill before serving.
The whipped topping and fresh strawberries make it look pretty with very little effort.
It serves a crowd, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, cookouts, and family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup water
⅓ cup melted butter, or vegetable oil
1 3-ounce box strawberry Jello gelatin
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
1 8-ounce tub Cool Whip whipped topping, or any whipped topping
Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Add the cake mix, eggs, water, and melted butter or oil to a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when touched.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a wide drinking straw to poke holes evenly across the cake.
Add the strawberry gelatin powder to a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the boiling water and mix until the powder is completely dissolved.
Stir in the cold water.
Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes and covers the surface.
Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill until completely cooled, about 2 hours.
Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 28 to 30 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
Use vanilla cake mix instead of white cake mix for a slightly richer flavor.
Try strawberry cake mix for an extra strawberry-flavored dessert.
Swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry, cherry, or lemon gelatin.
Add sliced strawberries between the cake and whipped topping for more fruit flavor.
Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.
Top with sprinkles for birthdays or festive gatherings.
Storage/Reheating
Store Strawberry Jello Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the cake chilled until ready to serve because of the gelatin and whipped topping.
This cake is not meant to be reheated.
For best texture, add fresh strawberry garnish close to serving time.
Freezing is not recommended because the gelatin and whipped topping may change texture after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes. Homemade whipped cream works well, but the cake should still be stored in the refrigerator.
Do I have to use white cake mix?
No. Vanilla, yellow, or strawberry cake mix can also be used.
How big should the holes be?
The holes should be wide enough for the gelatin to soak in. A wooden spoon handle or wide straw works well.
Should the cake be warm or cold when I add the gelatin?
The cake should be slightly cooled but not completely cold. This helps the gelatin soak in evenly.
Can I use sugar-free strawberry gelatin?
Yes. Sugar-free gelatin can be used if preferred.
Why is my cake soggy?
The cake may become soggy if too much liquid is added or if the gelatin is not poured evenly. Use the listed amounts for best results.
Can I add fresh strawberries inside the cake?
Yes. You can add sliced strawberries on top of the chilled cake before spreading on the whipped topping.
How long does the cake need to chill?
The cake should chill for about 2 hours, or until completely cold and set.
Can I use a different pan size?
A 9 x 13-inch pan works best. A smaller pan may make the cake too thick and can change the baking time.
Conclusion
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is an easy, colorful dessert that delivers sweet strawberry flavor in every bite. With a moist cake base, fruity gelatin filling, creamy whipped topping, and fresh strawberry garnish, it is a simple recipe that looks beautiful and tastes refreshing.
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a light and refreshing dessert made with fluffy white cake, sweet strawberry gelatin, and creamy whipped topping. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1 3-ounce box strawberry Jello gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 8-ounce tub Cool Whip whipped topping (or any whipped topping)
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 ℉.
- Grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and melted butter or oil. Beat with a hand mixer until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when touched.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a wide drinking straw to poke holes evenly across the cake.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the strawberry gelatin powder with boiling water until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the cold water.
- Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake until completely cooled, about 2 hours.
- Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute homemade whipped cream for Cool Whip if preferred.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add sliced strawberries between the whipped topping and cake.
- Allow the cake to chill fully so the gelatin sets properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
