Strawberry Poke Cake
Strawberry Poke Cake is a sweet and creamy dessert with strawberry Jell-O, homemade strawberry sauce, white cake, and whipped topping.
This Strawberry Poke Cake is a classic dessert with a fresh strawberry twist. A soft white cake is filled with sweet strawberry Jell-O, topped with homemade strawberry sauce, and finished with a fluffy layer of whipped topping. The combination of juicy strawberries, creamy topping, and tender cake makes every bite light, refreshing, and full of flavour.
Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, family dinners, or a simple make-ahead dessert, this strawberry poke cake is easy to prepare and even better after chilling. The homemade strawberry sauce adds a fresh berry flavour that takes this nostalgic dessert to the next level.
Recipe Highlights
- Fresh strawberry flavour: The homemade strawberry sauce uses real strawberries for a sweet, fruity topping that tastes better than store-bought fillings.
- Easy make-ahead dessert: This cake needs time to chill, making it a great dessert to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.
- Soft and moist cake: The strawberry Jell-O soaks into the cake, creating a tender texture with strawberry flavour in every bite.
- Perfect for sharing: Made in a 9×13-inch pan, this dessert makes enough servings for family and friends.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the Jell-O so it absorbs properly without becoming soggy.
- Make sure the strawberry sauce has cooled completely before spreading it over the cake.
- For the cleanest slices, chill the cake for at least 2 hours before adding the whipped topping and serving.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavour and naturally sweet sauce.
- For an extra pretty presentation, top the cake with sliced fresh strawberries just before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce or want to shorten the cooking time, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering strawberry sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- White cake mix: A boxed white cake mix keeps this recipe simple, but you can use a homemade white cake recipe if preferred.
- Strawberry Jell-O: This adds extra strawberry flavour and helps keep the cake moist. You can substitute another berry-flavoured gelatin if desired.
- Fresh strawberries: Fresh berries create the best homemade sauce, but frozen strawberries can be used when fresh are unavailable.
- Whipped topping: Store-bought whipped topping works well, but homemade whipped cream can also be used.
- Lemon juice: A small amount brightens the strawberry flavour. Fresh lemon juice gives the best results.
How to Store Strawberry Poke Cake
Store leftover Strawberry Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because this cake contains whipped topping and fresh strawberry sauce, it should always be kept chilled until ready to serve.
- Make ahead:
This cake is a great make-ahead dessert and can be prepared a day in advance. The extra chilling time allows the strawberry Jell-O and sauce to soak into the cake, making it even more flavourful. - Freezing:
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the whipped topping may change once thawed. For the best results, freeze the cake without the whipped topping and add it after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Strawberry Desserts
- Make this fluffy, easy strawberry mousse with just 3 ingredients – no gelatin, no baking, and ready to chill in minutes!
- Get your fix of sweet strawberries with this no bake strawberry cheesecake recipe for a rich and creamy dessert the entire family will love!
- The easiest dump cake recipe you’ll ever make. This strawberry dump cake is perfect for summer or any time of year!
Strawberry Poke Cake
Yield: 12 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 26 minutes | Chill time: 2 hours
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (15 oz)
- Ingredients needed according to the cake mix package (usually 3 large eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water)
- 1 package strawberry Jell-O (3 oz)
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed on the box. (Image 1)
While the cake bakes, prepare the strawberry sauce. Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
Reduce the heat and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Prepare the strawberry Jell-O according to the package instructions.
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake. Slowly pour the prepared Jell-O over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. (Image 2)
Spread the cooled strawberry sauce evenly over the top of the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set. (Image 3)
Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
Strawberry Poke Cake
Strawberry Poke Cake is a sweet and creamy dessert with strawberry Jell-O, homemade strawberry sauce, white cake, and whipped topping.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (15 oz)
- Ingredients needed according to the cake mix package (usually 3 large eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water)
- 1 package strawberry Jell-O (3 oz)
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour 9"x 9" pan if using cupcake mix, or a 9"x13" pan if using cake mix.
- Prepare mix according to directions and pour into prepared pan.
- Bake 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, puree 1.5 cups sliced strawberries with the honey, until smooth.
- Poke holes 1/2" apart in top of cake using handle from wooden spoon while the cake is still hot. Slowly spoon strawberry puree Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed on the box.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the strawberry sauce. Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Reduce the heat and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Prepare the strawberry Jell-O according to the package instructions.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake. Slowly pour the prepared Jell-O over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Spread the cooled strawberry sauce evenly over the top of the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set.
- Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.over top of the cake, ensuring the puree fills the holes; chill at least 4 hours.
- Spread whipped topping on cake and garnish with remaining strawberry slices.
- Store in refrigerator.
Notes
To thicken the strawberry sauce faster:
If you prefer a thicker sauce or want to shorten the cooking time, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering strawberry sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
