If you’re craving a dessert that bursts with juicy strawberry flavor and creamy goodness, this Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s a wonderfully simple yet show-stopping dessert that starts with a fluffy white cake base, gets soaked with sweet strawberry gelatin, and finishes with a luscious cheesecake pudding layer topped generously with fresh strawberries and whipped topping. Every bite feels like a celebration of fresh, fruity delight, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something special. The ease of preparing this cake combined with its irresistible taste means it’s always a crowd-pleaser — trust me, once you try this Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe combines a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fluffy white cake that acts as the sturdy but soft base, to the strawberry gelatin that infuses vibrant flavor and moisture, and the cheesecake pudding that adds creamy richness—each ingredient is essential for that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- White cake mix (1 box, 18.25 ounces): A classic foundation that bakes up light and fluffy, giving the cake structure and softness.
- Strawberry gelatin (3 ounces): Adds a bright, fruity punch that seeps deep into the cake for moistness and flavor.
- Boiling water (1 cup): Used to dissolve the gelatin perfectly so it can soak into the cake.
- Cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 ounces): Brings rich, creamy flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Milk (1 ½ cups): Combines with the pudding mix to create a smooth, velvety topping.
- Whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed): Adds lightness and a fluffy finish to the dessert.
- Strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Fresh fruit layers that provide natural sweetness and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake Your Cake
Begin by preparing your white cake mix according to the package instructions and pouring it into a 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake as directed, usually around 25 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch. Allow the cake to cool completely—this step is critical because a warm cake will cause the gelatin to dissolve too quickly and not soak properly.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake
Once cooled, grab a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake. These holes are the secret to getting that strawberry gelatin to infuse the cake deeply, ensuring every bite bursts with juicy strawberry flavor rather than just a surface topping.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Strawberry Gelatin
Mix the strawberry gelatin powder with one cup of boiling water until completely dissolved. Immediately pour this liquid gently over the cake, making sure to get plenty of gelatin into the holes you poked. This step transforms the cake from simple to spectacularly moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Pudding Layer
Next, whisk the cheesecake pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of milk until thickened and creamy. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the gelatin-soaked cake, spreading it gently with a spatula. This layer adds a dreamy, tangy smoothness that perfectly balances the sweet strawberries.
Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberries
Scatter a generous layer of sliced fresh strawberries over the pudding layer. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness brighten every bite and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy pudding.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping and More Strawberries
Finally, spread the thawed whipped topping over the strawberries for a light, airy finish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of sliced strawberries on top to create a stunning, inviting look. Chill the whole cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to let all the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe extra special, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. These small touches add freshness and visual appeal—a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream to complement its creamy texture. For a lighter accompaniment, try serving it alongside fresh fruit salad, letting the strawberry flavors shine in different forms.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in elegant glass trifle bowls layered with additional strawberries for a stunning presentation. You could also cut it into bite-sized squares and display them on a pretty platter with fresh flowers, creating a dessert table centerpiece that invites rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be covered tightly and refrigerated. This cake holds up really well in the fridge for up to 3 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
While freezing poke cake isn’t usually recommended because the whipped topping and fresh strawberries can lose their texture, if you need to freeze, do so before adding the fresh fruit and whipped topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before decorating and serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries add a delightful natural sweetness and texture that really elevate the cake. Just be sure to slice them evenly for the best layering effect.
Can I substitute the white cake mix with homemade cake?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade white cake recipe if you prefer. The key is ensuring the cake is sturdy enough to hold the gelatin and pudding layers without falling apart.
How long should the cake chill before serving?
For best results, chill the cake for at least 4 hours. This allows the gelatin to set fully and the flavors to meld, giving you the perfect soft yet firm texture in each bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Choose a gluten-free white cake mix and verify that all other packaged ingredients like pudding mix and gelatin are gluten-free certified. This way, you can still enjoy the full experience of the strawberry poke cake without compromising on taste.
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
While strawberries are classic here, blueberries or raspberries can be wonderful alternatives or additions for a different fruity twist. Keep in mind that the gelatin flavor should ideally match the fruit you use for the best harmony.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe is a wonderful go-to when you want a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, simple and luxurious. Its effortless preparation paired with irresistibly fresh and creamy layers makes it a guaranteed favorite for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy and satisfying making a homemade poke cake can be!
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Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a moist white cake infused with sweet strawberry gelatin, creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, and a light whipped topping. Perfectly chilled and layered, it offers a refreshing and flavorful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (prepared according to package instructions, 18.25 ounces)
Gelatin Layer
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
Pudding Layer
- 3.4 oz cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups milk
Topping
- 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)
- 2 cups strawberries (sliced, divided into 1 cup for layering and 1 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a 13×9 inch pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Poke the Cake: Once cooled, use a fork to poke holes evenly all over the top of the cake. This allows the gelatin to soak in and flavor every bite.
- Prepare and Pour Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Carefully pour the warm gelatin over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes for maximum flavor infusion. Let it set briefly.
- Make Pudding Layer: In a bowl, mix the cheesecake pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour and spread the pudding evenly over the gelatin layer on the cake.
- Add Strawberry Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of sliced strawberries evenly over the pudding layer to add fresh fruit flavor and texture.
- Top with Whipped Cream and Strawberries: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the strawberry layer. Finish by garnishing with the remaining 1 cup of sliced strawberries on top.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to allow the cake to cool completely before poking and pouring gelatin to prevent melting.
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for topping and layering.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- If desired, substitute the white cake mix with a homemade vanilla cake batter for a fresher from-scratch option.
- Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed before spreading to avoid clumps.
