Name: Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (For a fluffy base.); 2 cups water (Divided for cake and jello.); 1/3 cup canola oil (Adds richness.); 3 large eggs (Binds the ingredients.); 3 ounces strawberry jello, sugar free (Infuses the cake with flavor.); 8 ounces cool whip, light (For fluffy topping.); 16 strawberries (Optional garnish.)

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There’s something utterly charming about a Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake. It reminds me of sunny spring days spent in the kitchen, the aroma of baking cake filling the air. I remember the first time I made this delightful dessert; it was for a family gathering, and everyone just loved how the cake was bursting with flavor and so refreshing. The vibrant strawberries peeking out from the fluffy whipped topping made it simply irresistible. Each slice revealed the cake’s hidden surprises, with strawberry jello seeping into the gently poked holes, creating a moist and flavorful treat. This cake has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Large Pot, Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What’s Great About This Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake

1. Moist and Flavorful

The Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake stands out due to its incredibly moist texture. Unlike traditional cakes, this one’s soaked with strawberry jello, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. The jello adds a unique twist, enhancing the sweetness of the cake and creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a spring picnic, or a simple family dinner, this cake is ideal for any celebration. It’s easy to make in a large batch, ensuring there’s enough to go around. You’ll always be asked for the recipe!

3. Visually Stunning

The vibrant colors of the strawberries and the fluffy whipped topping make this cake a feast for the eyes. You can impress your guests with its beautiful presentation while enjoying its deliciousness. It’s a cake that screams, ‘celebration’!

4. Simple Ingredients

One of the best aspects of the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create something extraordinary. Most of these items can be found in your pantry, making it a go-to recipe when you need to whip up something sweet.

5. Fun to Make

Making this cake is a joy! There’s something satisfying about poking holes in the cake and seeing the jello seep into the warm cake. It’s a fun activity that even kids can enjoy, making it a family-friendly recipe.

6. Versatile

You can modify this cake to suit your tastes. Want to try a different fruit flavor? Go for it! The concept of a poke cake allows for endless variations, ensuring you can always find a combination that you love. Make it your own!

What to Gather for Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake

Gathering the ingredients for the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is part of the fun. This recipe relies on some basic staples, with a few key players that truly shine. The combination of the fluffy cake, sweet strawberry jello, and creamy whipped topping creates a synergy that’s hard to beat. Here’s what you need to create this delicious dessert!

1 box of white cake mix: The foundation of this cake, providing a light and fluffy base that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
2 cups water, divided: Essential for preparing the cake mix and jello, ensuring moistness and flavor.
1/3 cup canola oil: Adds richness to the cake and helps keep it moist.
3 eggs: A necessary ingredient that binds everything together, giving the cake structure.
3 ounces package of strawberry jello, sugar free: This is the magic ingredient that infuses the cake with strawberry flavor and moisture.
8 ounces cool whip, light: The topping that adds a fluffy, creamy layer to each slice.
16 strawberries, optional, for garnish: Fresh strawberries enhance the visual appeal and add a natural sweetness that complements the dish.

How to Prepare Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake

Preparing the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is as enjoyable as it is straightforward. You’ll feel like a pro as you combine the ingredients and create this delightful dessert. Let’s dive into the steps and transform simple ingredients into a sweet masterpiece!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature to ensure your cake bakes evenly. While the oven is warming up, spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, canola oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Take a moment to appreciate the lovely batter; it should be thick and slightly glossy.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures that it cooks uniformly, giving you a beautiful cake.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges will be slightly golden, and the center will spring back when gently pressed.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the cake to settle before adding the jello.
After the cooling time, take the back of a wooden spoon and poke holes throughout the cake. Be generous with the holes; this is where the jello will seep in, creating that moist texture we love.
While the cake is cooling, bring the remaining 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, take it off the heat and whisk in the strawberry jello until completely dissolved. Admire the bright red color of the jello.
Now, pour the jello mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes nicely. The jello will soak into the cake, enhancing its sweetness.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for the jello to set and for the flavors to meld together, making every bite delicious.
Once ready to serve, take the cake out of the refrigerator and top it with cool whip. You can spread it evenly or get creative with a piping bag for a decorative touch.
If you like, garnish with fresh strawberries on top. This adds a beautiful touch and a burst of freshness when served.

Things Worth Knowing

When baking, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier cake.
If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just wait to add the whipped topping until you’re ready to serve.
The poke holes should be spaced evenly to ensure the jello seeps through every part of the cake, enhancing moisture throughout.
For a fun twist, consider using other flavored jellos like raspberry or orange for a different taste experience.

Make It Your Own

There are many ways to personalize the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake to make it uniquely yours. Here are some creative tips to elevate this classic dessert!

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake without the topping for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Variations: Experiment with different fruit jello flavors! Each variation brings a new experience, perfect for different seasons.
Adding Nuts: Chop some nuts and sprinkle them on top of the cool whip for added texture and flavor.
Layering: For a fun twist, layer the cake with fresh strawberries between the layers of jello and cool whip for a stunning presentation.

Best Served With

Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that shines in various settings. Here are some wonderful ideas for serving it:

Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or any festive celebration.
Spring Picnics: The fresh fruit flavors make it an excellent choice for outdoor picnics when strawberries are in season.
After-Dinner Treat: Serve it as a light dessert after dinner, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Coffee Pairing: Enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Garnishes: Fresh mint leaves can be added for a beautiful garnish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in a cool place to keep the cake moist and fresh.

FAQ

Absolutely! While the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is delightful with strawberry jello, you can experiment with flavors like raspberry, orange, or lemon. Each variation brings a new twist to the classic poke cake, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just remember to keep the basic method the same for the best results!

It’s recommended to refrigerate the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake for at least 2 hours after pouring the jello over the cake. This resting time allows the jello to set properly and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully. If you can, refrigerate it longer for an even more delicious experience. Keeping it chilled also enhances the refreshing flavor!

Yes, the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is a great make-ahead dessert! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. Just hold off on adding the whipped topping until you’re ready to serve for the best texture and presentation. This makes it a perfect option for parties or gatherings!

Definitely! Kids love the Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake for its sweet flavor and fun texture. The process of poking holes and watching the jello seep into the cake can be a fun activity for little ones in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a dessert that’s easy to share, making it perfect for family gatherings or kids’ parties!

Conclusion

The Best Ever Strawberry Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience filled with flavor and joy. Its combination of moist cake, fruity jello, and fluffy whipped topping makes it a favorite among friends and family. I encourage you to try making this cake and see how it can turn an ordinary day into a sweet celebration. You’ll find that it’s not just easy to prepare, but it’s also a treat that will bring smiles all around!