Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is an easy dessert made with cake mix, strawberry gelatin and fluffy whipped topping for frosting. Perfect for spring and summer!
Classic Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a super easy dessert that's been around for ages. It's light, fluffy and makes a delicious Easter dessert. Actually, it's perfect anytime!
Jello poke cake recipes are so easy that my kids love to make them. We make Red, White and Blue Poke Cake for the patriotic holidays. Sometimes, I use syrup instead of Jello when I make strawberry poke cake with chocolate frosting.
You can also make a layered poke cake if you want to get fancy. My grandma used to make a layered Jello poke cake with red and green Jello during the Christmas holidays. I have a soft spot for old fashioned side salads and desserts, so this cake is on my list to try!
How to make a Jello Poke Cake
I almost always use a cake mix when I make Jello poke cakes, but you can use a homemade cake from scratch if you prefer. Basically, you follow the directions on the box of cake mix to make the cake.
Then, you let it cool slightly, and poke holes into the cake with a large drinking straw or the handle of a wooden spoon. We like to make the holes bigger so that you get wider ribbons of Jello. But, that's just us.
Next, you mix up the Jello gelatin powder and water and pour it all over the cake. Make sure you get the Jello into the holes. You can also use a spoon to spread it evenly over the top.
Then, you can frost the cake with your favorite frosting. I usually use Cool Whip to frost poke cakes since I want to keep everything nice and light and fluffy. You can also use whipped cream if you're serving the cake right away.
Can You Make Strawberry Poke Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! If you're using whipped topping or frosting , frost the cake and refrigerate until ready to serve. I recommend adding fresh strawberries right before serving so that the juice doesn't make the frosting soggy.
If you want to use real whipped cream, add that right before serving. You can also serve the poke cake with fresh strawberries on the side.
Does Poke Cake Need to be Refrigerated?
You need to refrigerate the cake while the Jello sets and if you're using Cool Whip or whipped cream. You can leave the poke cake out while you're serving it or for a potluck. Poke cakes go fast!
More Jello Recipes
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
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
- .5 cup cold water
- 1 8-ounce tub whipped topping
- fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Grease or spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray
- Add the cake mix, eggs, water, butter (or oil) to a large mixing bowl, and beat with hand mixer until well combined
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish, and bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and top springs back lightly when touched
- Remove from oven, and allow to cool slightly
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a wide drinking straw to poke holes evenly in the cake
- Add the strawberry gelatin powder to a medium mixing bowl, stir in boiling water, and mix until powder is completely dissolved
- Stir in cold water
- Pour gelatin over cake and into holes, making sure gelatin covers cake
- Place in refrigerator, and refrigerate until completely cooled
- Top with whipped topping or whipped cream, and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this easy strawberry poke cake recipe as much as we do!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This is such an amazing flavor ! Would love to try it!
This looks incredibly delicious!
Taylor says
Perfect dessert to bring to potlucks! Easy and delicious!
Paula says
Such great family gatherings memories around poke cakes. Looks delicious.
Jade Manning says
This looks like it could finally satisfy my sweet tooth if the kids don't eat it all first haha!!
Allison says
I love this cake for spring and summer. Easy and delicious!
Dee says
It's super easy to make! Thanks, Allison.
Sara Welch says
This is such a perfect spring treat! My kids would love this for an after school special snack!
Dee says
Thanks, Sara. My kids would love it for a snack, too! 🙂
Jen says
I want a big piece of this cake! This will be perfect for Easter.
Dee says
Thanks, Jen! It's one of our favorite Easter desserts!