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    Popular » Recipes » Cakes

    Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Mar 13, 2019 · Modified: Feb 25, 2021 by Dee

    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!

    Jump to Recipe -

    strawberry jello poke cake with strawberries on a white plate

    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.

    poke holes in cake with wooden spoon

    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.

    cake with holes and jello poured over

    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.

    spread whipped topping over poke cake

    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!

    strawberry jello poke cake with whipped topping and fresh strawberries on white plate

    More Jello Recipes

    • Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad
    • Strawberry Pretzel Salad
    • Orange Jello Fruit Salad
    • Lime Jello Salad

    Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe

    strawberry jello poke cake with strawberries on a white plate

    Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

    Published by Dee
    Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is an easy dessert made with cake mix, strawberry gelatin and fluffy whipped topping for frosting. Perfect dessert for spring and summer!  
    5 from 6 votes
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    refrigeration time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 45 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 244 kcal

    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

    If using cake mix to make the cake, follow the directions on the box for best results.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 382mgPotassium: 41mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 295IUCalcium: 103mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!

    Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with strawberries

    I hope you enjoy this easy strawberry poke cake recipe as much as we do!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      March 17, 2019 at 7:31 pm

      This is such an amazing flavor ! Would love to try it!
      This looks incredibly delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Taylor says

      March 14, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      Perfect dessert to bring to potlucks! Easy and delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Paula says

      March 14, 2019 at 8:16 am

      Such great family gatherings memories around poke cakes. Looks delicious.

      Reply
    4. Jade Manning says

      March 14, 2019 at 5:19 am

      This looks like it could finally satisfy my sweet tooth if the kids don't eat it all first haha!!5 stars

      Reply
    5. Allison says

      March 13, 2019 at 8:21 pm

      I love this cake for spring and summer. Easy and delicious!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        March 14, 2019 at 9:34 am

        It's super easy to make! Thanks, Allison.

    6. Sara Welch says

      March 13, 2019 at 1:03 pm

      This is such a perfect spring treat! My kids would love this for an after school special snack!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        March 14, 2019 at 9:25 am

        Thanks, Sara. My kids would love it for a snack, too! 🙂

    7. Jen says

      March 13, 2019 at 11:29 am

      I want a big piece of this cake! This will be perfect for Easter.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        March 14, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Thanks, Jen! It's one of our favorite Easter desserts!

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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