This fresh, homemade strawberry poke cake recipe is so colorful, we think it’s the best cake ever for a party, a picnic, or a potluck!

Looking for a fun, unique dessert that is super easy and super tasty? Strawberry poke cake is the answer! Cover it with fresh strawberries, bananas, or even flakes of coconut!

Strawberry Poke Cake with a fork taking a bite

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Poke cake recipes are great for holidays like the Fourth of July, Easter, or even Christmas. It’s easy to switch up the cake and Jello flavors from strawberry to lemon or why not lemon strawberry? Take a simple vanilla Duncan Hines cake mix and create a party in a pan! How about orange creamsicle poke cake? The possibilities are endless!

Poke Cakes Are Fun and Easy!

This is the ultimate party cake! It’s so festive, it’s almost like a luscious pudding cheesecake or a strawberry shortcake poke cake. Any way you slice it, this super easy cake just takes a few easy (and inexpensive!) ingredients and a couple of steps.

piece of Strawberry Poke Cake on a plate

What is a Poke Cake?

Created in 1969 by Jello brand gelatin, this old-fashioned dessert has seen dozens of transitions over the years, from a simple Jello filled cake to other add-ins like sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and toppings like white chocolate, or a colorful strawberry glaze!

No time to bake a cake? Buy a pre-made vanilla angel food cake and some canned strawberry pie filling for a quick shortcut!

Strawberry Poke Cake in a pan with jello poured over

How to Make a Poke Cake

Strawberry poke cake is super easy and really delicious!

  1. Prepare baking pan. Prepare cake mix using egg whites instead of whole eggs for the whitest cake.
  2. Bake and cool the cake. Poke holes over the whole cake with a chopstick or a wooden skewer.
  3. Prepare Jello with hot water (per recipe below) and once it is dissolved, add cold water and stir thoroughly.
  4. Pour Jello mixture over the entire cake making sure to pour the liquid into all the holes in the cake.
  5. Refrigerate cake overnight and top with desired toppings before serving.

top view of Strawberry Poke Cake

Can I Make a Poke Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! It’s a perfect cake for making in advance! Poke cake is so refreshing when it’s super cold. Simply prepare the cake, cool, poke holes in the surface and add the Jello. Cover the cake and keep it in the refrigerator until it’s ready to be served. Before serving, add the whipped topping or whipped cream, and any other preferred toppings.

slice of Strawberry Poke Cake being put on a plate

Does Jello Poke Cake Have to Be Refrigerated?

It’s best refrigerated, and especially if poke cake is topped with whipped cream, it should be kept in the refrigerator. A prepared poke cake will last for about four days in the fridge. Freshen it up with some fresh fruit on top and it’s good as new!

It can also be frozen once it’s completely assembled as well! Cover the cake (or cut into portions and freeze individually), label with the date and it should keep its flavor up to a month. Poke cake makes a great snack for lunch or as an after school treat with a homemade smoothie!

slice of Strawberry Poke Cake being put on a plate
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Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake is fluffy and flavorful, topped with whipped cream and berries!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling and Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 15 -20 servings
Author Candace

Ingredients  

  • 1 box white cake mix with ingredients on box (sub whole eggs with egg whites for a whiter cake)
  • 3 ounces strawberry jello 1 box (or cherry)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 8 ounces whipped topping 1 tub (ie Cool Whip), or whipping cream
  • strawberries optional, for garnish

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven per cake mix directions. Grease and flour 9x13 pan.
  • Make cake, substituting egg whites in place of whole eggs. Bake and let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Poke holes (with a chopstick) over the whole cake.
  • Combine jello and hot water in a large measuring cup (or medium bowl), mixing until dissolved. Add cold water.
  • Pour jello mixture over the entire cake, especially in the holes.
  • Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Top with whipped topping. Garnish with strawberries if desired, and serve.

Notes

Poke Cake should be stored in the fridge, and will last up to 4 days. 
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 230 | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American

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Strawberry Poke Cake on a plate with a fork and writing
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Strawberry Poke Cake in a pan with a slice on a plate and a title

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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