Strawberry poke cake made with white cake mix, strawberry jello, and cool whip is a classic summer and holiday treat!
This strawberry poke cake recipe is a family favorite and perfect for your next potluck or as a Tuesday night dessert idea. Try serving it alongside a tatertot casserole or creamy crack chicken!
Strawberry Poke Cake
Strawberry Poke Cake
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Strawberry Poke Cake
- White cake mix – Prepared according to box directions.
- Strawberry Jello – You can actually use any jello, but we love strawberry.
- Cool Whip – My preference is definitely classic/full fat cool whip.
- Strawberries – This is optional, but i love the way fresh strawberries look on top.
How do you make strawberry poke cake? (Step-by-step)
⭐ First, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
⭐ Next, dissolve the Jello mix into the boiling water and pour all over the top of the cake. Refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour.
⭐ Finally, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake. Top with fresh strawberries, slice and enjoy!
Preparation
Can you make strawberry poke cake ahead of time?
You can make the cake ahead of time, but for best results wait to ice it and add the fresh strawberries until immediately before serving.
What should you use to poke the holes?
A fork works great for making the holes in your poke cake, but if you want larger holes or your cake is deeper than the prongs of a fork, try using a chop stick or skewer. Even a knife would work in a pinch.
Leftovers and storage
Do you have to refrigerate the leftovers?
Leftover strawberry poke cake should be refrigerated for best results. Otherwise the cool whip may become runny and unappetizing.
How long do leftovers last?
The leftover poke cake will last in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days. Keep tightly covered with a lid, plastic wrap, or foil.
Can you freeze strawberry poke cake?
To freeze strawberry jello poke cake you will want to do so before applying the icing and fresh strawberries. Allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least an hour and then transfer it to the freezer in a covered freezer-safe container.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before topping.
Tips and tricks
🟢 Try using cream cheese icing instead of cool whip for a richer flavor.
🟢 For extra flavor and texture, try baking sliced or chopped strawberries directly into the cake.
🟢 Swap the strawberry jello for strawberry pudding for a super creamy result.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to use white cake mix?
You don’t have to use white cake mix in a strawberry poke cake recipe. Try it with yellow cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even prepare your own homemade cake!
Can I use other flavors of Jello instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor jello in this poke cake recipe (although we do very much love strawberry). You can also use pudding mix if you prefer.
What to eat with jello poke cake (serving suggestions)
I love serving this cake at barbecues and often serve it alongside smoked chicken legs, oven roasted red potatoes, and Italian pasta salad. Definitely make a batch of sherbet punch if you’re cooking for a crowd!
More delicious cake recipes
- Homemade sour cream coffee cake
- Quick peach dump cake
- Apple bundt cake recipe
- Pumpkin mug cake no flour
- See all our easy cake recipes!
More recipes made with cake mix
- Chocolate sprinkle cookies
- Cranberry upside down cake
- Whole orange cake
- Donuts with cake mix
- See all our recipes made with cake mix!
More awesome desserts to try
- Classic shortbread cookies
- No bake peanut butter balls
- Quick lemon mousse
- Pecan pie with corn syrup
- See all our dessert recipes!
Tools we love
- Glass casserole dish – I love when a dish comes with a lid. Perfect for popping leftovers in the fridge.
- Strawberry jello – You can use any flavor jello or even a mix of them!
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How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake
Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix prepared according to box directions
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 package strawberry Jello 3 ounces
- 1 container Cool Whip thawed
Instructions
- Bake cake in a 9x13 dish, according to box directions.
- Poke holes all over the top of the baked cake.
- Dissolve the Jello mix into the boiling water and pour all over the top of the cake. Refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour.
- Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake. Top with fresh strawberries, slice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Strawberry Poke Cake
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Krissy Allori says
Love the look of this cake and the taste. It’s so easy to make too. Perfect for one of these warmer days we’re getting.
Kristyn says
This is literally my favorite go-to cake!! I love it! It’s so moist & fluffy!
Anna says
This cake was a huge hit with my family! It’s so delicious and pretty too!