Craving something light, fruity, and fun? This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is the ultimate summer dessert, moist, colorful, and bursting with strawberry flavor in every bite. It’s easy to make with a boxed cake mix, strawberry gelatin, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any sweet craving moment.
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
You’ll love this recipe because it’s as simple as it is stunning. It starts with a fluffy white cake, but once soaked with vibrant strawberry Jello, every slice becomes a burst of fruity sweetness. The Cool Whip topping adds a creamy finish that balances the bright flavor perfectly. This dessert also chills beautifully, so it’s make-ahead friendly and great for gatherings. Plus, you can switch up the Jello flavor for any theme or holiday. Whether you’re making it for Valentine’s Day, a barbecue, or a family Sunday dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress and disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients. Most are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. The base is a boxed white cake mix prepared as directed, creating a soft, tender crumb that soaks up the Jello beautifully. You’ll then need a small box of strawberry Jello, boiling and cold water to prepare the gelatin, and a creamy Cool Whip topping for the final layer. Fresh strawberry slices add a beautiful garnish and extra freshness. This dessert yields about twelve servings and is as affordable as it is delicious.
Cake and Gelatin Ingredients Explained
The boxed white cake gives the perfect neutral base, allowing the strawberry flavor to shine. The Jello mixture, made with boiling and cold water, soaks into the cake holes, creating ribbons of sweetness and color. Using the handle of a wooden spoon ensures even flavor throughout. The Cool Whip topping adds a light, creamy texture, contrasting the fruity interior.
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices make the cake extra pretty and add fresh flavor. You can also drizzle strawberry syrup or add crushed freeze-dried strawberries for more color. A quick sprinkle of powdered sugar looks lovely when photographed, especially with bright lighting and cameras focused on the glossy top.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a wooden spoon. A hand or stand mixer helps with the cake batter, while a fork or skewer works for poking holes if you don’t have a spoon handle. A rubber spatula makes spreading the whipped topping easy and smooth.
How to Make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
This dessert is easy and fun to prepare, even for beginners. You’ll bake a simple cake, poke holes across it, pour over the strawberry gelatin, and chill it until set. Finally, top it with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The chilling time allows the flavors to blend and the texture to become moist and luscious.
Bake and Cool the Cake
Start by preparing your cake according to the box directions using the listed water, eggs, and oil. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan until golden and fluffy. Once baked, let the cake cool for about fifteen minutes so it’s warm but not hot.
Poke the Cake for Maximum Flavor
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake. This helps the strawberry Jello soak into every bite, giving you that signature poke cake look and flavor.
Prepare and Pour the Strawberry Jello
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello mix in one cup of boiling water, stirring for two minutes until fully dissolved. Then stir in half a cup of cold water. Carefully pour the mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. You’ll see the color start to spread through the layers.
Chill, Top, and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least three hours, though overnight chilling gives the best results. Once set, spread Cool Whip evenly over the top using a spatula. Add sliced strawberries for a fresh, bright finish. Serve cold for the most refreshing flavor.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
Make sure the cake cools slightly before adding Jello or it may become soggy. For the best texture, chill the cake overnight before adding whipped topping. Use a spoon handle rather than a skewer for larger holes, helping the Jello absorb evenly. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator, and eat within three days for the best flavor and texture.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
You can easily customize this dessert by swapping Jello flavors, try raspberry, cherry, or even lime for a fun twist. For a chocolate lover’s version, use a chocolate cake mix and pair it with cherry Jello for a black forest-inspired treat. If you want a bolder strawberry taste, use strawberry cake mix instead of white. You can even layer sliced bananas or a thin spread of strawberry pie filling between the cake and topping for more texture. For a tropical touch, use pineapple Jello and top with toasted coconut.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
This cake is perfect for making ahead since it tastes better after chilling. Prepare it a day before serving for the best flavor. Store covered in the fridge for up to three days. If freezing, wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and top with fresh strawberries again for a just-made look.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Serve this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake chilled at picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues. It’s also a festive Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day dessert. Pair it with cold lemonade or coffee for a lovely contrast. For a dessert table, serve alongside the Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe or the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes – Amazing Treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Jell-O to set in a poke cake?
It takes at least three hours for Jell-O to fully set in the cake. Overnight chilling makes it even better.
How long do you refrigerate Jell-O poke cake?
Refrigerate for at least three hours, but overnight gives the best flavor and texture.
Why is my Jell-O poke cake soggy?
The cake might be too warm when you pour the Jello, or too much liquid was used. Let it cool before adding gelatin.
Do you add cold water to Jell-O for poke cake?
Yes. Add half a cup of cold water after dissolving the mix in boiling water to balance the texture.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Strawberry Brownies Recipe (Easy Valentine’s Day Dessert)
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies | Easy Valentine Treat
- Strawberry Cake Recipe | Fresh, Moist & Delicious Dessert
- Valentine’s Day Recipes: Easy Dinners & Desserts
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that makes everyone smile. It’s colorful, creamy, and wonderfully nostalgic. Whether you make it for a family dinner or festive celebration, its sweet strawberry flavor never fails to delight. For more creative dessert ideas and photo inspiration, visit my Pinterest board here. Keep it chilled, slice it fresh, and enjoy every bright, fruity bite.
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan For baking the cake base
- Mixing bowl To prepare the Jello mixture
- Wooden spoon To poke holes in the cake
- Whisk For mixing the gelatin
- Spatula To spread the whipped topping evenly
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box white cake mix plus the water, eggs, and oil it calls for
- 3 oz package strawberry Jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 0.5 cup cold water
- 8 oz thawed Cool Whip whipped topping
- sliced strawberries for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cake in a 9×13 inch pan following the directions on the box. Bake and cool for about 15 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke evenly spaced holes all over the top of the cake.
- In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in boiling water for about 2 minutes. Add the cold water and stir to combine.
- Pour the Jello mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Spread Cool Whip over the chilled cake. Garnish with sliced strawberries before serving.
