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This Strawberry Poke cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With the nostalgic feeling of strawberry shortcake, this moist white cake with strawberry Jell-O will be a perfect dessert to share with friends and family!

Poke Cakes are one of my favorite desserts to make.
I’ve never been one who loves cakes, but these poke cakes are light and fluffy which makes them super enjoyable.
I have been making a lot of poke cakes over the years and my kids requested a Strawberry Poke Cake, so I had to make one for them!
If you love these simple cake recipes you have to try my other easy poke cake recipes. This Oreo Poke Cake is my kids favorite one. I personally love the Banana Pudding Poke Cake and S’mores Poke Cake recipe.
How to make a Strawberry Poke Cake:
Start by following the directions to your box cake mix and make the cake. Once the cake is done and cooled poke all throughout the cake.
Then pour your Jell-O mix on top of the cake filling the holes. Allow to set in the refrigerator.
Once set spread cool whip on top and then top with slices strawberries!
Ingredient Notes:
- White Cake Mix: 1 box plus the ingredients your box calls for.
- Strawberry Jell-O Mix – I think Jell-O brand has the best flavor, but you can use any brand you want.
- Water
- Cool Whip – make sure it is thawed.
- Fresh Strawberries – sliced for the top of the cake.
Directions:
Step One – Prepare your cake according to the box directions in a 13×9 casserole dish. Once cooked remove from oven and allow cool.
Step Two – Once cooled use a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake throughout the cake.
Recipe Tip
Make sure to not go all the way to the pan bottom. If you do all your jell-o will just sink to the bottom instead of staying inside the cake.
Step Three – Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
Add in Jell-o mix and mix until dissolved. Pour over the cake and into each hole.
Step Four – Cover and place cake in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until Jell-o is set.
Step Five – Once Jell-o is set and you are ready to serve top the cake with the cool whip.
Step Five continued – One cool whip is on top, top poke cake with sliced strawberries.
What is a Poke Cake:
A poke cake is just that, a cake you poke! Make your cake according to the directions and then poke holes in it. You then fill it with Jell-o, pudding, or cream.
Top with frosting or cool whip and you will have a great dessert everyone will love and enjoy.
How to store the Poke Cake:
A poke cake is super moist and has a tendency to get soggy if it sits too long.
You want to eat this cake within 3 days of making it. Store it in the baking dish, covered, and in the refrigerator.
Can I make a Poke Cake ahead of time?
A poke cake can definitely be made ahead of time. Due to the nature of a poke cake, I recommend only making it 24 hours in advance.
If making in advance do not top with the sliced strawberries.
Wait until you are ready to serve to top with the strawberries. The juice may run and mess up the cool whip if you do it too early.
Try These Recipes Next:
I love simple desserts like this poke cake. Simple yet delicious! Here are even more of my favorite easy dessert recipes.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake – This Banana Pudding Poke Cake has the same flavor as the classic pudding you love but in a simple cake recipe. This cake is cooked and filled with pudding then topped off with whipped cream.
Oreo Poke Cake – Take your box cake mix to the next level! Filled with marshmallow cream and topped with a frosting loaded with Oreos. This Oreo Poke Cake is simple to make and taste amazing.
Patriotic Poke Cake – This simple poke cake is the perfect treat and a great way to show your patriotic spirit! This Patriotic Poke Cake perfectly light and fluffy and topped with fruit, make sure to try this one out!
If you tried any of my recipes, I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.
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Strawberry Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz white cake mix, (1 box plus the ingredients your box calls for)
- 3 oz strawberry jello mix, (1 box)
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz cool whip, (1 tub)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare your cake according to the box directions in a 13×9 casserole dish. Once cooked remove from oven and allow cool.
- Once cooled use a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake throughout the cake. Make sure to not go all the way to the pan bottom.
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add in Jell-o mix and mix until dissolved. Pour over the cake and into each hole.
- Cover and place cake in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until Jell-o is set.
- Once Jell-o is set and you are ready to serve top the cake with the cool whip and sliced strawberries.