Description
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. A classic white cake is baked to perfection, then poked with holes so a sweet strawberry gelatin mixture can soak in, creating juicy bursts of flavor in every bite. Topped with cool whipped topping and fresh strawberries, this no-fuss recipe is both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients needed on the package: eggs, water, and oil)
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature according to the white cake mix package instructions to ensure proper baking conditions.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the cake mix package directions using eggs, water, and oil, then pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish evenly.
- Bake Cake: Bake the cake as specified on the package, approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which will help the gelatin absorb better later.
- Mix Gelatin: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Stir in ½ cup cold water to the dissolved gelatin mixture to cool it down and make it ready for soaking.
- Prepare Cake for Gelatin: Using a fork or the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cooled cake to create pockets for the gelatin.
- Pour Gelatin: Slowly pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes and soak into the cake layers.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Add Whipped Topping: Once chilled and set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake surface for a creamy finish.
- Garnish: If desired, arrange fresh sliced strawberries on top of the whipped topping to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings, serve chilled, and enjoy this refreshing strawberry dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent the gelatin from melting or running off.
- Use cold water to cool the gelatin mixture slightly before pouring to avoid soaking the cake with hot liquid.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh strawberries or add a drizzle of strawberry syrup before serving.
- This cake is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American