Strawberry Jello Poke Cake | Easy, Refreshing, and Delicious

There’s something magical about slicing into a bright pink strawberry Jello poke cake on a warm afternoon. It’s cool, sweet, and soaked with flavorthe kind of dessert that disappears fast at picnics and potlucks. This easy recipe makes one 9×13-inch cake in under an hour, plus a few chill hours in the fridge for that perfect jiggly, creamy finish. Yields 12 servings.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

This strawberry Jello poke cake is pure comfort in every bite. It’s moist, fruity, and light, yet satisfyingly sweet. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare no fancy tools or baking skills needed. The cake can be made a day ahead, so it’s great for gatherings. Also, the bright strawberry hue and fluffy whipped topping make it a showstopper on any dessert table. You can even switch up the toppings to fit holidays or family favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix, plus water, oil, and eggs as directed
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O mix
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• Fresh sliced strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Swap tips: You can use yellow or vanilla cake mix instead of white for a richer flavor. Homemade whipped cream also works beautifully if you prefer less sweetness. For a fun twist, try raspberry or cherry Jell-O for color variation.

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, a measuring cup, a spoon handle or large fork for poking holes, and a spatula for spreading the topping. A whisk helps dissolve the Jell-O evenly, and a cooling rack makes the wait shorter.

How to Make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Step 1 – Bake the Cake

Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions. Pour it into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before moving on.

Step 2 – Poke the Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke holes evenly across the warm cake. Go about one inch apart, making sure each hole is deep enough for the Jell-O to sink in. This step gives the cake that signature look when sliced.

Step 3 – Mix and Pour the Jello

In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for at least two minutes until it’s clear and smooth. Then add ½ cup cold water. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, letting it fill all the holes. Go slowly so it soaks in evenly.

Step 4 – Chill Until Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. The longer it chills, the better the Jell-O sets. This waiting time helps the layers marry together for that refreshing texture.

Step 5 – Add the Topping

After chilling, spread Cool Whip evenly across the top. For a pretty finish, add sliced strawberries. The contrast between the fluffy topping and red berries makes it look irresistible.

Tips for the Best Results

For the most flavorful result, make the cake a day in advance so the Jell-O has time to infuse every bite. To avoid sogginess, ensure the cake is only slightly warm before pouring the Jell-O. Also, wipe the knife clean between slices for neat servings. For a deeper berry flavor, mix in diced strawberries right before pouring the gelatin.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for spring and summer parties. Serve chilled with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meals, lemonade, or iced tea. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Strawberry Cupcakes or Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies for a full berry-themed dessert table.

Storage and Freezing Guide

Keep your strawberry Jello poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to prepare it far ahead, freeze it after the Jell-O sets but before adding Cool Whip. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then top and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
• Valentine Cookies Chocolate Dipped
• Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Snack Clusters

Conclusion

This strawberry Jello poke cake brings joy to any table soft, cool, and bursting with fruity sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile after just one bite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just craving something nostalgic, this cake is always a win. Follow more ideas and kitchen inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook.

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