Need an easy and delicious dessert recipe? Make a strawberry poke cake with just a few simple ingredients. You'll love this crowd-pleasing dessert!

I am all about simple desserts and this easy strawberry poke cake is one that my family loves. It is so much better than just a basic cake. The best part is the Jello makes the cake very moist.
This strawberry jello poke cake is always a hit with adults and kids, so it makes a great crowd favorite for any special occasion.
I love that I can mix and match the flavors depending on the flavor of Jello I use.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Vanilla Cake Mix
- and ingredients needed per package instructions
- Strawberry Jello - small box
- and ingredients needed per package instructions
- Cool Whip
- Fresh Strawberries washed and sliced

You can substitute the strawberry flavor for any flavor you would like. Also make sure to change out the fresh fruit to a coordinating flavor, or leave it out completely.
I made this recipe using orange and it was amazing as well!
Bake the Cake:
Prepare and bake the box cake mix according to the package directions.

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes.
Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
You can also use a straw or the handle of a wooden spoon. I used a fork this time but a straw or the end of a wooden spoon would make bigger holes to hold the Jello.

Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
Prepare the Jello mixture according to the package directions.
Slowly pour the Jello liquid over the cake so it can absorb nicely.

Place in the fridge for 3 hours so the Jello can set.
Frost the Cake:
Frost the cake with the entire tub of whipped topping.

Place sliced strawberries on top of the whole cake and return to the refrigerator to chill for an hour.

Slice the cake and serve cold straight from your fridge.
I told you that was an easy recipe. Oh, that sweet strawberry flavor makes for a delicious cake!
Best Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe with Fresh Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 White Cake Mix and ingredients needed per package instructions
- 1 small Strawberry Jello Box and ingredients needed per package instructions
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 10 Strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions.
- Prepare your Jello according to the package directions.
- Poke the cake all over with a fork.
- Slowly pour the Jello over the cake so it can absorb nicely.
- Place in the fridge for 3 hours so the Jello can set.
- Then top with the Cool Whip as a frosting.
- Top the cake with your sliced strawberries and return to fridge for an hour.
- Serve cold straight from your fridge.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions:
How far in advance can you make a poke cake?
You can make a poke cake up to two days in advance. If making in advance, don't cut the fresh fruit until you are ready to serve the cake.
Why is it called poke cake?
It is called a poke cake because one of the steps to making the dessert, is to poke holes in the cake with a fork or the end of a wooden spoon. These holes are then filled with another ingredient that then soaks into the cake.
A poke cake is delicious, and if you haven't tried one I definitely recommend it!
Can I substitute a yellow cake mix?
Yes, you could really use any flavor of boxed cake mix you like to make a poke cake.
Some other great options include a white cake mix, a strawberry cake mix, or even a chocolate cake mix.
How do I store leftover strawberry poke cake?
For best results, store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. Since there is dairy in whipped cream it should not be left out on a counter.
It will only last about 2 days in the refrigerator.
Our Baking Essential List:
- For baking casseroles, we use Glass Baking Dishes. I especially like the dishes with lids so leftovers can be transferred straight to the fridge.
- Silicone Kitchenware is my favorite because they don't scratch my cookware and are super easy to clean!
- To prepare all of those ingredients a Glass Cutting Board is a must. We even keep ours on our counter at all times.
- This Knife Set will also become your favorite! They cut beautifully and with the hollow design of the knife, food doesn't stick to the blade.
Audrey
The poke cake is such a classic. Thanks for sharing on the Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party. I hope you will join us again next week.
Carol @ the red painted cottage
I saw this on The Sits Girls and had to comment on this. This is seriously, one of the best, and easiest cakes to make that everyone loves. I actually make this every Christmas, with one layer being lime and the other either strawberry or raspberry.
JOY
I used to make these years ago, but seeing your yummy pictures and recipe made me realize I can do a no sugar diabetic version of this recipe. Thanks for the brainstorm!
Amber
This cake looks delicious and easy to make too! I think my kids would have fun making this, so we will give it a try. Thanks for linking up at the Best of the Blogosphere!