This light, nostalgic dessert is bright, simple, and perfect for warm weather gatherings. Strawberry Jello Poke Cake soaks up fruity flavor and chills into a soft, sliceable treat that kids and adults both love. For another bright strawberry dessert, try these strawberry buttercream pistachio mini cakes.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- Bursting strawberry flavor in every bite.
- Ready in under an hour plus chilling time.
- Kid-friendly and great for potlucks or BBQs.
- Easy make-ahead dessert that stores well.
- Light whipped topping keeps it fresh and scoopable.
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Ingredients Needed
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Jello
- 1 box strawberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
Toppings
- 1 tub whipped topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs; pour into the prepared dish.
- Bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool about 10 minutes, then use a fork to poke holes all over the top.
- Dissolve the strawberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water, stir in 1 cup cold water, then pour the Jello over the cake so it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until set, then top with whipped topping and sliced fresh strawberries before serving.
Serving Suggestions Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- Serve chilled in squares with extra sliced strawberries on top.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for texture.
- Pair with lemon sorbet or plain vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
- Create a dessert board and include strawberry shortcake bars for variety.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pretty finish.
Tips for Success Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- Use the cake mix’s recommended oven temperature and check doneness with a toothpick.
- Poke holes while cake is still slightly warm so the Jello soaks in easily.
- Chill for the full 3 hours or longer for clean slices and firmer jello.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a moist crumb, avoid overbaking and measure wet ingredients accurately; for inspiration try a spiced option like carrot pineapple cake.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Swap vanilla cake mix for white or yellow for subtle flavor differences.
- Use sugar-free Jello and light whipped topping for a lower-sugar option.
- Add a layer of cream cheese frosting under the whipped topping for extra richness.
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
This light, nostalgic dessert features a moist vanilla cake soaked with strawberry Jello, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, perfect for warm gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Jello
- 1 box strawberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
Toppings
- 1 tub whipped topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs; pour into the prepared dish.
- Bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool about 10 minutes, then use a fork to poke holes all over the top.
- Dissolve the strawberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water, stir in 1 cup cold water, then pour the Jello over the cake so it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until set, then top with whipped topping and sliced fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
Use the cake mix's recommended oven temperature and check doneness with a toothpick. Poke holes while cake is still slightly warm so the Jello soaks in easily. Chill for the full 3 hours or longer for clean slices and firmer jello. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For a moist crumb, avoid overbaking and measure wet ingredients accurately.