Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
This light, fruity cake is perfect for warm days and sweet cravings, featuring bright, fresh strawberry flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box 1 (15.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients on the back of box to prepare)
Strawberry Layer Ingredients
- 1 box 1 (3 ounce) box strawberry flavored jello
- 1 cup 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup 1 cup cold water
- 1 can 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling
Topping & Garnish
- 1 container 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping (such as CoolWhip)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (if desired)
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the cake according to packaged directions and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then using the bottom of a rounded utensil, poke holes all over the cake; it's okay if you go through the bottom so the jello can seep in.
- In a medium bowl, add jello mix and boiling water; whisk for 2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely dissolved.
- Add cold water to the jello mixture and whisk to combine.
- Pour the jello mixture evenly over the cake, then cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight.
- Remove cake from refrigerator, spread strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake, then top with whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
Use a rounded utensil bottom to make wide holes so the jello reaches the cake center. Chill long enough (3–4 hours or overnight) so the jello fully sets and flavors meld. For neat slices, run a knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain texture. Consider recipes like easy flourless oatmeal carrot cake for gluten-free alternatives.