Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Bright, tender, and bursting with strawberry flavor, this poke cake is a perfect dessert for warm-weather gatherings or family nights.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Strawberry Soak
- 1 package strawberry Jello gelatin mix (3 oz / 85 g)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Whipped Topping & Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- to taste Fresh strawberries (optional, sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup water, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
Assembly
- Use a fork or toothpick to poke holes about 1/2 inch apart all over the cake so the Jello can seep in.
- Dissolve the strawberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water, stir until dissolved, then add 1/2 cup cold water. Let cool slightly (not set), then slowly drizzle the Jello evenly over the cake so it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or until the Jello is fully set and the cake feels firm but juicy.
Topping
- In a chilled bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries if desired.
- Serve cold.
Notes
Cool the cake slightly before poking so it holds shape but still absorbs the Jello. Let the Jello cool a bit before pouring so it sinks evenly without melting the cake. Chill at least 3 hours; overnight gives the best texture and flavor. Use chilled mixing tools for the whipped cream to get fluffier peaks.