Strawberry poke cake is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. It is simple to make, budget-friendly, and always a hit whether you are bringing it to a gathering or just making something sweet at home.
This recipe starts with a soft cake base, then gets filled with strawberry gelatin that seeps into every bite, making it extra moist and flavorful. It is finished with a light whipped topping and fresh strawberries for the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing.
If you love easy cake recipes try Sunshine Cake, Peeps Cake, Cinnamon Roll Cake, or Trisha Yearwood's Key Lime Cake
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❤️Why You Will Like This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients, budget-friendly ingredients
- Super moist from the strawberry filling
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or holidays
- Can be made ahead of time
- Light and refreshing flavor
💛 We love strawberry recipes on this site like Viral Strawberry Salsa with Cholate "Chips", Strawberry Yogurt Cake, Lightened Up Strawberry Pretzel Salad, or Sugar-Free Strawberry Sauce
Ingredients Needed
- 1 (15.25oz) box white sugar-free cake mix, prepared according to the packaged directions
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry-flavored jello - sugar-free jello to lighten the cake up a bit
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped Lite topping, Cool Whip
- Fresh strawberries for garnish , if desired
🔁 Substitution Tips
- Swap in vanilla sugar-free pudding instead of whipped topping for a thicker topping.
- Try with raspberry or cherry Jell-O for a fruity twist.
- Use unsweetened applesauce in place of oil to reduce points when you are baking the cake.
How to make Strawberry Poke Cake
Step 1 Prepare the cake according to packaged directions and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely. Poke holes all over the cooled cake. Use whatever kitchen utensils you have. Forks, back of a spoon, kabob sticks, etc…
Pro Tip: This cake wasn't fully cooked cause it caved in a bit. Continue baking in the oven until that happens. A tooth pick should come out clean to let you know the cake is ready.
Step 2 While the cake is cooling bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add jello mix and boiling water. Whisk for 2 minutes, or until mixture is completely dissolved. Add cold water and whisk for 1 more minute.
Step 3 Pour jello mixture over the cake and then cover cake pan with plastic wrap or foil. Place the cake in the fridge to let it cool for 1 to 2 hours or overnight.
Step 4 Remove the cake spread with whipped topping all over the top. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Poke Cake Variations
Here are some other amazing poke cake flavors that you can work with! I listed the type of cake mix first, the hole fillings second, and the topping 3rd.
Banana pudding: Yellow Cake Mix + Vanilla Pudding + Sliced Bananas
Cookies and Cream: Dark Chocolate Cake Mix + Chocolate Pudding + Oreo Fluff topping
Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake - sugar free caramel sauce and whipped topping
Dark Chocolate Cake Mix Dulce De Leche + Chocolate Frosting for top
Lemon: Lemon Cake Mix + Lemon Curd + Whipped Topping
Key Lime: White Cake Mix + Lime Jello + Whipped Topping
Pro Tips for Strawberry Poke Cake
- Let the cake cool slightly before adding the gelatin so it absorbs properly
- Do not skip the chilling time or the cake will not set correctly
- Use a wooden spoon handle for larger holes and better filling distribution
- Add strawberries right before serving for the freshest taste
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use strawberry cake mix instead of white
Storage
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days
- Keep it chilled since it contains whipped topping
- Do not leave it out at room temperature for long periods
Recipe FAQS
Yes, but keep in mind that using a full-sugar cake mix will increase the calories, sugar, and WW points per slice.
You can! Just chop them small and fold them into the cake batter before baking.
Use a non-dairy whipped topping like So Delicious CocoWhip Lite. Always check the WW points if you’re tracking, as they may vary.
If you tried this Strawberry Poke Cake or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
5 Easy Recipes with Cake Mix and Canned Pumpkin
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Strawberry Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hrs 35 min
- Yield: 15 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Ovne
- Cuisine: American
Description
A poke cake is made from a box of cake mix, and when it has cooled off holes get poked in the cake and you can add whatever ingredient imaginable in those holes.
Ingredients
1 (15.25oz) box white cake mix, prepared according to the packaged directions
1 (3 oz) box strawberry-flavored jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 (8 ounce) container whipped Lite topping, Cool Whip
Fresh strawberries for garnish , if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the cake according to packaged directions and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely. Poke holes all over the cooled cake. Use whatever kitchen utensils you have. Forks, back of a spoon, kabob sticks, etc…
- While the cake is cooling, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the jello and boiling water. Whisk for 2 minutes, or until mixture is completely dissolved. Add cold water and whisk for 1 more minute.
- Pour jello mixture over the cake and then cover cake pan with plastic wrap or foil. Place the cake in the fridge to let it cool for 1 to 2 hours or overnight.
- Remove the cake spread with whipped topping all over the top. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
my WW: blue 8; green 8; purple 8 (1 slice)
my WW: blue 4; green 4; purple 4 (1 slice) (Using all sugar-free products, no oil)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 134
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
*If you make this recipe please comment and rate the recipe below to let everyone know how it is, or tag me on Instagram! If you want to upload a photo you can do that on Pinterest. Just find the post for it.
Stacey says
I love strawberry poke cake! And your other flavor ideas sound yummy too! Thanks