If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both vibrant and effortless, this Easy Strawberry Poke Cake with Jello is the answer! Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a soft, juicy texture, this retro-inspired cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Popular since the 1970s, poke cakes are famous for their moistness—thanks to being infused with a sweet, colorful Jello mixture.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a birthday party, or just craving a refreshing treat, this strawberry poke cake is simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress.
What Is Strawberry Poke Cake?
The name might sound playful, but it’s exactly what it says—a cake that you poke holes in! Once baked, the cake is dotted with holes that get filled with strawberry Jello, creating a fun, colorful pattern inside and a burst of flavor in every bite. Think of it as giving your cake a fruity “spa treatment” that makes it extra moist and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Moist & Flavorful – Every slice is infused with juicy strawberry Jello.
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Quick & Easy – Made with a simple boxed cake mix and pantry staples.
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Crowd-Friendly – A 9×13-inch cake serves plenty, perfect for gatherings.
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Customizable – Change up the Jello flavor, swap the topping, or add creative garnishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 box vanilla cake mix
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1 cup water
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⅓ cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 package strawberry Jello (3 oz box)
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup cold water
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2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
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Whipped cream or whipped topping (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Bake the Cake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
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Prepare the Jello – Dissolve strawberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1 cup cold water. Allow to cool slightly.
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Poke the Cake – Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cooled cake (about 1 inch apart).
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Pour the Jello – Slowly pour Jello mixture over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Top & Serve – Before serving, top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
This strawberry poke cake is delightful on its own, but you can take it up a notch by pairing it with:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨
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Fresh fruit salad 🍇🍍
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Crunchy graham crackers or wafer cookies for texture
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A glass of cold lemonade 🍋 for the ultimate summer combo
Tips for Success
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Use Fresh Strawberries – They add the best flavor and texture.
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Don’t Overbake – Keep your cake soft and tender by checking doneness early.
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Even Poking = Even Flavor – Space holes evenly for the prettiest slices.
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Flavor Swaps – Try raspberry, cherry, or lemon Jello for fun variations.
Storage
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Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
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Best served chilled—no reheating needed!
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Avoid freezing, as Jello cakes don’t thaw well.
Easy Strawberry Poke Cake with Jello
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Jello
- 1 package strawberry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For the Topping
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- to taste whipped cream or whipped topping For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it's smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Making the Jello
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then mix in 1 cup of cold water. Set it aside to cool slightly.
Assembly
- Once the cake has cooled, use a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the cake, ensuring the liquid seeps into the holes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, layer the top with sliced fresh strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream or topping. Slice into squares and enjoy!
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