When it comes to simple, delicious desserts that the whole family will love, there’s nothing quite like a Strawberry Jello Poke Cake . It’s a classic treat that’s not only fun to make but also brings back memories of family gatherings and summer picnics. Last weekend, my kids and I decided to have a little baking adventure, and this poking, jiggling cake was the star of our Saturday afternoon. We laughed so much as they took turns poking holes into the cake, giggling every time the jello filled up the tiny crevices.
If you’re on the hunt for more delightful treats, don’t forget to check our crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a wonderful blend of fluffy cake and fruity freshness. It’s incredibly easy to make which means more time spent with family rather than in the kitchen. The combination of moist cake with the jello’s sweetness is irresistible, and the Cool Whip topping makes it perfectly light. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert, allowing time for the flavors to meld beautifully as it chills in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
- 3 ounce strawberry jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 8 ounce Cool Whip, thawed
- Sliced strawberries for garnish, if desired
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the white cake in a 9×13 pan as instructed on the package. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Using the end of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Combine strawberry jello mix and boiling water in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well for 2 minutes or until fully dissolved. Then stir in cold water.
- Pour the jello evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for 3 hours.
- Once chilled, top it off with Cool Whip. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving, if desired.
Recipe tips & variations
For an extra twist, try using different jello flavors to mix things up! Lime or raspberry can offer a refreshing change. If you’re feeling a bit more festive, sprinkle some colored sugar on top of the Cool Whip right before serving for a seasonal touch. When it comes to building layers of flavor, adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the cake batter can bring a delightful depth to the overall taste.
Storage & reheating
This cake is best stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. If you’re wanting to keep it fresh for longer, feel free to cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance and letting it chill overnight enhances the flavors. Just be sure to add the Cool Whip and strawberries right before serving.
What if I don’t have Cool Whip?
No Cool Whip? No worries! Freshly whipped cream, stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar, works perfectly as a substitute.
Is it possible to use a different type of cake mix?
Definitely. While white cake mix lets the jello color shine through, a yellow cake mix or even a vanilla cake variation can be a delightful twist.
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Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Strawberry Jello Poke Cake that brings back memories of family gatherings and summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
- 3 ounce strawberry jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 8 ounce Cool Whip, thawed
- Sliced strawberries for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the white cake in a 9×13 pan as instructed on the package. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Using the end of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Combine strawberry jello mix and boiling water in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well for 2 minutes or until fully dissolved. Then stir in cold water.
- Pour the jello evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for 3 hours.
- Once chilled, top it off with Cool Whip. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For an extra twist, try using different jello flavors like lime or raspberry.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top of the Cool Whip before serving for a festive touch.
- Adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the cake batter enhances the overall flavor.
- This cake can be made ahead of time, allowing it to chill overnight to enhance the flavors.
- If you don’t have Cool Whip, freshly whipped cream works well as a substitute.
- Different types of cake mix can be used for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg