Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

It was my sister’s birthday last year, and I knew exactly what I wanted to make for her special day – Strawberry Jello Poke Cake. This delightful dessert has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember, and I couldn’t wait to surprise her with the perfect birthday treat.

As I carefully mixed the batter and poked the warm cake, the aroma of fresh strawberries and sweet gelatin filled the air. I remember the look of pure delight on my sister’s face when she took her first bite, the vibrant red jello oozing out and the bursts of juicy berries in every mouthful. It was a moment of pure joy, and I knew this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake would become a staple in our household.

Why This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a true showstopper, and this recipe is the secret to making it absolutely perfect every single time. The key is in the technique – by poking holes in the warm cake and then pouring the vibrant strawberry jello mixture over the top, you create a delightfully moist and flavorful dessert that will have your guests begging for seconds.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix – This provides the fluffy, tender base for the cake.
• 1 cup water – Helps to create the perfect cake batter consistency.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• 3 eggs – Binds the ingredients together and gives the cake structure.
• 1 (3 oz) package strawberry jello – This is the star of the show, infusing the cake with that vibrant strawberry flavor.
• 1 cup boiling water – Dissolves the jello powder and creates the silky smooth jello mixture.
• 1 (16 oz) container frozen strawberries, thawed – Adds juicy pockets of fresh strawberry flavor throughout the cake.

Step-by-Step Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Instructions

Preparing Your Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake comes together in a total of 45 minutes. All you’ll need is a 9×13 inch baking pan, a fork or wooden skewer, and a few simple kitchen tools.

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Beat the mixture on medium speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.
2- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a fork or wooden skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. This will allow the strawberry jello mixture to soak in.
4- In a medium bowl, dissolve the 1 (3 oz) package of strawberry jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved, then stir in the 1 (16 oz) container of thawed frozen strawberries.
5- Carefully pour the strawberry jello mixture over the top of the warm, poked cake, making sure to cover the entire surface.
6- Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut into 12 servings and serve chilled. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Make sure to poke the holes in the warm cake right after it comes out of the oven. This allows the jello mixture to soak in and create those delicious pockets of flavor.
2. Use high-quality strawberry jello for the best flavor. Avoid generic brands, which can taste artificial.
3. Letting the cake cool completely before serving is crucial. This allows the jello to set and the flavors to meld together.
4. For an extra special touch, top the Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.

Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a summer picnic, or a special birthday celebration. It serves 12 people, making it a great choice for a crowd.

For a refreshing pairing, serve the Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cool, creamy textures contrast beautifully with the moist, fruity cake. A glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade would also be a delightful accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. The jello will continue to set and the flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.

If you’d like to make the cake further in advance, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and then slice and enjoy.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Creative Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Variations

While the classic Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dessert. Try using different flavor jello, such as raspberry or cherry, for a twist on the classic. You could also add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries or a swirl of strawberry jam between the cake layers.

For a tropical twist, substitute the strawberries for diced pineapple or mango. Or, for a festive holiday version, use cranberry jello and top the cake with sugared cranberries.

Making Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake a little more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can make. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free white cake mix. To make it vegan, replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute and use a non-dairy milk in the cake batter.

For a low-carb twist, swap the white cake mix for a keto-friendly almond flour or coconut flour cake, and use sugar-free jello. You can also use fresh or frozen berries instead of the thawed strawberries for a lower-sugar option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different flavor of jello besides strawberry?
A: Absolutely! Strawberry is the classic, but you can easily swap it out for any other jello flavor, such as raspberry, cherry, or even lemon or lime.

Q: How long does it take to make this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake?
A: The total time to make this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.

Q: How long will the Strawberry Jello Poke Cake last in the fridge?
A: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: How many servings does this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 12 servings of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake.

Q: What if my cake doesn’t absorb all the jello mixture?
A: If there’s any excess jello mixture left on top of the cake, simply use a spoon to gently pour it over the top and sides of the cake, ensuring it soaks in.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a true showstopper of a dessert, and this recipe is the perfect way to bring that classic flavor combination to your table. With its vibrant color, moist texture, and bursts of fresh strawberry in every bite, it’s no wonder this recipe has been a family favorite for generations.

I can’t wait for you to try this Strawberry Jello Poke Cake and experience the pure joy it brings. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and don’t forget to share your creation on social media. Bon appétit!