Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much joy making the best strawberry poke cake brings me! It’s like a burst of sunshine on a plate! The combination of fluffy yellow cake soaked in sweet strawberry jello, topped with a luscious whipped cream and condensed milk mixture, is simply irresistible. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures—soft, creamy, and oh-so-fruity! I love how easy it is to create this delightful dessert, making it perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone. Let’s dive into the delicious details and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry jello (the magic ingredient!)
- 2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh is best for that burst of flavor)
- 1 cup whipped cream (the fluffier, the better!)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (for that creamy finish)
How to Prepare the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cake rises beautifully! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. It’s usually as simple as adding water, oil, and eggs. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—don’t worry if there are a few lumps! You’ll pour this delicious batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, making sure it’s spread evenly. Get ready for that heavenly aroma to fill your kitchen!
Baking the Cake
Now, it’s time to bake! Slide your pan into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 25-30 minutes. I always set a timer because, trust me, you don’t want to forget it! To check if your cake is done, just insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Once it’s baked to perfection, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial before we start poking those holes!
Adding the Strawberry Jello
Here comes the fun part! After that brief cooling, take a fork and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Go ahead and make them nice and deep—this is where all that strawberry goodness will soak in! In a separate bowl, mix your strawberry jello with boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Then, carefully pour this vibrant mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all those lovely holes. Now, pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is key for allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully!
Topping the Cake
Once your cake is chilled and ready to go, it’s time for the final touches! In a bowl, combine the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. This mixture is going to be the crowning glory of your cake! Mix it until it’s nice and fluffy, then spread it generously over the top of your cake. Finally, don’t forget to add those fresh, sliced strawberries on top. They’ll add a gorgeous pop of color and a fresh flavor that’s simply irresistible. Your masterpiece is now complete and ready to impress!
Tips for Success
To make the best strawberry poke cake, always use the freshest strawberries you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor! For that perfect chill, allow the cake to sit in the fridge for at least two hours; this helps the jello soak in and intensifies the taste. When serving, I like to add a few extra sliced strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation. If you want to get fancy, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the whipped topping. It’ll be a showstopper at any gathering!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each slice of this delightful best strawberry poke cake, you can expect about 250 calories, 10g of fat, and 20g of sugar. It also contains around 150mg of sodium and 3g of protein. While it’s a sweet treat, it’s always good to enjoy in moderation. Remember, the joy of this cake is in its deliciousness, not just its numbers!
FAQ About the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this fabulous dessert! First up, can I use frozen strawberries? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using, so you don’t end up with excess moisture that could make your cake soggy.
How do I store leftovers? If you have any cake left (which is rare!), simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! This cake actually tastes even better after it’s had some time to chill and let the flavors meld together, so feel free to make it a day in advance.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk? No problem! You can substitute it with a mix of heavy cream and sugar, or even use a store-bought whipped topping for a quicker option. Just remember, it’s all about that creamy finish!
And there you have it! I hope these tips help you create the best strawberry poke cake ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients
- Deliciously refreshing flavor perfect for warm weather
- Beautifully layered presentation that wows guests
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet family dessert
- Can be made a day in advance for convenience
- Customizable with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving the best strawberry poke cake, there are so many delightful options to enhance your dining experience! I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—nothing beats that creamy contrast against the fruity freshness! You could also serve it with a side of whipped cream for extra fluffiness. If you’re feeling fancy, how about drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top? And for a refreshing twist, consider a light fruit salad or a chilled berry compote on the side. These little additions elevate the cake to a whole new level of deliciousness!
For more information on the benefits of strawberries, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about poke cakes, visit this Food Network guide.
Print
Best Strawberry Poke Cake: 7 Steps to Sweet Success
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry poke cake with creamy topping.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry jello
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Mix the strawberry jello with boiling water and pour over the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours.
- In a bowl, mix the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk.
- Spread the whipped mixture over the cake.
- Top with sliced strawberries.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill the cake before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: best strawberry poke cake
