Strawberry Poke Cake

Name: Strawberry Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 280 min
Ingredients: 1 (14.25 to 15.25-ounce) box white cake mix (plus any ingredients listed on box); 1 3-ounce box (4-serving size) Jell-O® strawberry-flavored gelatin (do not use instructions on box); 1 cup boiling water; 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip) (or 2 cups whipped cream, you could also use a tub of whipped fluffy white frosting); 12 fresh strawberries (cut in half)

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on April 19, 2026 21 comments »

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Strawberry poke cake is the ultimate summer dessert! Soft white cake is soaked in strawberry Jell-O® and topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s moist, fruity, and layered with sweet strawberry goodness in every bite.

Slice of strawberry poke cake on a white plate.

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A Note from Kim

Bright, Sweet, and So Easy

Strawberry poke cake is one of those desserts that always brings back summer memories for me. It’s simple, nostalgic, and just fun to make, the kind of recipe that doesn’t need anything fancy to really shine. I love how the Jell-O soaks into the cake and turns every bite extra moist and full of strawberry flavor.

It’s also a go-to when I need something easy for gatherings or cookouts. I usually make it ahead of time so it has plenty of time to chill, and it always gets wiped out fast. That light whipped topping and sweet strawberry flavor make it feel like a little bite of summer in every slice.

With love (and lots of good eats),

Oh my, this dessert is amazing! I added fresh blueberries on top of the strawberries for the 4th. Will make it many times more I’m sure.
— Marie

Table of Contents

What are the ingredients in a poke cake?

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this strawberry poke cake with jello, basic ingredients that come together for a fresh, sweet dessert.

You’ll find the full recipe and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

A package of cake mix near a glass of water, a tub of whipped topping, strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries.

White cake mix: Use a standard 14–15 oz boxed cake mix and prepare it according to the package directions.
Strawberry gelatin: A 3 oz box of strawberry Jell-O® adds that classic fruity flavor.
Boiling water: Helps dissolve the gelatin so it can soak perfectly into the cake.
Whipped topping: Use Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream for a light, fluffy finish that pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavor.
Fresh strawberries: Halved strawberries add fresh flavor and a pretty finish on top.

Flavor Variations

Flavor switch-up: Try strawberry, lemon, vanilla, or yellow cake mix for a fun twist on the classic flavor.
Jell-O flavor twist: Switch up the strawberry jello by using raspberry, cherry, or even orange Jell-O for a fun and fruity variation.
Frosting option: Swap the whipped topping for a layer of fluffy white frosting or cream cheese frosting for a sweeter, more indulgent finish.
Chocolate twist: Swap the white cake mix for chocolate cake for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.
Make it festive: Use this recipe but then decorate the top like my flag cake for the 4th of July.
Devil’s food cake mix: Try my Better Than Sex poke cake that is soaked in sweetened condensed milk and caramel, then topped with Cool Whip and crushed Oreos.

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake

Poke cakes are super easy! The recipe starts with a moist cake baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan, creating the perfect base for all that sweet strawberry flavor. From there, just pour the gelatin over the top, let it chill, and finish with a fluffy topping.

You’ll find the full recipe and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Bake cake. Prepare the boxed white cake mix following the box directions and bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Let cool for 15 minutes.

Poking holes in the top of a yellow cake.

Step 2: Poke holes. Once slightly cool, poke holes every inch using the handle of a wooden spoon (or other similarly sized object), poking halfway into the cake.

Step 3: Whisk gelatin. Place the Jell-O® strawberry-flavored gelatin in a medium bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Whisk until the gelatin is fully dissolved.

Pouring gelatin over the top of a cake that has holes.

Step 4: Pour gelatin. Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin evenly over the top of the cake. Let the cake cool completely on a cooling rack, about 1 hour.

Cake decorated with whipped topping and fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Chill and garnish. Place in the refrigerator and chill for 3-4 hours. Top with Cool Whip right before serving. Then add a sliced fresh strawberry for each serving.

Strawberry poke cake topped with fresh strawberries and strawberry juice.

Step 6: Serve. For an extra pretty presentation, add a drizzle of extra strawberry gelatin. Then, cut into square pieces and serve.

Kim’s Recipe Tips

Poke while warm: Let the cake cool slightly, then poke holes while it’s still a bit warm so the gelatin soaks in better. It should not be room temperature.
Use the handle of a wooden spoon: It makes evenly sized holes that are perfect for holding the filling. You can also use a fork, but this is going to make smaller holes and the cake won’t soak in as much of the gelatin.
Pour slowly: Pour the gelatin mixture gradually so it spreads evenly and doesn’t pool in one spot.
Chill well: Let the cake chill for at least 2–4 hours so it fully sets and gets extra moist.
Pat berries dry: This will help prevent extra moisture from making the top watery.
Make ahead: This cake is even better the next day, making it perfect for prepping in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my poke cake from being soggy?

To keep the cake from becoming soggy, poke holes about halfway into the cake, not all the way through to the bottom. If you poke too many holes or use too much filling, the cake can absorb too much liquid and not set properly.

Do you poke holes in a cake when it’s hot or cold?

You should poke holes in a cake while it is warm, about 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Poking while warm allows liquid topping to absorb into the crumbs, creating a moist, flavorful texture.

Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?

Yes, make the cake batter as directed for this recipe, but follow the cake mix box instructions for filling and baking cupcakes. After baking, poke holes in each cupcake with a fork or skewer, then spoon strawberry gelatin over the top so it soaks in. Chill in the fridge for about 2-3 hours to set. Once set, add the whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For best texture, keep it chilled and add fresh strawberries just before serving if possible.

Strawberry poke cake with a slice removed.

More Strawberry Recipes to Try

Strawberry Delight

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Banana Bread

If you try this easy strawberry poke cake recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

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Strawberry Poke Cake

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Cooling and chill time: 4

Total Time: 4 40

Strawberry poke cake is the perfect summer dessert! Soft white cake is filled with strawberry Jell-O® and topped with fluffy whipped cream for a moist, fruity, and sweet treat in every bite.

Author: Kim