Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the best strawberry poke cake! It’s this dreamy dessert that’s not just bursting with strawberry flavor, but it’s also incredibly moist and tender. Every bite feels like summer! This cake has become a staple in my home, especially during family gatherings. I swear, it disappears faster than I can slice it! The combination of the sweet strawberry gelatin soaking into the fluffy yellow cake and the cool whipped cream topping is pure bliss. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to treat for any occasion!
Ingredients List
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How to Prepare the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Preheat and Prepare
Alright, let’s get this party started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and prepare your yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Typically, this means adding 1 cup of water, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. I love using a hand mixer for this—it makes the process a breeze! Just don’t overmix; we want that fluffy texture!
Bake the Cake
Now, pour that delicious batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, then pop it into the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, but here’s a little tip: check it with a toothpick after 25 minutes. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, just give it a few more minutes. You want your cake to be perfectly baked and fluffy!
Create the Poke Holes
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is super important, so don’t rush it! Then comes the fun part—using a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. I usually make them about an inch apart. This step is crucial because it allows the strawberry gelatin to seep in, creating that moist, flavorful experience we’re after. Trust me, you’ll want to make sure you get enough holes in there!
Incorporate Strawberry Gelatin
Now, dissolve your 1 cup of strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until it’s completely dissolved—no lumps allowed! Then, carefully pour that vibrant mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it seeps into those holes you just made. This is what makes the cake so flavorful and refreshing! Just imagine that strawberry goodness soaking in—yum!
Chill Before Serving
After you’ve poured the gelatin, it’s time to let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. I know it’s hard to wait, but this step is key! Chilling allows all those flavors to meld together and makes the cake even more delicious. So, go watch a show or do a little dance while you wait—it’ll be worth it!
Finish with Toppings
Once your cake is nice and chilled, it’s time to top it off! Spread 1 cup of whipped cream over the top, and then crown it with those beautiful sliced fresh strawberries. Not only does it look amazing, but it adds a lovely freshness that complements the sweetness of the cake. For a little extra flair, you can dust it with powdered sugar or even drizzle some chocolate on top. Bon appétit!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this best strawberry poke cake:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use or any tweaks you make to the recipe. But overall, this cake is a delightful treat to indulge in without too much guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for those last-minute dessert needs!
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Refreshing and fruity—a taste of summer in every bite!
- Moist and flavorful—each slice is packed with juicy goodness!
- Easy to customize—add your favorite fruits or toppings to make it your own!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure you nail this best strawberry poke cake! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and water are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly and contributes to that fluffy texture!
- Try homemade whipped cream: If you have a little extra time, whip up your own whipped cream instead of using store-bought. It’s super easy and adds a fresher taste to your cake!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to swap out the yellow cake mix for a strawberry or vanilla cake mix for an extra boost of flavor. You can even try lime or orange gelatin for a fun twist!
- Don’t skip the chilling: I can’t stress this enough! Chilling the cake for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you can let it chill overnight, even better!
- Make it a layered dessert: For a show-stopping presentation, try layering the cake and whipped cream in a trifle dish with extra strawberries. It looks gorgeous and tastes divine!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a strawberry poke cake that’ll impress everyone. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got this amazing best strawberry poke cake, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers (if there are any!). The key is to keep it nice and fresh so you can enjoy it for days to come!
First off, make sure your cake is completely chilled before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from absorbing any odors from your fridge. It’ll stay fresh like this for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices! Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It should last about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat it—this cake is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge!
So, whether you’re savoring it the next day or saving some for later, you’ll always have a delicious treat ready to go!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry is my favorite, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, peach, or even lime for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change the overall taste of the cake!
How long does the cake need to chill?
I recommend chilling the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld together. If you can wait longer, like overnight, that’s even better! Trust me; it’ll be worth the wait!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this best strawberry poke cake is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If you find your cake is a bit on the dry side, don’t panic! Just make sure to poke enough holes for the gelatin to seep in, and consider adding some extra whipped cream on top when serving for added moisture.
Can I add other fruits to this cake?
Definitely! Sliced bananas, blueberries, or even kiwi can add a lovely touch. Just layer them on top with the whipped cream, and you’ll have a delightful fruit medley!
Best Strawberry Poke Cake for Ultimate Summer Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This best strawberry poke cake is a delightful dessert that combines a moist cake with strawberry flavor and creamy topping.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions using water, oil, and eggs.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water and pour over the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill the cake before serving for better texture.
- Store leftovers 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: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: best strawberry poke cake, strawberry dessert, poke cake
