Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of strawberries and the lightness of a fluffy cake. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for parties, picnics, or any gathering. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this cake stands out as a comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses a box mix, making preparation quick and hassle-free.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of strawberry Jell-O, vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip creates a deliciously layered flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family reunion, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable Options: You can easily switch up the flavors with different Jell-O or pudding options to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: It stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and helps achieve great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without spills or mess.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for poking holes in the cake gently.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Provides ample space for your cake to bake evenly.

Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 15.25 oz box white cake mix (prepare with ingredients on box)
For the Strawberry Layer
- .3 ounce sugar free strawberry jello (1 box)
For the Vanilla Layer
- 1 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix sugar free (1 box)
- 2 cup milk
For the Topping
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup water
How to Make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Prepare your cake as instructed on the box. When finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the top of the warm cake.
- Place the cake in the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Jell-O Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of boiling water with .3 ounce of sugar-free strawberry jello.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add ½ cup of cold water and mix well.
- Pour this mixture over the chilled cake evenly.
Step 3: Prepare Vanilla Pudding Mixture
- While waiting for the jello layer to set, prepare your vanilla pudding by mixing it with 2 cups of milk in another bowl.
- Allow it to sit until soft set; this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cake
- Once set, spread the vanilla pudding mixture over top of your jello-soaked cake evenly.
- Finally, top with 8 ounces Cool Whip, smoothing it out as desired.
Now your Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is ready to serve! Enjoy this refreshing dessert that’s perfect all year round!
How to Serve Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Each presentation can enhance the overall experience and bring out the cake’s flavors.
Individual Servings
- Serve in small dessert cups for a fun and personal touch.
- Add sliced fresh strawberries on top for an extra fruity flavor.
Family Style
- Slice the cake into squares and place it on a large platter for easy sharing.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color.
With Ice Cream
- Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for added creaminess.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup for a decadent twist.
At Parties
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at gatherings.
- Pair with sparkling water or lemonade to refresh guests.
How to Perfect Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
To ensure your Strawberry Jello Poke Cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose the right cake mix: Use a high-quality white cake mix for the best flavor and texture.
- Poke holes thoroughly: Make sure to poke enough holes in the cake so that the Jello absorbs well, enhancing moisture.
- Let it chill: Allow the cake to chill adequately after adding Jello; this helps set the flavors together.
- Use cold ingredients: Make sure your milk and water are cold when mixing them with pudding to help achieve a smoother consistency.
- Garnish creatively: Top the cake with fresh whipped cream and seasonal fruits to make it visually appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Pairing your Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with side dishes can create a complete meal experience. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette complements dessert nicely.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: These savory skewers offer protein that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides variety and richness alongside the cake.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the soft cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Jello Poke Cake can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
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Incorrect cake preparation: Always follow the instructions on the cake mix box for the best outcome. Skipping steps like mixing well or not baking for the right time can lead to a dense cake.
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Not chilling the cake long enough: Allowing your cake to chill for 3-4 hours is crucial. If you don’t let it cool properly, it won’t absorb the strawberry Jell-O mixture effectively.
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Over-poking holes in the cake: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes, but don’t overdo it. Too many holes can make the cake soggy instead of allowing just enough mixture to soak in.
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Improper Jell-O mixing: Ensure you dissolve the Jell-O completely in boiling water before adding cold water. Undissolved granules can lead to an uneven texture in your dessert.
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Skipping the pudding setting time: Letting the vanilla pudding sit until it softens is essential. Rushing this step might affect how well it spreads over your cake.
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Neglecting presentation: While flavor is key, don’t forget about appearance! Take time to smooth out the Cool Whip and consider garnishing with fresh strawberries for an attractive finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Jello Poke Cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Make sure it’s covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- You can freeze slices of this cake for up to 2 months.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: For a warm slice, use a skillet on low heat; cover and heat for 5 minutes, checking often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Jello Poke Cake that might help you while making or enjoying this delightful dessert.
Can I use other flavors of Jell-O for this poke cake?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of Jell-O, such as raspberry or peach, to create unique variations of your poke cake.
How do I make a gluten-free version of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake?
Use a gluten-free white cake mix instead of regular white cake mix. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged!
Can I replace Cool Whip with whipped cream?
Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream as an alternative. Just ensure it’s stabilized if you want it to hold up well on top of your poke cake.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Jello Poke Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual portions as mentioned above.
Is Strawberry Jello Poke Cake suitable for parties?
Yes! This dessert is perfect for gatherings due to its vibrant colors and delicious taste. It’s sure to impress your guests!
What makes this recipe a comfort food dessert?
The combination of moist cake soaked with fruity flavors and topped with creamy goodness makes this dessert feel like home, bringing back fond memories for many!
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite. Its light texture paired with refreshing strawberry flavor makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding fresh fruit or experimenting with different pudding flavors. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing it with family and friends!
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Indulge in the delightful world of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, a refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the light fluffiness of cake. This visually stunning treat is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for parties, picnics, or family gatherings. The cake features vibrant layers of strawberry flavor infused into a moist base, complemented by creamy vanilla pudding and topped with Cool Whip. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert can be customized with different flavors and is sure to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz) sugar-free strawberry Jell-O
- 1 box (1 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (sugar-free)
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1.5 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions and prepare the cake as directed.
- Once baked and slightly cooled, poke holes in the top using a wooden spoon handle.
- In a bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water; add ½ cup cold water and pour over the poked cake. Chill for 3-4 hours.
- Prepare vanilla pudding by mixing it with 2 cups milk until soft-set.
- Spread the pudding over the chilled cake and top with Cool Whip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: <5mg
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