Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry poke cake gets its fruity zip from strawberry Jell-O, and instead of a complicated frosting, we recommend topping it off with whipped topping and fresh berries. If you don't like strawberry, you can use just about any other Jell-O flavor. The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice added to this poke cake really go well with a myriad of gelatin flavors.

Poke cakes are a fun and playful way to upgrade a basic sheet cake. With creative toppings like condensed milk or fresh berry syrup, you can add color and flavor to cake without the fuss of layers and frosting.

How To Make Strawberry Poke Cake

You'll need just 15 minutes of active prep time to make this Jell-O poke cake— but a total of 2 hours 40 minutes for the whole thing.

• Step 1. Prepare the oven and baking pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F, and coat a baking pan with baking spray.
• Step 2. Make the cake batter: Combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Whisk until there are no lumps. Pour into the prepared cake pan.
• Step 3. Add cake batter to pan: Now, spread the batter evenly in the baking pan, and bake for about 25 minutes.
• Step 4. Poke the cake: Take the cake out of the oven, and let it cool for 10 minutes. After that time, use a fork or wooden skewer to poke holes all over the cake top to create the signature feature of this poke cake.
• Step 5. Add gelatin: Whisk the gelatin mix together with boiling water until it dissolves. Then, whisk cold water into the mixture and spoon it evenly over the cake. Chill the cake uncovered until it absorbs all the liquid.
• Step 6. Frost and finish: When you're ready to serve, spread whipped topping over the top of cake, and garnish it with mixed berries for a pretty presentation.

Strawberry Poke Cake Ingredients

To make Jell-O poke cake, you'll need:

• Yellow cake mix: White would also work, but we like the buttery richness of yellow cake.
• Vegetable or canola oil, water, and eggs: Used to make the batter.
• Baking spray with flour: To keep the cake from sticking to the pan.
• Lemon: Zest and juice add a hint of lemon flavor for a homemade flavor.
• Strawberry gelatin mix: For the fruit poke effect.
• Whipped topping and mixed fresh berries: For the topping.

How Long Is Jell-O Cake Good in the Fridge?

This strawberry poke cake cake must be refrigerated. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the cake my be too mushy to be enjoyable.

You may also freeze it for about three months. To do so, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and eat within 24 hours. It will turn mushy rapidly.

What Happens When You Add Jell-O to Cake Mix?

Adding Jell-O to cake mix imparts moisture and tenderness—and a pop of whatever flavor you choose. Further, poking holes in the top allows the Jell-O to enter the cake, which results in a pretty, tie-dye look when cut.

This recipe calls for strawberry, but modify with any flavor you like. In this cake, the lemon zest and juice add a subtle lemon flavor to the strawberry Jell-O, which isn't too distinct but adds sweetness.

How Do You Poke a Poke Cake?

This cake gets its distinctive look and flavor from the Jell-O that seeps into holes poked into the top. You can create a similar effect using pudding, condensed milk, or another sweet mixture like simple syrup.

To poke a poke cake, first bake it. Take it out of the oven, and let it cool. Then, use a fork or wooden skewer to poke holes all around the top of the cake (but don't poke all the way through to the bottom, as this will allow the pour-over ingredient to seep out). Pour your gelatin, pudding, or other ingredient on top. Let it sit until the cake absorbs all the liquid.

For more inspiration, check out our lemon-lime poke cake and our red, white, and blue poke cake recipes.

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.