Hey y'all! If you're hunting for a showstopping dessert that's super simple, irresistibly moist, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes is calling your name. With layers of fluffy cake soaked in tangy strawberry Jello, crowned with a creamy whipped topping, this cake is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, holidays, and any time you want a sweet treat that wows. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- It’s incredibly moist and full of fruity strawberry flavor in every bite.
- Super simple to make using a boxed cake mix—perfect for beginners and busy bakers.
- Versatile for any occasion, from summer BBQs to holiday gatherings.
- Stays fresh and delicious for several days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Customizable with different Jello flavors and toppings for fun variations.
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry flavored Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
How to Make Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
Step 1: Bake the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Create the Poke Holes & Add Strawberry Jello
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick skewer, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. Don't poke all the way to the bottom.
- In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved, then mix in ½ cup cold water.
- Slowly pour the Jello mixture evenly over the entire cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the Jello to set and the cake to chill.
Step 3: Top & Serve
- Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Decorate with sliced fresh strawberries and extra for garnish, if desired.
- Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy this fruity, moist Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- Make sure the cake is still slightly warm but not hot when poking holes, so it absorbs the Jello well.
- Use a wooden spoon handle for large holes or a skewer for smaller ones—experiment with what works for your texture preference.
- For more about Jello cake techniques, check out this poking guide by Taste of Home.
Variations for Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- Lemon-Berry Jello Cake: Use lemon cake mix and strawberry or raspberry Jello for a zesty twist.
- Mixed Berry Poke Cake: Swap in blueberry or raspberry Jello and top with a mix of fresh berries.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and strawberry Jello, then drizzle with melted chocolate before adding whipped topping.
Required Equipment for Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake stays moist and the flavors intensify over time. For best texture, keep it chilled until serving. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping may separate.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy treat.
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade at summer parties.
- Garnish with fresh mint or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for added flair.
Pro Tips for Best Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes
- Chill the cake thoroughly before adding whipped topping to prevent melting—learn more about successful poke cake prep.
- For neater slices, use a sharp, non-serrated knife and wipe clean between cuts.
- Let the Jello mixture cool for 5 minutes before pouring to avoid making the cake soggy—find more Jello tips on Healthline.
Easy Strawberry Jello Cake with Poke Holes FAQ
- Can I use different flavors of Jello?
- Absolutely! Try raspberry, cherry, or even lemon Jello for fun flavor twists.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, this cake is ideal for making a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
- How do I prevent the cake from getting too soggy?
- Let the Jello mixture cool slightly before pouring and don't poke holes all the way to the bottom for best texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
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2Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions using water, oil, and eggs. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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3Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart.
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4In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in ½ cup cold water. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
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5Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the gelatin to set. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
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6Top with sliced fresh strawberries before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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