This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. Made with a white cake mix, strawberry Jello, and a fluffy Cool Whip topping, it's sweet, colorful, easy, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or when you need a no-fuss dessert that everyone loves.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This is the best Strawberry Jello Poke Cake recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between moist and light without turning soggy. Using less water than the Jello package calls for ensures the cake absorbs flavor without falling apart, while the Cool Whip topping keeps it fresh, creamy, and not overly sweet. We love making this for Valentine's Day, Easter, and the 4th of July!
For more cake recipes, try our Cake Mix Cookies, Red Velvet Cake Cookies, and Dirt Cake Recipes.
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Key Ingredients
Made with an easy box cake mix and flavor-packed strawberry Jell-O. You'll love how easy this comes together.
- White Cake- A white cake mix creates the perfect neutral base that lets the strawberry flavor shine.
- Strawberry Jello- Adds that nostalgic pop of color and sweetness.
- Cool Whip- Gives the cake a light, cloud-like topping that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries.
How to make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Learn how to make Strawberry Jello Poke Cake with these easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
- Make the box cake according to package directions. Cool for at least 15 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, mix the water and Jello packet. Make sure you follow the water amount in the ingredients and not what the package says.
- Poke large and deep holes into the cooled cake. Pour the Jell-O mix evenly over the cake. Pour slowly.
- Right before serving, top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
Hint: Using too much water in the Jello mixture is the fastest way to end up with a mushy cake.
Common Mistakes
When poking the holes in the cake, make sure they are large and deep. Poking holes that are too small or too shallow prevents the Jello from soaking in evenly and giving you that classic poke cake look and flavor.
Top tip
If your tap water isn't very cold, especially in the summer, add a few ice cubes to a measuring cup and fill to the half-cup mark. Cold water helps the Jello set properly without breaking down the cake.
Recipe
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white cake mix plus the ingredients to make it according to package directions
- 3 ounce box strawberry jello
- 1 cup boiling water see note 1
- ½ cup COLD water see note 2
- 8 ounce tub Cool Whip thawed
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries for garnish, optional but so yummy!
Instructions
- Make and bake cake according to package directions. Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cake every inch across the entire cake.
- Place the jello mixture in a bowl or liquid measuring cup that can tolerate high heat, then pour the boiling water over the top and mix until all of the gelatin mixture has dissolved completely. Stir in the cold water.
- Pour the jello mixture over the cake slowly, making sure you pour it evenly and it gets in the poked holes. Refrigerate for 3 or more hours. Remove from refrigerator and spread thawed Cool Whip over the top evenly, then top with sliced strawberries. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This is less water than the package calls for, and that is on purpose. If you use the amount the box calls for, it will mush the cake and not turn out properly.
- If it's summertime and my regular tap water isn't very cold, I like to put a small handful of ice in a measuring cup, then fill it to ½ cup.
- It's important to use a bowl that can use high heat and not a flimsy plastic bowl that could potentially melt when you pour the boiling water in.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or longer if Cool Whip is not on top.
- This is a great make ahead recipe and can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Wait to top with the Cool Whip and strawberries until right before serving.
Nutrition
Variations & Substitutions
- Jell-o Flavors- This recipe works beautifully with other Jello flavors like lemon, raspberry, or even chocolate pudding for a fun twist.
- Frosting and Pudding-You can also swap the Cool Whip for a cream cheese frosting or vanilla pudding frosting if you want something richer.
- Bundt Cake-Try baking the cake in a bundt pan or using angel food cake for a lighter version.
Storing
Store Strawberry Jello Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the Cool Whip topping hasn't been added yet, it will keep even longer. This is a great make-ahead dessert-just wait to decorate until right before serving.
FAQs
It's called a poke cake because holes are poked into the baked cake so liquid fillings like Jello, pudding, or sweetened condensed milk can soak in.
The handle of a wooden spoon works best because it creates evenly sized holes that allow the filling to soak in without damaging the cake.
When made correctly, poke cakes are moist but not soggy. Using less liquid than the Jello package calls for is key to getting the perfect texture.
Bake a white cake, poke holes, pour strawberry Jello over the top, chill until set, and finish with Cool Whip and fresh strawberries.
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