Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe Perfect for Summer

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing my Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe, a dessert that’s always a hit at summer gatherings. When the sun is out and it’s warm, nothing beats a tasty summer cake like this one. The Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is just that—a sweet treat that’s perfect for the season.

It’s loved for its moist and fluffy texture, and it’s great for any event, from family gatherings to birthday parties. Strawberry poke cake recipe, also known as Jello poke cakes, are a delightful summer cake. They mix the moist texture of a baked cake with the refreshing burst of strawberry flavor. This unique technique involves poking holes in a freshly baked cake and filling them with a sweet strawberry gelatin or sauce.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves no-bake desserts and wants something easy, delicious, and fun to bake. The combination of white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh strawberries creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and see why this strawberry poke cake is a must-try!

Quick Recipe Facts

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 38-40 minutes
Chill Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 12-15 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: 320 per serving

This recipe is surprisingly quick and easy – perfect for busy afternoons and last-minute potlucks! The most time-consuming part is simply waiting for it to chill, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

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Ingredients

For this strawberry poke cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. Creating the ultimate strawberry poke cake requires the right ingredients. It starts with a simple white cake mix—this mix gives the cake its moist and fluffy texture. To enhance the strawberry flavor, you’ll need strawberry-flavored Jello and boiling water.

This strawberry dessert also needs sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. These ingredients make a rich strawberry sauce. Adding fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top completes the dessert. It looks stunning and tastes amazing. This no-bake cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, combining ease with incredible flavor.

You can swap butter with coconut oil for a lighter summer dessert version if you prefer. The sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, creamy texture that makes your strawberry poke cake incredibly moist and delicious.

Essential Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 15.25 oz White cake mix
• 4 Egg whites
• Water and vegetable oil (as directed on the cake mix box)

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 14 oz can Sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup White chocolate chips
• 3 oz box Strawberry Jello
• 1 cup Boiling water
• 21 oz can Strawberry pie filling
• 1 pound Fresh or frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 3/4 cup Water (for slurry)

For the Topping:

• 8 oz tub Heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries (as needed for garnish)

Tip: All ingredients should be at room temperature before you begin for the best results in your strawberry dessert.

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this helps your strawberry poke cake bake evenly and ensures that perfect golden color on top.

Prepare the cake mix as instructed on the box, using the ingredients provided. I like to beat the egg whites separately until they’re frothy before adding them to the mix; it just works better for a lighter texture.

Bake the cake in two 9-inch round pans for 38-40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t open the oven door too early, as this can cause the cake to sink in the middle.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them carefully and cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial – rushing it can lead to a crumbly cake that falls apart when you poke the holes.

Step 2: Poke the Holes

Once the cakes are cool, use the back of a wooden spoon or a cake tester to poke about 20 holes in each layer. Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes about one inch apart. Don’t poke all the way to the bottom – stop about three-quarters of the way down. This creates pockets for the delicious strawberry sauce without compromising the cake’s structure.

For a soft summer cake, be gentle during this process. The holes should be evenly distributed across the entire surface to ensure every bite gets that amazing strawberry flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, mix 1 pound of fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the strawberries and thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen!

In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps – a smooth slurry is key to a perfectly thickened sauce.

Pour the slurry into the strawberry mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Slowly pour the warm strawberry sauce over the cakes, making sure to evenly distribute it and let it soak into the holes. Pour it over the cake while it’s still warm – this lets it seep into the holes more effectively. Use a spoon to gently push the sauce into the holes if needed.

Refrigerate the cakes for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has set and the cakes are chilled. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Cream and Garnish

Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure the layers are set properly.

Make homemade whipped cream by whipping heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. To make homemade whipped cream, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping – this helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape longer.

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled strawberry layer. Use a spatula or offset knife for a smooth, professional finish. Top with fresh sliced strawberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern if you’re feeling creative.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes about one inch apart. Don’t skip this spacing – it ensures even distribution of the strawberry sauce throughout your strawberry poke cake.

Tip 2: Slowly pour the warm strawberry sauce over the cake, ensuring even distribution. Pour it in a zigzag pattern across the entire surface for the most consistent coverage.

Tip 3: Let the cake fully chill before adding whipped cream to prevent melting. Trust me, rushing this step will result in a soupy mess instead of beautiful, fluffy layers.

Tip 4: For an extra touch, add crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for crunch. Sprinkle them between the strawberry layer and whipped cream for added texture that elevates your summer dessert experience.

Tip 5: Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier cake base. Cold eggs don’t incorporate as well into the batter, which can affect the final texture.

Tip 6: Make sure the baking pan is greased and floured properly to prevent sticking. Nothing is more frustrating than a cake that won’t come out of the pan cleanly!

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Serving Suggestions

This strawberry poke cake is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:

Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. I personally love it straight from the fridge on a hot summer day.

Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh lemonade for the perfect afternoon treat. The sweetness of the cake balances beautifully with slightly bitter coffee or tart lemonade.

Add a dollop of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an even more indulgent dessert. The combination of cold ice cream with the chilled cake is absolutely heavenly.

For special occasions, serve individual portions in clear glass dessert cups to show off the beautiful layers. These serving ideas elevate your no-bake dessert experience and make presentation effortless.

Storage & Reheating

Store the strawberry poke cake in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The cake stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.

For the best taste, add the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving. If you’ve already topped the entire cake, it will still keep for 3-4 days, but the whipped cream may start to weep slightly.

This dessert is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less chilled.

Leftover strawberry poke cake stays moist when stored properly, and some people even say it tastes better the next day after all the flavors have had time to fully develop!

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Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Cake Becomes Too Soggy
Solution: Avoid making the holes too deep or too close together. Space them evenly and stop about three-quarters of the way down through the cake.

Problem: Sauce is Too Thick
Solution: Add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out. Add just a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Problem: Whipped Cream Melts Quickly
Solution: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping cream. Also, make sure the cake is completely cold before adding the whipped cream layer.

Problem: Cake Sticks to the Pan
Solution: Ensure your pan is properly greased and floured, or use parchment paper on the bottom for easy removal.

Problem: Uneven Strawberry Distribution
Solution: Pour the sauce slowly and use a spoon to guide it into all the holes evenly across the surface.

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Innovative Garnishing Ideas

Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for a decorative touch that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

Sprinkle crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added texture. Toasted almonds or pecans work particularly well with the strawberry flavor.

Use different fruit toppings, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a colorful contrast. Mixed berries create a beautiful patriotic look perfect for summer holidays.

Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a subtle refreshing note that complements the strawberry beautifully.

Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant, bakery-style presentation.

Create a strawberry fan garnish by slicing strawberries almost all the way through and fanning them out on top of each slice.

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Health & Nutrition Info

One serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it a moderate indulgence perfect for special occasions.

This strawberry dessert can be made slightly lighter by using sugar-free Jello, reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk, or light whipped topping. However, I recommend making the full-fat version at least once to experience the recipe as intended.

You can also experiment with gluten-free cake mix if you have dietary restrictions. The rest of the recipe remains the same and tastes just as delicious.

Consider using fresh, organic strawberries when they’re in season for the best flavor and nutritional value. This healthier summer cake option is perfect for weekend treats when you want something special without going completely overboard.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 35g

Conclusion

The strawberry poke cake recipe is a summer treat that will delight everyone. It’s easy to make and combines moist cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy topping. It’s perfect for any event, from barbecues to family gatherings, potlucks to birthday celebrations.

This strawberry poke cake recipe is simple yet impressive. It requires just a few ingredients and is easy to assemble. Even beginners can make it and impress their friends and family with a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Make the most of summer by trying this amazing strawberry poke cake recipe. Enjoy its delicious flavors and creamy texture. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home, requested again and again at every gathering. Try this strawberry poke cake and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you tried.

Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag us – we love seeing your beautiful creations! If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other summer dessert recipes for more delicious inspiration.

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FAQ

Can I freeze this recipe?
While you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers, it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled strawberry poke cake because the whipped cream and strawberry sauce don’t freeze well. Yes, your strawberry poke cake base can be frozen for up to 2 months if you wrap it tightly before adding the sauce and toppings.

What is a Strawberry Poke Cake?
A strawberry poke cake recipe is a tasty dessert. It’s made with white cake mix, soaked in white chocolate strawberry sauce. It’s topped with strawberry pie filling and whipped cream. It’s great for summer gatherings.

What is the origin of Poke Cakes?
Poke cakes, also known as Jello cakes, have a special method. You poke holes in a baked cake and fill them with a liquid like Jello gelatin. This makes every bite full of flavor.

Why are Strawberry Poke Cakes perfect for summer?
Strawberry Poke Cake is the ultimate summer cake. It’s light and refreshing, with a taste of seasonal strawberries. You bake a cake, poke holes, add filling, and top it with whipped cream and fruit.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can substitute with regular chocolate chips, or omit them entirely and use extra sweetened condensed milk for a purely strawberry-flavored sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from being made a day ahead. Just wait to add the whipped cream and fresh strawberry garnish until 2-3 hours before serving for the best presentation.

How can I adjust sweetness?
If you find the cake too sweet, reduce the sugar in the whipped cream or use unsweetened whipped cream. You can also use less sweetened condensed milk in the strawberry sauce.

What kitchen tools are essential for making a Strawberry Poke Cake?
You’ll need a 9×13-inch cake pan, a wooden spoon for poking holes, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate. A mixer for whipped cream and a spatula for spreading are also key.

What variations can you try with Strawberry Poke Cake?
Try different cake mixes like chocolate or angel food cake. Experiment with other Jello flavors or instant pudding for a creamier filling. Use other fruit fillings like cherry or lemon curd. For a richer taste, use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream.