Irresistible Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe
This Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe is a delightfully easy dessert that blends the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries. If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive sweet treat, this poke cake is the answer. It’s made using convenient ingredients but delivers bakery-style results every single time.
Irresistible Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
Bake the Cake
Prepare the boxed cake as directed and bake at 350°F for 25–28 minutes.
Poke
Once cooled, poke holes across the top of the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
Make Pudding
Whisk pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened, then pipe into holes.
Spread Remaining Pudding
Use a spatula to smooth excess pudding across the cake.
Chill
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Top and Serve
Add Cool Whip and sprinkle fresh strawberries on top before serving.
Combining boxed strawberry cake mix, creamy cheesecake pudding, Cool Whip, and fresh berries, this dessert is a flavorful fusion of softness, creaminess, and fruity freshness. You don’t need to be a pro baker to get professional results. Plus, it looks beautiful and slices cleanly—perfect for entertaining!
A Family Memory That Started It All
When I was 12, I remember helping my grandmother make what she called a “magic cake” during a summer family gathering. It turned out to be the earliest version of a poke cake. She didn’t use pudding at the time—just strawberry gelatin and whipped cream—but the moment I took that first bite, I knew dessert could be more than just sweet. It could be comforting. Years later, this Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe recipe brings back that feeling. It’s my own modern tribute to her kitchen magic.
Why We Love Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe
- Quick and easy to make using a boxed cake mix
- Only 4 base ingredients plus a few pantry staples
- Soft cake with creamy pudding and fresh strawberry topping
- Visually stunning and packed with flavor
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual family dinners
If you enjoy simple and impressive bakes like this, you’ll love these easy cake recipes too.
Ingredients Needed
- Strawberry cake mix
- Water, vegetable oil, and eggs (as directed on the box)
- Instant cheesecake pudding mix
- Whole milk
- Cool Whip whipped topping
- Fresh strawberries (sliced)
Optional Add-Ons and Substitutions
You can replace strawberries with pink sprinkles, crushed strawberry cookies, or drizzle with strawberry sauce. Add crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies on top for extra texture. See more topping inspirations here.
Recommended Tools
- 9×13 baking dish
- Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
- Handheld mixer or whisk
- Piping bag with 1A tip
- Offset spatula
How to Make Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the boxed cake as directed and bake at 350°F for 25–28 minutes.
- Poke: Once cooled, poke holes across the top of the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Make Pudding: Whisk pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened, then pipe into holes.
- Spread Remaining Pudding: Use a spatula to smooth excess pudding across the cake.
- Chill: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top and Serve: Add Cool Whip and sprinkle fresh strawberries on top before serving.
For more step-by-step poke cake guides, check out our visual recipe walkthroughs.
My First Professional Catering Success
During my first paid catering gig in 2019, I included this poke cake on the dessert table as a backup option. To my surprise, it became the star of the evening. Several guests asked for the recipe. One lady told me, “I came for the lasagna, but I’m leaving with the cake.” That moment helped launch my full-time career in event catering—and the Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe has stayed on the menu ever since.
Tips for the Best Results
- Re-poke holes if cake crumbs fill them during cooling.
- Use a long filling tip for cleaner pudding injection.
- Add food coloring for a richer pink tone if desired.
How to Store This Cake
To Store: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freeze after adding pudding (but before topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and top before serving.
Want to learn more about freezing desserts properly? Here’s our full guide.
Occasions to Serve This Cake
This cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, summer BBQs, potlucks, bridal showers, or anytime you need a bright, cheerful dessert. It’s light, refreshing, and satisfying—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
More Poke Cake Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a poke cake?
It’s a cake baked and then poked with holes that are filled with pudding, syrup, or sauce to add flavor and moisture. The result is incredibly soft and flavorful.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but for best results, use stabilized whipped cream as it holds shape better than homemade versions. Avoid regular whipped cream if the cake needs to be stored more than one day.
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Absolutely! You can try vanilla, chocolate, or lemon cake bases depending on your taste. The cheesecake pudding pairs well with almost any flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe is a fun, fast, and family-friendly dessert. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for every occasion.
Try it today, and don’t forget to share your creation using #Easy20StrawberryJelloPokeCakeRecipe on social media. Explore more share-worthy desserts here.