Strawberry Poke Cake

5 from 1 vote

This Strawberry Poke Cake is easy, irresistible and oh-so-delicious! It starts with a simple box cake mix then gets real, juicy strawberries tucked into every "poke"! Topped with a creamy frosting and more berries, it's a dessert that'll have everyone coming back for more!

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time6 40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: poke cake

Servings: pieces

Calories: 230kcal

Author: Kelsey Byrnes

Equipment

1 9x13-inch pan

Ingredients

For the Cake & Filling

1 box white cake mix plus ingredients listed on box (ie. eggs, water, oil)
1/2 cup boiling water
1 3-ounce box strawberry gelatin
1 15.5-ounce container frozen sliced strawberries with sugar thawed, do NOT drain

For the Topping

1 3.4-ounce box instant pudding mix cheesecake or white chocolate flavored*
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold milk
1 8-ounce tub whipped topping
diced strawberries for garnish, optional

Instructions

Prepare the cake mix in a 9×13-inch baking pan according to the package instructions.
1 box white cake mix
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke holes into the warm cake; set aside.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the boiling water and gelatin; mix for 1 minute or until the sugar is dissolved.
1/2 cup boiling water, 1 3-ounce box strawberry gelatin
Add the sliced strawberries (and the juice they're packed in) and stir well.
1 15.5-ounce container frozen sliced strawberries with sugar
Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, allowing it time to soak into every part of the cake. Some of the strawberries will flow out with the gelatin; the rest of them can be spooned over the cake.
Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, powdered sugar and milk for about 1 minute.
1 3.4-ounce box instant pudding mix, 1 cup cold milk, 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Let the mixture set for 5 minutes to thicken.
Fold in the thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula.
1 8-ounce tub whipped topping
Spread the topping over the cake and garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.
diced strawberries

Notes

*You can also use vanilla or French vanilla flavored pudding also, just note it'll be a little more yellow vs white.

To make your own "Strawberries with Syrup/Sugar":

Wash and slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Toss them in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/2 cup of water. Use a masher (or a meat chopper works great, too!) to smoosh some of the berries - this will help them release the juices, too! Let the berries sit for 30 minutes until they release their juices and become syrupy. Be sure to use the berries AND the syrup in the recipe!

Nutrition