Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
If you're looking for an easy dessert that's always a crowd favorite, this Strawberry Poke Cake is it! Every bite is soft, moist, and filled with sweet strawberry flavor. The strawberry Jell-O soaks into the cake while the sweetened condensed milk makes every bite rich and creamy. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and fresh strawberries, it's the perfect dessert for summer cookouts, birthdays, holidays, or anytime you need something simple and delicious.
The best part? It actually tastes even better after it has chilled for several hours, making it a wonderful make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
- Fresh strawberries, sliced or chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the white cake according to the package directions and bake in a 9x13-inch pan.
- While the cake bakes, wash and chop the strawberries.
- Allow the baked cake to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire cake.
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in the hot water, stirring for several minutes until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the ice-cold water and continue stirring for another minute or two.
- Slowly pour the strawberry Jell-O mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the cake.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but 6 to 8 hours (or overnight) is even better.
- Before serving, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top and garnish with additional fresh strawberries.
Tips
- This cake is best when made ahead, giving the flavors plenty of time to soak into the cake.
- For even more strawberry flavor, use extra fresh strawberries on top before serving.
- Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Strawberry Poke Cake the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, it's even better after chilling overnight.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if needed. Just drain any excess liquid first.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Thank Him Anyway
Life isn't always sweet, and sometimes it leaves us with unexpected holes and difficult seasons. Yet somehow, God's love has a way of filling those empty places with grace we never expected.
As you share this cake with family and friends, I hope you're reminded that even on the hard days, there is still so much to be thankful for.
Thank Him Anyway. ❤️