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This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is the perfect cool and refreshing dessert. Yellow cake with strawberry gelatin poked throughout, topped with a delicious whipped topping and fresh strawberries – everyone loves this strawberry poke cake!
Poke cake is one of our favorite types of cakes to eat in the summer time—especially ones with fresh fruit, like our banana pudding poke cake and lemon lime poke cake!
Shortcake Poke Cake
During the summer months, I like to make a cool dessert for get togethers and BBQ’s. I have several favorites including Kansas City Dirt Cake and Brownie Delight, but my all-time favorite summer dessert is Poke Cake!
A close second would be Strawberry Short Cake, so I was inspired to combine the two, and make Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake!
It’s a yellow cake base, with strawberry gelatin poked throughout, and topped with a delicious whipped topping and fresh strawberries! SO delicious and refreshing! In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with anything strawberry. 😉
MAKING & BAKING:
This cake does take a little time but is still very simple. The most time is actually just letting the JELL-O set up which requires refrigerating for 3-4 hours. Here is what you’ll need to do to make this delicious cake. 😉
CAKE MIX. Make Yellow Cake by following directions on box. Once the cake is out, take a fork and poke it all over.
JELLO. While cake is still warm, make jell-o by adding mix to 1 cup hot water and dissolving and then adding 1 cup cold water. Spoon this liquid over the top of the cake, making sure it goes through the holes made by the fork. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
TOPPING. When ready to serve make frosting by mixing cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Add vanilla. Mix to well combined. Fold in Whipped cream (or cool whip). Spread over cake.
Spread sliced strawberries over the frosting or add individually to each cake square. ENJOY!
TIPS for Strawberry poke cake:
- You can use a cake made from scratch, a box cake, or a store bought cake.
- White cake also pairs well with strawberries.
- For larger deposits of jello in the cake use the end of a wooden spoon, or even your pinky finger. Poke holes about 1 inch apart.
- Add a layer of strawberry pie filling over the top of the cake, then finish it of with frosting and fresh berries.
- For a nice clean slice, wipe the knife after each cut.
- Don’t forget to FOLD in the whip cream
MORE TIPS, tricks & storing – oh my!
Does the cake need to be 9×13? Nope! You can easily follow the instructions on the box to make 2 round pans or cupcakes.
- Use 2 round cakes to make a delicious and pretty layered cake. Bake cakes, poke holes add jello and chill. Once the round cakes have been chilled remove them from the pan. Frost the top of one cake then place the second cake on top. Decorate the very top with more frosting and strawberries.
- You can also make cupcakes. Simply poke holes in the cupcakes with a fork, carefully spoon jello over each cupcake and chill. Top with frosting and berries.
Can I speed up the chill time? You don’t need the gelatin to set like normal jello would, but it will take a few hours. To speed up the process put the cake in the freezer for about an hour – just long enough to set the jello, but not freeze the cake.
To make this dessert even faster purchase a pre-made unfrosted cake from your local bakery.
Do I have to use a box mix? Nope! You can make yellow cake from scratch using any recipe. Once the cake has cooled, follow the recipe as written.
How to store?
- Refrigerate: Because of the jello, keep the cake chilled. Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freeze: Normally you wouldn’t want to freeze jello, but because the cake absorbs the liquid it doesn’t set in the typical jello fashion. To freeze, wrap cake tightly with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Note: If the cake is frosted, then you’ll need to flash freeze it first. You do this by placing individual pieces on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until the outside is frozen, then wrap in plastic and foil, label and return to the freezer. Do not freeze with strawberries on it.
We love this combo of our favorite desserts!! It had a moist and cool cake layer filled with Jell-o. It was topped off with a delicious cream cheese whipped cream frosting with fresh strawberries on top and is perfect for summer time.
For more strawberry desserts, check out:
- Strawberry Gooey Butter Cake
- Strawberry Sheet Cake
- No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad
- Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Yellow Cake Mix (plus ingredients on back)
- 1 small box instant strawberry JELL-O Raspberry or cherry work too!
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 8 oz. block cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 2 pints strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Make Yellow Cake by following directions on box.
- Once the cake is out, take a fork and poke it all over.
- While cake is still warm, make jell-o by adding mix to 1 cup hot water and dissolving and then adding 1 cup cold water. Spoon this liquid over the top of the cake, making sure it goes through the holes made by the fork. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
- When ready to serve make frosting by mixing cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Add vanilla. Mix to well combined. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cake.
- Spread sliced strawberries over the frosting or add individually to each cake square. ENJOY!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I brought this for a work potluck and everyone loved it! I only used half of the jello mixture to pour onto the cake because I made it the night before and I was worried it would end up real soggy, but it came out really good and still had a nice strawberry flavor throughout! I also added a little bit of strawberry glaze on top which gave everything another boost of strawberry flavor. I didn’t feel like making whipped cream so i folded cool whip into the cream cheese instead and it made a really good icing.
I have been using this recipe for my diabetic seniors in our Meals on Wheel Program for the last 2 years and they LOVE it!! I use 2 sugar-free cake mixes but only 1 box of sugar-free jello (it’s too “soupy” with 2 boxes). The frosting is 1 can of sugar-free icing and 8 ounces of cream cheese. If doubling your original recipe, I use a 12X17 cake pan and then double the icing recipe. I started using the sugar- free Devil’s Food cake mix and raspberry jello. I frost it with 2 cans of sugar-free choclate frosting, score the top to get the right amount of slices then, I use the “whipped cream” frosting I listed above (I always have extra in the freezer!) in a cake decorator tube and pipe flowers in the center of each piece! If I have them, I put a raspberry on top of the whipped cream on each piece! It makes a beautiful presentation! Thanks for this recipe!
**PS…if doubling the recipe, it bakes at 325 degrees for 45-50 minutes!
I am going to try making this recipe and serve to our girls family night dinner. I will be making them as cupcakes. I read all the hints and have decided to also place the layer of strawberry pie filling before the icing. I am slightly worried that the cake will be soggy. Co I have to worry?
Can I use an anglefood box cake?
I have made versions of this cake before. When I make the jello, I bowl 1/2 cup of water then when dissolved add a 12 oz can of soda (Sprite, 7 up, Strawberry Crush, champagne if all adults etc). Gives it an extra zippy note. My birthday is July 4th. So my niece and nephews will decorate the top like a flag using the berries.
Thanks for sharing what you did! That sounds so fun!
can i make the cake and keep it in the fridge until I am ready to add the jello?
Yes, absolutely!
Great recipe, I get tons of compliments for how moist the cake is
Made this for the 4th and it was a hit!
Hi. I want to make mention that your ingredients list says “whipped cream” and links to a recipe for homemade whipped cream, yet your instructions and video both say to use cool whip. I was a little disappointed to see that after I purchased whipping cream to make the homemade whipped cream when I could have just used cool whip.
Thanks for the feedback!
I made this cake several times it’s always delicious 😋. It’s a great summer cake. Oh soooo good.
Oh I’m so happy to hear you enjoy the cake! It’s a great one for summer!
i like all the recipe which u make would love to try this strawberry short cake tooo.my near and dear onces will love it so pls share the recipe
I’m so glad you like the recipe! Here is a link to the recipe for your family and friends Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake
How far ahead can I make this cake? And does it need to be refrigerated?
Thanks!
Yes, you’ll want to keep the cake refrigerated. It lasts pretty well for about 2-3 days in the fridge, so somewhere in that range.
Absolutely delicious! This is definitely a keeper! Thank you!
You’re welcome! So glad to hear you enjoyed the cake!
It was Delicious I added some warm strawberries with a little bit of homemade whipped cream
Mmmm that sounds tasty!! Thanks for sharing!
So so YUMMY!’
Thank you!! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Delicious. Grandkids loved it.
Yay!! So happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing.
Perfect everyone loved it
I’m so glad it turned out so well!
I made the round mix and it was so moist the top layer split in half. It was a huge mess but it was sooooo delicious no one cared that it had to be scooped into a bowl to eat lmbo I am making a lemon version today for Easter 😁
Sounds delicious! Let me know how the lemon version goes! 🙂
May I ask why do you use a yellow cake mix instead of a white cake ??? Thanks!!
You can totally use a white one 🙂
Easy dessert!. I used the strawberry cake box mix and it was delish! Topped with cool whip and strawberries. No complaints here!😊
GReat recipe made it For my son birthday Added my own decorations on top as well ?
Perfect!! I hope he liked it! Thank you!
This is a great recipe! It was so easy to make and everyone loved it!!! I am definitely keeping this one. Thank you!
You are welcome 🙂 Glad it’s a keeper! Thank you!
I love alL your recipes! Most have become family favorites!
I was looking for a strawberry shortcake recipe for my friend’s bIrthday and i was so glad i found this recioe By you! Thank you! ?
That’s so nice of you!! Thank you so much!! Glad I could share them 🙂
I found this recIpe last year and it is now the requested cake for every birthday and HOliday. We love this cake!
I am glad you found it!! Thank you for letting me know!
I like to add a can of strawberry pie filling to my jello and let it gel slightly then pour over cake and let it seep thru cake it’s better to wait over nite and then add your topping!!
Sounds tasty! Thanks for sharing what you do.
This cake is delicious!!! It is amazing.
Happy you think so! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂
can you please describe the cake texture? does it have the texture of jello mixed with the cake?
It is super soft & moist, not dense at all.
Can you use strawberry glaze like u would use for individual strawberry shortckes instead of jello?
I personally have not tried, so I couldn’t say how it would turn out. One way to find out 🙂
I made the round recipie and used a strawberry pie filling on top of the frosting and the weight caused the top layer to split. It was an absolutely delicious mess lol
Made this and the entire family gobbled it up. SOOO Good! Thanks for sharing. definitely making it again.
Do I beat the heavy cream first and then fold it into the cream cheese mix?
You fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, but if you are making whipped topping from heavy cream, yes, mix until it forms into peaks, then you can fold it into the cream cheese mix. Hope that helps 🙂
This is by far one of the easiest & yummiest desserts. It is so refreshing & my family loved it!!
This recipe reminds me of strawberry shortcake. Its cool, tasty and a great dessert for the summertime. I love being able to make it ahead too! Thats an added plus fro me.
This cake has to be my absolute favorite cake! It is so moist and full of delicious flavor!
I love strawberries and this cake looks delicious!
It is so good!! Since, you love strawberries, then you should love this 🙂
I’ve made poke cakes forever and used all flavors of Jello, even Watermelon with a few chocolate chips thrown in for seeds!
Oh honey, I feel for you living in Houston! I live in Central Texas and it’s hot here too, but, Houston is a whole nother animal! I was there one time in August. Never again!! ????☠☠????
That watermelon version sounds delish!! Thanks for sharing..I will have to try it!
Its so nice to finally find a recipe that can easily be made. Its a struggle here in South Africa to find a lot of ingredients here.
I made this for Father’s Day and it was great
Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂 I’m glad you liked it!
Can I make the frosting in the morning? Will it be ok by night as long as it stays refrigerated? Making it for my mom for her birthday!!! ????
It should be ok. I haven’t made it separately & had it in the fridge all day, but it should be fine. Great cake for a birthday!! Let me know how it comes out!
Hi
I can’t wait to try your recipe. It looks so good! ????
I was wondering where and when do we add the vanilla.
Thanks!
Thanks for pointing that out. You’ll add it in step 5, with the frosting ingredients. Thank you!!
Pretty sure I know the answer, but you see anything wrong with using a lemon cake mix? Love that lemon strawberry combo and thinking lemon cake and maybe lil lemon juice zest in cream would give me that….
You could definitely try!! I haven’t tried it myself, but sounds delish! I’d love to know what you try and how you like it!
Sounds really good – thank you and have a great weekend.
I love poke cakes. In the summer I like to top it with straight Cool Whip for a less heavy option. It’s delicious
Definitely!! Love cool whips on poke cake!
I do not have a cake mix. How do I do this from scratch?
Do you have a favorite yellow cake that you make? I don’t have a recipe for the cake, but maybe you can google a recipe for yellow cake? It doesn’t have to be the one from a box. Sorry!
Oo this looks and sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Simon
It is!! It is so refreshing! Hope you try it. Thanks for stopping by!!
Can I make this recipe the day before serving, including frosting it, if I keep it refrigerated?
Can you let me know the answer as well? I have a great friend I would love to make this for.
I usually make it the morning of, but I’m sure it will be ok, as long as it’s in the fridge. Or, you could save frosting it, at the end.
I haven’t made it the day before, just the morning of, but it should be ok in the fridge. You could always make both, but not frost it, until you’re ready, just keep both refrigerated.
I made the cake, cooled it slightly then poured the jello over it, put it in the fridge OVER NIGHT with a only loose cover and didn’t put frosting on until next day, mid morning….it was fine!!! Give your frosting time to absorb all the vanilla and powdered sugar flavor before putting it out to eat so its good & sweet!!! Also, I hand mixer beat the vanilla and powered sugar with the softened cream cheese first, then gently hand mixed in the cool whip otherwise it might get a little runny… Enjoy!!!!!!!????
Thank you for sharing!! Glad it turned out 🙂
What size pan did you use for the cake?
9×13. 😉
I am so happy to hear that! Hope you like it!
Thank you so much, hoping to make it this weekend. We in winter at the moment but luckily the days are bit warm
Well, I sure hope you like it 🙂