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    Home » Desserts

    Strawberry Poke Cake

    Updated: Aug 27, 2020 · Published: Jul 19, 2018 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Strawberry Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for summer. It's light, cool, and so easy to make, yet looks and tastes like you spent hours baking! A great addition to any barbecue, potluck, or holiday gathering, this sweet treat is a real crowd-pleaser, thanks to ingredients like:

    • light and airy white cake
    • fresh, bright strawberries
    • silky, smooth cheesecake pudding
    • fluffy and ethereal whipped topping

    What is Poke Cake?

    A poke cake is a basic white sheet cake that you poke holes into after baking, then fill with liquid (traditionally flavored gelatin) to infuse the cake with tons of moisture and flavor. Depending on the choice of filling, the cake can be "poked" with a fork, which works well for thinner liquids like gelatin and syrups, or with a bamboo skewer, wooden spoon handle, or even a [easyazon_link identifier="B007Q93AFU" locale="US" tag="allshecooksblog-20"]pastry cream injector[/easyazon_link] for thicker sauces and cream fillings.

    Who Invented the Poke Cake?

    Poke cake was invented in 1969 by the General Foods Corporation, as a way to increase sales of their flagship product, Jell-O. We've taken their original Strawberry Poke Cake recipe a step further by adding a hidden layer of  delectable cheesecake pudding topped with sliced, fresh strawberries.

    More Poke Cake Recipes

    Bakers are now moving beyond traditional gelatin, and filling their poke cakes with everything from flavored syrups and chocolate, to salted caramel, coffee, and even boozy cocktail mixes! So if you're feeling adventurous, you've got to check out our recipe for Boozy Pineapple Piña Colada Poke Cake! In the mood for a more decadent dessert? Rich and delicious Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake is sure to satisfy all the senses. And, if you're looking for another perfect summertime dessert, Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is a fun take on the classic frozen treat.

    a slice of strawberry poke cake served on white plate next to a blue cloth napkin and silver fork

    How To Make Strawberry Poke Cake Step by Step

    Step #1: Bake cake in 13x9 pan according to package instructions. Allow to cool.

    top-down view of the unbaked white cake in a blue print baking dish

    Step #2: Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake.

    baked white sheet cake with holes poked all over the top, sitting next to a white bowl of the liquid strawberry gelatin mixture

    Step #3: Mix together gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then pour the gelatin over the cake, making sure to pour over the holes.

    close-up of the white sheet cake with strawberry gelatin mixture soaking into the top

    Step #4: Next, mix together cheesecake pudding mix together with 1 ½ cups of milk. Pour and spread over the cake. Add a layer of 1 cup of strawberries.

    in-progress view of the strawberry poke cake with the cheesecake pudding and sliced fresh strawberries added on top

    Step #5: Top with whipped topping and additional cup of strawberries.

    completed strawberry poke cake frosted with whipped topping

    Step #6: Chill for 4 hours before serving, then slice and enjoy!

    close-up of one slice of strawberry poke cake served on white plate next to a blue cloth napkin

    Recipe

    Strawberry Poke Cake

    All She Cooks
    We made the original Strawberry Poke Cake recipe extra delicious by adding a hidden layer of cheesecake pudding and fresh strawberry slices.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Cakes, Dessert, Desserts
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 246 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 18.25 ounce package white cake mix, prepared to package instructions
    • 1 package 3 ounce package strawberry gelatin
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • 1 package 3.4 ounce cheesecake pudding
    • 1 ½ cup milk
    • 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
    • 2 cup sliced strawberries

    Instructions
     

    • Bake cake in 13x9 pan according to package instructions. Allow to cool.
    • Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake.
    • Mix together gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then pour the gelatin over the cake, making sure to pour over the holes.
    • Next, mix together cheesecake pudding mix together with 1 ½ cups of milk. Pour and spread over the cake.
    • Add a layer of 1 cup of strawberries.
    • Top with whipped topping and additional cup of strawberries. Chill for 4 hours before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 327mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword how to make Strawberry Poke Cake, Strawberry Poke Cake recipe
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    Nicole is a recipe developer, food photographer, and published cookbook author. At All She Cooks, she shares simple recipes to make every day a little bit more delicious. About Us →


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