Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

A white cake soaked with strawberry Jell-O, then topped with a creamy cheesecake pudding layer, fresh strawberries and whipped topping. An easy make-ahead summer dessert.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Cool & Chill Time 4 45

Total Time 5 30

Course Cakes, Dessert, Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings pieces

Calories 251 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix (13.25 to 15.25 oz), plus the eggs, oil and water called for on the box
1 box strawberry gelatin (3 oz / 85 g)
1 cup boiling water
1 box instant cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz / 96 g)
1 ½ cups cold milk
8 oz whipped topping thawed
2 cups sliced strawberries fresh, divided

Instructions

Heat the oven and mix the cake batter as directed on the box. Spread it in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake as directed (usually 25 to 35 minutes), until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Poke holes all over the warm cake with a fork, about ½ inch apart.
Stir the strawberry gelatin into 1 cup of boiling water for 2 minutes, until completely dissolved. Slowly pour it over the cake, aiming for the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Whisk the cheesecake pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes to thicken, then spread it evenly over the cake.
Scatter 1 cup of the sliced strawberries over the pudding layer.
Spread the whipped topping over the top and finish with the remaining 1 cup of strawberries.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing into 12 pieces.

Notes

Cake mix boxes have shrunk over the years. Any 13.25 to 15.25 oz white cake mix works in a 9x13 pan with the same gelatin and pudding amounts. Bake it as directed on the box.

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing isn't recommended.

To make ahead, bake the cake and add the gelatin up to 1 day ahead. Add the pudding, strawberries and whipped topping at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 404mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 66IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition details are an estimate, per serving.