Strawberry Poke Cake

If you’re craving a dessert that combines simplicity with a burst of fruity flavor, then a strawberry poke cake might just be your new favorite treat. Originating from the 1970s, this nostalgic dessert has made a delicious comeback, capturing hearts with its moist texture and vibrant strawberry goodness.

Ingredients

For making a delicious strawberry poke cake that transports me back to the nostalgic flavors of the 1970s, I carefully gather the following ingredients. Ensuring everything is ready before the baking starts makes the process seamless and enjoyable.

Cake

1 box white cake mix (any brand you prefer)
1 cup water (for the cake mix)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Strawberry Gelatin

1 package (3 ounces) strawberry flavored gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water

Topping

1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Additional fresh strawberries for decoration
Mint leaves for a fresh touch

With these ingredients assembled, I am ready to create my strawberry poke cake.

Equipment Needed

To create the perfect strawberry poke cake, you’ll need to gather the right equipment. I’ve compiled everything you’ll need to ensure a smooth baking process.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the cake batter and a medium bowl for the strawberry gelatin mixture.
Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will help combine the cake ingredients smoothly. A hand mixer can work too if you don’t have a stand mixer.
9×13 Inch Baking Pan: This pan size is ideal for spreading the cake batter evenly. Make sure it’s thoroughly greased to prevent sticking.
Wooden Skewer or Fork: After baking the cake, use a skewer or fork to poke holes throughout the cake for the gelatin to seep in.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are absolutely crucial for this recipe.
Rubber Spatula: This tool will help scrape down the sides of bowls and ensure you get every bit of batter into the baking pan.
Whisk: Useful for mixing the gelatin mixture until it dissolves completely.
Refrigerator: Ensure you have sufficient space to chill the cake and allow the flavors to meld.
Sharp Knife: For slicing fresh strawberries to use as a topping.
Cutting Board: A clean surface for cutting the strawberries.
Serving Platter: Once the poke cake is complete, a nice serving platter will present your creation beautifully.

Gathering these tools in advance will streamline the cooking process, making it both efficient and enjoyable to bake this classic dessert.

Directions

Follow these clear and detailed steps to create a delicious strawberry poke cake.

Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Gather all ingredients and equipment.

Make the White Cake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, oil, and water as per the package instructions.
Use an electric mixer to beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water.
Add 1 cup of cold water and stir until fully combined.
Let the gelatin mixture cool to room temperature but do not let it set.

Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake, evenly spacing the holes about 1 inch apart.
Pour the cooled strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Assemble the Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld.
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
Slice fresh strawberries and arrange them on top of the cake.
Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Cut into squares and serve.

Variations and Substitutions

Flavor Alternatives

While the classic strawberry poke cake is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily switch up the flavors. Here are some ideas:

Lemon Poke Cake: Replace the strawberry gelatin with lemon gelatin to create a citrusy twist. Top with lemon zest for added freshness.
Raspberry Poke Cake: Substitute strawberry gelatin with raspberry gelatin. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a tart and sweet alternative.
Chocolate Poke Cake: Swap the white cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. Use chocolate pudding instead of gelatin, and top with chocolate shavings.

Dietary Substitutions

For those with dietary restrictions, consider these substitutions:

Gluten-free Version: Use a gluten-free white cake mix in place of the standard mix. Ensure that the gelatin and other toppings are labeled gluten-free.
Vegan Option: Choose a vegan cake mix and replace the whipped topping with coconut whipped cream. Instead of gelatin, use agar-agar powder for similar results.
Sugar-free Adaptation: Utilize sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free gelatin. Opt for a sugar-free whipped topping to maintain the dessert’s light and airy texture without the added sugar.

Creative Toppings

Elevate your strawberry poke cake with unique toppings:

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the whipped topping for a crunchy contrast.
Berry Medley: Add a mix of berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries alongside the strawberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped topping to blend rich chocolate with the light strawberry flavor.

Alternative Presentation

Try different ways to present your poke cake:

Cupcake Format: Convert your poke cake into individual cupcakes. Bake the batter in a muffin tin and poke holes in each cupcake. Fill with gelatin and top with whipped cream and strawberries.
Layered Trifle: Create a layered trifle by cutting the baked cake into cubes. Layer them in a trifle dish with gelatin, whipped topping, and fresh fruit for a visually stunning dessert.

With these variations and substitutions, you can personalize the classic strawberry poke cake to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake

Use Fresh Strawberries

For the best flavor, always use fresh strawberries. Fresh strawberries provide a vibrant, natural sweetness that frozen ones can’t match. Make sure to wash and hull them properly before using.

Properly Prepare the Cake

Bake your cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked and will hold up well to the liquid without becoming mushy. Allow the cake to cool completely before poking and adding the strawberry mixture.

Poke Holes Evenly

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake. Make sure the holes are deep but not too wide to allow the strawberry gelatin mixture to seep into the cake uniformly, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Mix Gelatin Thoroughly

When preparing the strawberry gelatin, mix it thoroughly until it completely dissolves. Pour it over the cake slowly and carefully, making sure it gets into all the holes. This guarantees a well-distributed strawberry flavor throughout the cake.

Chill for Better Flavor

After you pour the gelatin mix over the cake, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the gelatin set, enhancing the texture and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Top Creatively

For the ultimate strawberry poke cake, top it with homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought cool whip for a fresher taste. You can also add sliced fresh strawberries or other fruits for extra texture and flavor. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or grated chocolate can add a delightful crunch and complexity.

Plan Ahead for Best Results

Strawberry poke cake is best when prepared a day in advance. This allows time for the gelatin to fully set and the flavors to penetrate the cake deeply. Always store the cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and moist.

These tips will help you create a strawberry poke cake that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor and a delightful texture.

How to Store

Proper storage of your strawberry poke cake ensures it maintains its delightful flavor and texture. Here are the steps to store your dessert:

Refrigeration

Covering the Cake: After your cake has fully chilled and set, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Ensure the wrap or lid seals tightly to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Storing Duration: You can refrigerate strawberry poke cake for up to 4 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the moistness of the cake and the freshness of the strawberries.

Freezing

Initial Freeze: If you’d like to store the cake for a longer period, freeze it. Begin by covering the cake with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
Labeling: Always label the wrapped cake with the date before freezing. This step is crucial for tracking how long it’s been stored.
Freezing Duration: Strawberry poke cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. For the best taste and texture, consume within this time frame.
Overnight Thawing: To defrost the cake, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and leave it overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the cake’s integrity.
Final Touches: Once the cake has thawed, remove the plastic and aluminum foil. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your strawberry poke cake for days or even months beyond the initial preparation.

Conclusion

Strawberry poke cake has truly stood the test of time, evolving to fit modern tastes and dietary needs. With endless variations and creative toppings, there’s a version for everyone. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake never disappoints. Don’t forget to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Dive into the world of strawberry poke cake and let your culinary creativity shine.