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strawberry poke cake

Easy Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Kitchen Ready Betty
This easy strawberry poke cake is a refreshing, light dessert that combines a fluffy white cake with vibrant fruit flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for summer picnics or your next 4th of July celebration!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
rest time minimum (before adding toppings) 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Desserts, Holidays
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 254 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • hand mixer OR stand mixer
  • 13x9 baking pan (greased or lined with parchment paper)
  • spouted glass measuring cup (2 cup capacity or larger)
  • whisk
  • spreading spatula
  • pairing knife
  • cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box white cake mix + ingredients to make it I prefer Duncan Hines or Pillsbury because you get more in the box
  • 1 (3 oz) box strawberry flavored gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip defrosted
  • 1 quart fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries OR blackberries washed (optional berries for patriotic theme)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Make box mix according to package directions; spread batter into prepared 13x9 pan; bake according to package directions.
  • Allow cake to cool for just 20 minutes (set a timer so you don't miss it!). Using a straw, poke holes all over the cake, pressing halfway through.
  • In spouted measuring cup, whisk boiling water and gelatin powder until dissolved. Slowly pour mixture all over the cake, taking time to also pour directly into the holes.
  • Allow the cake to set and cool completely for a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge.
  • Spread defrosted whip on top of cooled cake. Decorate with fresh berries just before serving.

Notes

I like using Cool Whip for this cake because it's more stabilized than other whipped toppings. Defrost it in the fridge and not on your counter so it maintains its stable texture.
Store your strawberry poke cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep the whipped topping fluffy and fresh. Because of the strawberry Jell-O filling and dairy topping, this cake stays moist and delicious for up to three days when chilled.
See the above post for tips on achieving the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 squareCalories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 271mgPotassium: 138mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 76IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg
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