Strawberry Poke Cake
A vibrant and refreshing dessert made with vanilla cake soaked in strawberry gelatin, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix Can be substituted with yellow or gluten-free cake mix.
- 1 cup water As specified on the cake mix package.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter Coconut oil can also be used for a tropical twist.
- 3 large eggs For an egg-free version, substitute with 1/4 cup applesauce per egg.
For the Gelatin
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin Homemade gelatin can be used for a natural option.
- 1 cup boiling water Used to dissolve the gelatin.
For the Topping
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor; frozen can work in a pinch.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream For a lighter option, use whipped topping.
- ½ cup powdered sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed for another 2 minutes until smooth.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Gelatin Mixture
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool while the cake finishes cooling.
Assembling the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the surface using the handle of a wooden spoon, about 1-inch apart.
- Slowly pour the dissolved gelatin over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Topping the Cake
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake once the gelatin has set. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Serving
- Slice into squares and serve chilled. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate syrup for an indulgent touch.
Notes
Don’t skip the refrigeration time; this allows the gelatin to set properly and enhances flavor. For variety, add layers of fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries.