Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering with a true showstopper of a dessert, look no further than Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake. This delightful treat takes the classic flavors you love—fluffy white cake, sweet-tart strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream—and gives them an irresistible twist. Best of all, it’s simple to make and absolutely bursting with summer freshness in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake comes together with a short list of classic, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a special part, from tender cake base to vibrant strawberry filling and luscious homemade whipped cream on top.

• White cake mix: The perfect blank canvas for soaking up all that strawberry goodness.
• Water: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend the batter smoothly.
• Vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Large eggs: Give the cake structure and a fluffy texture.
• Strawberry gelatin: Infuses the cake with bright berry flavor and beautiful color.
• Boiling water: Dissolves the gelatin for that classic poke cake magic.
• Cold water: Helps the gelatin set properly once poured into the cake.
• Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced): Piled on top for extra juicy, authentic strawberry taste.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberries as they marinate and become irresistibly saucy.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberries and enhances their natural flavor.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks for a cloud-like topping.
• Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the whipped cream.
• Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and a dreamy aroma to the whipped topping.
• Fresh strawberries (for garnish): A finishing touch that makes every slice beautiful.
• Mint leaves: Optional, but they add a pop of color and a hint of refreshing flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. Mix the cake batter according to the instructions on the box but with extra love: combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and dreamy, then pour it into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a skewer comes out clean.

Step 2: Cool and Get Ready to Poke

Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes—just long enough to make it easy to handle but still warm enough for the poke process. This is the moment when it transforms from ordinary to extraordinary!

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Poke

Dissolve your strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until there’s no graininess left. Stir in the cold water, which helps the gelatin set up perfectly when it’s in the cake.

Step 4: Poke and Pour

Take the handle of a wooden spoon (or a fork, if you prefer) and poke holes all over your warm cake—don’t be shy! Then, slowly pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the top, making sure every hole gets a taste. The magic of Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is in those vividly pink pockets of sweetness that appear in every slice.

Step 5: Chill Out

Cover the cake and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—or if you’re prepping ahead, overnight is even better. This gives time for all those strawberry flavors to soak right into the cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cake chills, hull and slice a pound of fresh strawberries. Toss them with granulated sugar and lemon juice and let them macerate for 15–20 minutes. This step brings out the juicy, syrupy goodness we all crave in a Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake.

Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters (trust me, it helps!). Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until you get those glorious stiff peaks—light, fluffy, and a perfect sweet pillow for your cake.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Take your cooled, gelatin-soaked cake and evenly layer the strawberry filling over the top. Gently spread the whipped cream topping over the strawberries, covering every inch for maximum creamy deliciousness.

Step 9: Garnish and Chill Again

Add a flourish of fresh strawberry slices and a few mint leaves if you like. Give the cake another 30 minutes to chill, letting the flavors meld before slicing into gorgeous squares of Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Garnishes

Visual appeal matters with a dessert as beautiful as this! After spreading the whipped cream, add a fan of sliced fresh strawberries over the top, and tuck in a few sprigs of mint. The combination transforms your Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake into a showpiece worthy of any celebration.

Side Dishes

This cake is a superstar on its own, but if you want to round out the experience, serve it alongside a light glass of lemonade or some sparkling rosé. A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts luxuriously over each slice, making every bite even dreamier.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake even more festive by assembling it as individual servings in mason jars or parfait glasses. For birthdays or showers, cut the cake into circles and stack them for mini-layered treats—so fun and perfect for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, and it actually tastes even better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

For longer storage, this cake can be frozen before adding the whipped cream and garnishes. Wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before topping with fresh cream and berries.

Reheating

This is one cake you won’t want to reheat, as it’s best enjoyed chilled. Just slice straight from the fridge and savor the cool, creamy, juicy flavors that make this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of white?

Absolutely! A yellow cake mix will add a little extra richness and flavor, but the recipe will still work beautifully for your Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake.

What’s the secret to vivid strawberry flavor?

Using both strawberry gelatin and real macerated strawberries ensures every bite is bursting with real, natural strawberry goodness.

Can I make this cake the night before an event?

Yes, and it’s actually recommended! Letting your Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake chill overnight allows the strawberry flavors to soak into the cake for an ultra-moist, irresistible texture.

How do I keep my whipped cream from deflating?

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters first, and add powdered sugar and vanilla after soft peaks form. Whip until firm, but don’t overbeat or it’ll turn grainy.

Are there any shortcuts for assembling?

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade cream. Your Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake will still taste amazing and save a few minutes in the kitchen!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake—every layer offers a burst of sweetness, freshness, and pure comfort. It’s the perfect dessert to bring loved ones together, so don’t wait for a special occasion—make it soon, and let every slice be a little taste of summer joy!

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