Introduction To Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake
When it comes to classic desserts, few things evoke childhood memories and summer picnic vibes quite like strawberry shortcake. Now imagine capturing that beloved flavor in a moist, tender poke cake—layers of light vanilla cake soaked with luscious strawberry glaze, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh berries. The Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a showstopper that combines simplicity with irresistible taste and texture.
This dessert is a go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want a slice of sweet, fruity happiness. Its lightness makes it an all-season treat, while the vivid red strawberry glaze and soft cake layers create a visually stunning centerpiece. It’s comfort food elevated to a crowd-pleasing star.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
🍓 Ultimate Summer Dessert
Strawberries are the queen of summer fruits, and their natural sweetness and juiciness make this cake refreshingly delightful.
🍰 Easy Yet Impressive
Though it looks elegant, this recipe is surprisingly simple—perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
💦 Moist and Flavorful
The “poke” technique allows the cake to soak up the strawberry glaze, keeping every bite juicy and bursting with flavor.
🍦 Light and Airy Texture
Unlike dense cakes, this one is soft, fluffy, and complemented perfectly by whipped cream, making it a lighter option that still satisfies dessert cravings.
🌟 Customizable and Versatile
You can add your personal twist with fresh berries, cream cheese frosting, or even a drizzle of chocolate, making it a versatile recipe for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Moist, juicy cake with rich strawberry flavor in every bite
- ✅ Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
- ✅ Minimal effort, maximum wow-factor dessert
- ✅ Perfect for celebrations or casual family dinners
- ✅ Can be prepared ahead of time, ideal for entertaining
- ✅ Kid-friendly and loved by adults alike
- ✅ Gluten-free or vegan options possible with substitutions
Ingredients: 🍓🍰🧁
- 🥣 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake batter)
- 🥄 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup water
- 🍓 1 (3.4 oz) package strawberry gelatin mix (e.g., Jell-O)
- 🍓 2 cups boiling water (for dissolving gelatin)
- 🍓 1 (10 oz) package frozen strawberries, thawed and chopped
- 🥄 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🥄 1/4 cup sugar (optional, adjust for sweetness)
- 🥛 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 🥄 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 🍓 Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Mixture
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly (not set). Stir in chopped thawed strawberries and sugar if desired.
Step 5: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Pour Gelatin Over Cake
Slowly pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 7: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Step 8: Assemble and Garnish
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an eye-catching finish. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Variations:
🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake
Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake mix for a chocolate base that pairs beautifully with strawberry glaze.
🥥 Coconut Strawberry Shortcake
Add shredded coconut to the whipped cream topping and sprinkle some on the cake for a tropical twist.
🍓 Mixed Berry Poke Cake
Substitute half the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a colorful berry medley.
🍦 Cream Cheese Frosting Option
Replace whipped cream with a tangy cream cheese frosting to balance the sweetness.
🍋 Lemon-Infused Poke Cake
Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter and swap vanilla for lemon extract to brighten flavors.
Cooking Notes:
- Use a light-colored cake mix or homemade batter to keep the strawberry glaze vibrant.
- Make sure the gelatin is warm enough to soak in but not hot enough to melt the cake.
- Poke holes deep enough to let the glaze seep into every bite but not so deep that the cake breaks apart.
- Chill the cake thoroughly to allow the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries add a nice texture contrast, but you can also use thawed frozen berries for convenience.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce or omit the sugar in the gelatin mix.
Serving Suggestions:
🍓 Perfect for:
- Summer BBQs and picnics
- Birthday parties and baby showers
- Afternoon tea or brunch gatherings
- Holiday dinners and festive occasions
🍽️ Pair with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or sorbet
- Light sparkling wine or rosé
- Fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence
Tips:
- ✅ Use room temperature eggs and oil for better batter mixing
- ✅ For easier slicing, chill the cake well before cutting
- ✅ Don’t rush the gelatin soaking and chilling process—it makes all the difference
- ✅ Whip cream just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy
- ✅ Customize sugar levels to suit your taste and occasion
- ✅ Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours minimum
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
FAQs
❓ Can I use homemade cake batter?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla or white cake recipe works wonderfully here.
❓ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure gelatin and other ingredients are gluten-free.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
❓ Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes! Prepare the cake and gelatin layers a day ahead, then add whipped cream just before serving.
❓ Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, effortlessly combining the fresh sweetness of strawberries with moist cake and fluffy cream. It’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious and fits perfectly into any celebration or casual gathering. The poke technique adds a fun twist and guarantees every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is easy, rewarding, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Make a batch today, and watch it disappear fast—guaranteed!
