This delightful Strawberry Poke Cake is a perfect cake recipe for beginners, offering a burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. You’ll love how simple it is to create this moist, vibrant dessert that’s sure to impress.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- White Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand. A yellow cake mix works too for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Fresh Strawberries: Essential for the fresh flavor. Frozen, thawed strawberries can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Strawberry Gelatin: The secret to the “poke” cake’s moistness and flavor. Any red fruit-flavored gelatin can be substituted.
- Whipped Topping: A light and easy frosting alternative. You can also use homemade whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box (typically eggs, water, vegetable oil)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional), fork or wooden spoon handle
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake as directed on the cake mix box until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Prepare for Poking
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. While it’s still warm, use the tines of a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure your holes go almost all the way to the bottom.
3. Create the Gelatin Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in the 1/2 cup of cold water.
4. Infuse the Cake
Carefully pour the liquid gelatin mixture evenly over the entire poked cake. Try to make sure the gelatin fills all the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is set. This is a crucial step for this cake recipe for beginners.
5. Decorate and Serve
Once the gelatin is firm, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. Garnish with your fresh sliced strawberries. Your delicious Strawberry Poke Cake is ready to serve!
Variation Ideas:
- Use a different flavor of cake mix and matching gelatin (e.g., lemon cake with lemon gelatin).
- Add a layer of sliced bananas under the whipped topping for a banana-strawberry twist.
- Drizzle with a little chocolate syrup before serving for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
- For an extra touch, toast some shredded coconut and sprinkle it on top.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Strawberry Poke Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake tastes best when chilled, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped well, for up to a month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A: Yes, absolutely! Freshly whipped cream adds a wonderful richness. Just be aware it might not hold up as long as whipped topping.
Q: Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?
A: Poking holes allows the liquid gelatin to seep into the cake, making it incredibly moist and infusing it with strawberry flavor.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! It needs time to chill, so preparing it the day before is ideal.
Q: My gelatin didn’t set. What went wrong?
A: Ensure your gelatin was fully dissolved in boiling water and then chilled thoroughly for at least 2 hours. Your refrigerator might also need to be a little colder.
Q: What if I don’t have a wooden spoon handle to poke holes?
A: A fork works perfectly well, or even a chopstick or the blunt end of a skewer. Just make sure the holes are deep enough.
Q: Is this a good cake recipe for beginners?
A: Absolutely! With a cake mix as the base and clear steps, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding cake recipes for beginners to master.