Satisfy your sweet cravings with this delightful Strawberry Gelatin Poke Cake, a perfect quick cake recipe that’s incredibly easy to make. This vibrant dessert is soaked in fruity gelatin and topped with a creamy frosting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- White Cake Mix: You can use any yellow or vanilla cake mix for a similar result.
- Strawberry Gelatin: Raspberry or cherry gelatin works wonderfully as a substitute.
- Whipped Topping: Cream cheese frosting can be used for a richer flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Other berries like raspberries or blueberries add a delicious touch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix
- 1¼ cups water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Gelatin Layer:
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional), fork or wooden skewer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined.
2. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
3. Poke Holes in the Cake
While the cake is still warm, use a fork or the blunt end of a wooden skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. Make sure your holes go almost all the way to the bottom.
4. Prepare the Gelatin
In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved, which should take about 2 minutes. Stir in ½ cup of cold water.
5. Pour the Gelatin
Carefully pour the liquid gelatin evenly over the poked holes in the warm cake. Ensure the gelatin seeps into all the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. This makes it a truly quick cake recipe.
6. Frost and Garnish
Once the gelatin is set and the cake is thoroughly chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries, if desired. Slice and serve your delicious Strawberry Gelatin Poke Cake.
Variation Ideas
- Use lemon cake mix and lime gelatin for a tangy twist.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas under the whipped topping.
- Sprinkle white chocolate shavings over the whipped topping for extra sweetness.
- Try a different fruit gelatin flavor like peach or orange.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Strawberry Gelatin Poke Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. This quick cake recipe is best served chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this quick cake recipe a day in advance. The flavors often meld even better overnight.
What if my cake doesn’t have enough holes?
You can poke more holes if you notice the gelatin isn’t soaking in evenly. Aim for about 1-inch spacing.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be a wonderful, fresh addition.
Why did my gelatin not set properly?
Ensure you use boiling water to fully dissolve the gelatin and then chill the cake for the recommended time.
Can I use sugar-free gelatin?
Yes, sugar-free gelatin works just as well and can be used as a substitute.
My cake is too crumbly when I poke it. What went wrong?
Ensure your cake is slightly warm but not hot. Poking too aggressively or when the cake is too fragile can cause crumbling.