Strawberry Jello Poke Cake (Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe)

Name: Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 225 min
Ingredients: 16.25 ounce white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box); 3 ounce strawberry jello mix; 1 cup boiling water; ½ cup cold water; 8 ounce Cool Whip (thawed); sliced strawberries for garnish (if desired)

An easy strawberry jello poke cake recipe made with strawberry Jello, white cake mix, and Cool Whip. The perfect summer dessert!

Strawberry jello poke cake topped with cool whip whipped topping and fresh strawberries and served on white plates.

Jello poke cakes are a classic dessert and perfect for potlucks, barbeques, family gatherings, and parties in general.

If you like strawberry shortcake you are going to love this easy strawberry poke cake recipe.

Strawberry Jello is poured into holes in the top of the cake to inject strawberry deliciousness throughout the cake. Then the cake is chilled then topped with Cool Whip for a light and creamy finish.

Like my OREO Poke Cake, Baileys Poke Cake, Banana Pudding Poke Cake, and Lemon Poke Cake, this strawberry poke cake is incredibly moist, yet light and cool. It is served straight from the fridge making it a perfect dessert for summer months.

No matter when or where you serve up this strawberry jell-o poke cake, one thing is for sure–everyone will love it!

Strawberry Poke Cake Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Fresh strawberries, white cake mix, water, cool whip whipped topping, and box of strawberry jello.

Boxed cake mix – Plus the ingredients called for on the back of the box: typically vegetable oil, water, and eggs. I used white cake mix but yellow cake mix can be used as well.
Strawberry Jello mix
Water – both boiling water and cold water are needed to prepare the jello mix before pouring it onto the cake.
Cool Whip – Thawed in the fridge overnight. This recipe for stabilized whipped cream can be used as a replacement, if necessary.
Strawberries – optional, for topping.

Kitchen Supplies

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare a 9 x 13 cake using a basic white cake mix. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Use the handle of a wooded spoon or a large fork to poke holes over the top of the baked cake.

Rectangular white cake with holes being poked all over the top with a large fork.

Tip

Let the kids help poke the holes–my son begs to help with this step!

Step 3: Prepare the strawberry gelatin and pour it evenly over the top of your cake. The jello mixture will seep down into the holes giving the cake a sweet strawberry flavor.

Strawberry jello mixture being poured over the entire top of the cake.

Step 4: Chill for at least 3 hours to allow the Jello to set and cool completely.

Step 5: Top the cake with Cool Whip whipped topping and fresh berries before slicing and serving.

Cake topped with cool whip whipped topping.

Storage

Refrigerator: If you are lucky enough to have any of this delicious cake leftover, cover it with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

Freezer: For best results freeze the cake after allowing the cake time to absorb the jello. Wrap tightly in layers of plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and top with whipped topping before serving.

If you like this poke cake with jello, you will love this easy no-bake strawberry cheesecake and strawberry icebox cake as well! They are both incredible no-bake strawberry desserts.

Spatula lifting slice of strawberry jello poke cake from cake dish.

Jello Poke Cake Variations

Switch up the flavor: Try using a different flavor of jello for a different taste. Cherry Jello is another one of our favorites for making poke cakes. Lime Jello is great, too!
Make a chocolate poke cake: Instead of white or yellow cake mix use a chocolate cake mix.
Add pie filling: Spread strawberry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake before topping with Cool Whip for an extra burst of sweet strawberry flavor.
Double strawberry poke cake: Use a strawberry Cake Mix for a double dose of sweet strawberry flavor.

Fork taking piece of jello poke cake from plated slice.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade whipped cream if you prefer. Just keep in mind that whipped cream doesn’t keep as well as Cool Whip does so be sure to wait until just before serving to top the cake.

How many holes should I poke in the top of the cake?

If you are using the handle of a wooden spoon or other thick object to poke the holes you can aim for 40-55 holes. If you are using a fork you will want to make more holes.

Strawberry jello poke cake with cool whip and fresh berries.

More Tasty Jello Desserts

Recipe

Square slice of strawberry jello poke cake made from white cake with red Jello drips through it. The cake is topped with cool whip topping and a slice of strawberry.

Recipe

4.65 from 48 votes