Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the comforting flavors of classic strawberry shortcake, but in an incredibly moist and easy-to-make cake form. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip back to summer picnics and sweet childhood memories, all wrapped up in a single, irresistible bite.

While poke cakes themselves don’t have a long, storied history, they’ve quickly become a modern dessert staple. The beauty lies in their simplicity and the endless possibilities for flavor combinations. This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake takes inspiration from the beloved strawberry shortcake, a dessert with roots tracing back to England, where biscuits were served with sweetened berries and cream. Over time, the recipe evolved, finding its way to America and becoming a summertime favorite.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the texture is divine – the cake is incredibly moist thanks to the sweet strawberry mixture that soaks into every nook and cranny. Second, the flavor profile is a perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart, with the creamy whipped topping adding a luxurious touch. And finally, let’s be honest, it’s incredibly easy to make! Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a slice of heaven!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• For the Strawberry Poke:
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Whipped Cream Topping:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Garnish:
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Mint leaves

Preparing the Cake

Okay, let’s get started with the foundation of our Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake – the cake itself! This is a super simple process, especially if you’re using a boxed cake mix (which we are!). Don’t worry, even with a boxed mix, we can make it taste amazing.

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! But if you don’t have that, just grease the pan with shortening or butter, then dust it with flour, tapping out any excess. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to remove later.
2. Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the ingredients together until well combined. Start on low speed to prevent the dry ingredients from flying everywhere, then increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
3. Bake the cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
4. Cool the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to handle.

Creating the Strawberry Poke

Now for the fun part – making those delicious little pockets of strawberry goodness! This is what transforms a regular cake into a poke cake. The strawberry gelatin soaks into the cake, adding moisture and a burst of strawberry flavor.

1. Prepare the strawberry gelatin: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This usually takes a minute or two. Make sure there are no granules left!
2. Add cold water: Stir in 1 cup of cold water. This will cool the gelatin mixture down slightly and make it the perfect consistency for soaking into the cake.
3. Poke holes in the cake: While the cake is still warm (but not too hot!), use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go all the way down to the bottom of the cake. The more holes you poke, the more strawberry flavor will soak in!
4. Pour the gelatin over the cake: Slowly and evenly pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, making sure to saturate all the holes. The cake will absorb the gelatin as it cools.
5. Refrigerate the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gelatin to fully set and the cake to become nice and moist.

Making the Strawberry Filling

Fresh strawberries are a must for this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake! The strawberry filling adds a layer of fresh, fruity flavor that complements the strawberry gelatin perfectly. It’s a simple filling to make, but it adds so much to the overall taste.

1. Prepare the strawberries: Hull and slice the fresh strawberries. I like to slice them about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavor of the strawberries and prevent them from browning.
3. Let the strawberries macerate: Gently toss the ingredients together and let the strawberries macerate (sit and release their juices) for about 15-20 minutes. This will create a delicious strawberry syrup that will soak into the cake even more.
4. Drain excess juice (optional): If you prefer a thicker filling, you can drain off some of the excess juice from the strawberries before adding them to the cake. However, I like to leave the juice in for extra flavor and moisture.

Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping

No Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is complete without a generous layer of whipped cream! This homemade whipped cream is so much better than store-bought, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The key is to use cold heavy cream and a cold bowl.

1. Chill the bowl and beaters: Place the mixing bowl and the beaters of your electric mixer in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the whipped cream to whip up faster and hold its shape better.
2. Combine ingredients: In the chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Whip the cream: Use the electric mixer to beat the cream on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, or it will turn into butter! You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape and forms stiff peaks when you lift the beaters.

Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the cake! This is where all the different components come together to create a beautiful and delicious dessert.

1. Spread the strawberry filling: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top. Make sure to distribute the strawberries and the juice evenly.
2. Top with whipped cream: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the strawberry filling. You can use a spatula or a piping bag to create a decorative design.
3. Garnish (optional): Garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
4. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the whipped cream to set.
5. Serve and enjoy!: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of moist cake, strawberry gelatin, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped cream!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, a nostalgic trip to childhood picnics, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one incredibly moist and delicious package. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the classic combination of strawberries and cream, but wants a fun, easy, and impressive way to serve it.

What makes this cake so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender, fluffy cake, infused with the sweet strawberry gelatin, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The creamy, dreamy whipped topping adds a luscious layer of richness, while the fresh strawberry slices provide a burst of juicy sweetness that cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.

But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Seriously, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can absolutely nail this recipe. The poke cake method is foolproof, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. And the simple ingredients mean you probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Looking for serving suggestions or variations? The possibilities are endless! For an extra touch of elegance, try using a homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought. You can also add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different flavors of gelatin, like raspberry or cherry, to create a unique twist on the classic Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake. You could even use a chocolate cake mix for a decadent chocolate-covered strawberry version!

For a truly patriotic dessert, consider using blueberries in addition to strawberries for a red, white, and blue treat perfect for the Fourth of July. Or, if you’re serving a smaller crowd, you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 inch pan.

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is also fantastic served chilled, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings. Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for an even more intense strawberry experience.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Give this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake a try, and let me know how it turns out. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always looking for new and creative ways to enjoy this classic dessert. Happy baking! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! Your feedback helps others discover this delicious and easy dessert. Enjoy!