Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

This delightful Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake combines a moist white cake infused with sweet strawberry Jell-O, layered with a juicy fresh strawberry filling, and topped with a cloud of homemade whipped cream. It’s the perfect dessert for spring and summer — cool, creamy, fruity, and irresistibly light.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, picnic, or holiday party, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes just as beautiful as it looks.

 Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix

• Eggs (as per package instructions)

• Oil (as per package instructions)

• 1 cup whole milk (use instead of water for extra richness)

Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Strawberry Jello Mixture:

• 1 box strawberry-flavored gelatin

• 1 cup boiling water

• ½ cup cold water

Whipped Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh strawberry slices

• Mint leaves

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions, replacing the water with 1 cup of whole milk for a richer flavor. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan as directed and allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Stir gently, then let them sit for 15 minutes so the berries release their natural juices.

Step 3: Poke the Cake
Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon (or a large fork) to poke holes evenly over the surface of the cake.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Jell-O Mixture
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in ½ cup of cold water until fully combined.

Step 5: Fill the Holes
Slowly pour the prepared gelatin mixture over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.

Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the gelatin-filled cake. Then, top with the whipped cream, smoothing it over with a spatula.

Step 8: Garnish and Chill
Decorate with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves, if desired. Chill the cake for another 2–3 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Each bite of this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake bursts with juicy strawberry flavor and creamy sweetness — a dreamy, refreshing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with.