Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors and a delightful combination of textures, this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Imagine a moist cake soaked with sweet strawberry gelatin, topped with fluffy whipped cream, juicy fresh strawberries, and a buttery, crunchy cookie crumble that brings that classic shortcake feel right to your plate. This dessert feels like a warm hug on a sunny day and is perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something special without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step toward creating this memorable dessert. Each one is carefully chosen to build that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements in the Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe.
- White cake mix: Acts as the soft, fluffy base that’s easy to bake with and a fantastic canvas for the other flavors.
- Strawberry gelatin: Infuses the cake with a bright strawberry flavor while soaking in to keep every bite moist.
- Boiling water: Necessary to dissolve the gelatin completely so it can seep evenly into the cake.
- Cold water: Helps cool down the gelatin mixture so it doesn’t melt the cake’s texture.
- Whipped topping: Offers a light and creamy layer that balances the vibrant strawberry notes beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries: Provide juicy bursts of freshness and elevate the dessert’s fruity appeal.
- Crushed golden sandwich cookies: Add a buttery crunch that mimics the classic shortcake texture perfectly.
- Melted butter: Combines with cookie crumbs for a rich topping that enhances every spoonful.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start with preparing the white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 15 to 20 minutes—that short rest time allows the cake to firm up while still warm enough to absorb the strawberry goodness later.
Step 2: Poke the Cake for Maximum Flavor
Once your cake has cooled slightly, take the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer and gently poke holes all over the entire surface, spacing them roughly an inch apart. These holes are the secret to making sure the strawberry gelatin soaks deep into the cake, infusing every bite with sweet, fruity moisture.
Step 3: Make and Pour the Strawberry Gelatin
Whisk together the strawberry gelatin with boiling water until it dissolves completely. Then stir in cold water to cool the mixture, preventing the cake from getting soggy. Carefully pour the gelatin over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes you poked, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the gelatin set beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Creamy and Crunchy Toppings
Mix the crushed golden sandwich cookies with melted butter to create that classic shortcake crumb topping. Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the chilled cake and then sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries followed by the cookie crumb mixture. This final touch gives the dish its signature look and unbeatable texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizazz, add whole strawberries or even a sprig of fresh mint on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also turn this cake from lovely to gorgeous right before serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh fruit salad. These sides complement the light, fruity nature of the poke cake while keeping the overall dessert experience refreshing and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dessert in individual glass jars layered with extra whipped topping and strawberries for a charming, portable treat. Alternatively, slice it into squares and serve on colorful plates, adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or strawberry sauce for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe refrigerated, tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a convenient dessert to prepare in advance.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its perfect consistency.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer it at room temperature, simply leave it out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow those luscious flavors to shine.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin for this poke cake?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, you can experiment with flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even mixed berry for a fun twist on this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe.
What if I don’t have golden sandwich cookies? Is there a substitute?
Definitely. Crushed vanilla wafers, pound cake crumbs, or even shortbread cookies all work wonderfully to give that beloved crumbly texture.
Can this cake be made from scratch without using a box mix?
You can! Just make a homemade white cake batter, but remember that box mixes offer convenience without sacrificing flavor—perfect for when you want a simple but spectacular dessert.
Is it okay to use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for the topping to maintain that juicy texture, but thawed and drained frozen strawberries can work in a pinch.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
At least 2 hours of refrigeration is ideal to allow the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld, giving you a moist and flavorful cake.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe promises an effortless way to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice. It’s vibrant, creamy, and wonderfully nostalgic—a true celebration of strawberries in every bite. Once you try it, this dessert will quickly become a favorite go-to for sunny days, family gatherings, or just because life deserves a little sweetness.
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Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a moist white cake infused with strawberry gelatin. Topped with whipped cream, fresh diced strawberries, and buttery cookie crumbs, it combines the best flavors and textures of traditional strawberry shortcake in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing poke cake perfect for summer or any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box – typically egg whites, oil, and water)
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Toppings
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 cup crushed golden sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the white cake mix by combining it with the required egg whites, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, around the suggested baking time on the package.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Allow the baked cake to cool for about 15–20 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow the gelatin mixture to soak in evenly.
- Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin powder and 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water to cool slightly.
- Pour Gelatin Over Cake: Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the entire cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes, which helps infuse the flavor throughout the cake.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set and fully absorb into the cake.
- Prepare Cookie Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed golden sandwich cookies with melted butter to create a buttery crumb topping.
- Add Whipped Topping and Garnish: After the cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake surface. Then sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries and the buttery cookie crumbs on top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve and Store: Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and optimal texture.
Notes
- For extra strawberry flavor, layer thinly sliced strawberries between the cake and whipped topping.
- You can swap the white cake mix for yellow or even strawberry cake mix for a variation.
- The cookie topping adds shortcake-like crunch and can be replaced with crushed pound cake or biscuit crumbles for different textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
