Ah, strawberry poke cake—what a delightful treat! This cake brings back such fond memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings. There’s something about the combination of the moist white cake, vibrant strawberry flavor bursting through with that signature poked goodness, and fluffy whipped topping that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I had this cake; it was at my grandma’s place, and she’d make it nearly every summer. The mere sight of it had us all gathering around the kitchen table, ready to dig in!
Why do I love this recipe so much? It’s the way it combines simplicity with just a touch of creativity. Even if you’re not a baking pro, you can whip this up and impress everyone. Plus, it’s so refreshing during those warm months, making it perfect for any occasion. Let me share the ingredients and show you how to create your very own strawberry poke cake!
What’s in Strawberry Poke Cake?
White Cake Mix: The base of our cake! I like to use a good quality brand, but any standard mix will do the trick. It saves time and turns out perfectly every time.
Eggs: These little guys add moisture and richness to the cake. Make sure you have them at room temperature for better mixing.
Water: Just the ordinary H2O—we need this to prepare the cake mix. You can use milk for a richer flavor if you desire.
Strawberry Gelatin: This is where the magic happens! It provides the lovely strawberry flavor and creates those irresistible little pockets in the cake.
Boiling Water: This helps dissolve the gelatin. Just be careful while handling it!
Fresh Strawberries: You can’t have strawberry poke cake without these juicy beauties! Chopped and tucked inside, they enhance the flavor and add some lovely texture.
Whipped Topping: Think Cool Whip. This light and airy topping is essential for that luscious finish on top of your cake.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add a nice crunch and a subtle sweetness that counters the fluffiness perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the graham cracker mixture.
Extra Strawberries: These are for garnishing—always a nice finishing touch to make it even more appealing.
Is Strawberry Poke Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health because we know everything in moderation, right? This cake isn’t exactly health food, but let’s just say it has its perks!
Fresh Strawberries: These delightful fruits are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and they offer a burst of natural sweetness. They also provide antioxidants which can be a great boost anyway you slice it.
Whipped Topping: While it adds a delightful creaminess, it’s also high in sugar. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, opt for a homemade whipped cream made with heavy whipping cream and a little sweetener.
Graham Crackers: They add some fiber, but again—watch the portion size if you’re concerned about sugar.
So there’s a balance here. Enjoy this cake as a treat, and happily indulge from time to time!
Ingredients List
– 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup water
– 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
– 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
– 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– Extra strawberries for garnish
This recipe serves about 12, so perfect for a crowd!
How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. A healthy layer of butter and a dusting of flour does wonders for a non-stick surface!
2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix according to package instructions until well combined. This is where you can channel your inner cake-whisperer!
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the box instructions, usually about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your home will be heavenly!
4. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Patience, my friend!
5. While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry gelatin. In a bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
6. Poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake using a fork or skewer. Go wild but not too wild! You want enough holes for the gelatin to seep into, but not so many that it crumbles.
7. Slowly pour the prepared gelatin evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. It’s almost like a little surprise for the taste buds!
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set. (Trust me, it’s worth the wait!)
9. After chilling, spread whipped topping over the top of the cake evenly. Now it’s really starting to look like something fabulous!
10. In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with powdered sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the whipped topping. It adds that perfect crunch!
11. Top with fresh strawberry slices for garnish. It’s like decorating a cake for a party—so much fun!
12. Slice the cake and serve chilled. Enjoy your Strawberry Poke Cake! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Creative Twist on a Classic
There’s always room for creativity! You could try swapping the white cake mix for a strawberry or vanilla mix for a more intense flavor. Or throw in some white chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness. If you want a twist on presentation, layer the cake in a trifle dish for a beautiful party-worthy dessert!
So there you have it—my beloved Strawberry Poke Cake. I sincerely hope you give this recipe a try because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Don’t forget to share your results and any fun variations you try. Happy baking! 🍰
