Why is it called a poke cake?

A poke cake gets its name from the method of "poking" holes into the cake after it’s baked, which are then filled with gelatin, pudding, or other fillings. In 1976, Jell-O® introduced the Jell-O® poke cake as a creative way to promote their product and increase sales by offering an easy, fun dessert that families could make using Jell-O® gelatin, boxed cake mix, and whipped topping.

Kitchen Tested

Strawberry Poke Cake

Name: Strawberry Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ White Cake Mix; Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box; 1 cup boiling water; 1 box (4-serving size) Jell-O® strawberry-flavored gelatin; 1 tub (12 oz) Betty Crocker™ Whipped Fluffy White Frosting; 12 fresh strawberries, cut in half

Ingredients:6
Servings:12

By Edited by Angela Ritchie(Opens in a new tab)Updated 06/12/2025

Strawberry Poke Cake

Ingredients:6
Servings:12

Jell-O® poke cakes have been a beloved dessert since the 1970s, known for their fun combination of cake, fruity gelatin, and a fluffy topping. Among the many variations, strawberry remains a classic favorite. Our 5-star rated strawberry poke cake was first featured as the "Pirate Poke Cake" in Betty Crocker’s Halloween Magazine in 2011, decorated with red decorating gel and strawberries on cocktail swords. We've since updated the recipe for year-round enjoyment. Made with a tender white cake soaked in strawberry Jell-O® and topped with fluffy whipped frosting, our easy strawberry poke cake recipe is perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing cake. For many, it’s a treat that brings back cherished memories of childhood, celebrations, and family traditions.

Recipe Ingredients

We haven’t changed much since we first shared this recipe—just a few finishing touches—because why mess with a good thing? Here are the ingredients you'll need to make our strawberry poke cake recipe.

Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ White Cake Mix: This simple mix creates a moist, tender base. For more berry flavor, try strawberry-flavored cake mix.

Jell-O®: One 4-serving box of strawberry-flavored gelatin adds color and flavor while soaking into the cake, creating moist pockets with a slightly denser texture.

Betty Crocker™ Whipped Fluffy White Frosting: Light and creamy, this frosting is an easy topping. You can also swap in Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream as a topping for this strawberry poke cake.

Fresh Strawberries: These juicy berries add a sweet burst to each slice.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Egg whites, vegetable oil, and water (for the cake mix), plus boiling water (to dissolve the gelatin).

Cookware You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the equipment you’ll need to make this strawberry poke cake recipe.

13x9-Inch Pan: We recommend shiny, uncoated metal pans for even baking and a tender crumb. If using a dark or nonstick pan, lower the oven temp by 25°F to avoid over-browning.

Wooden Spoon: Use the round end of the handle to poke holes in the strawberry poke cake. A silicone spoon works too, or a fork (though it creates smaller holes).

Whisk: Helps dissolve the gelatin in boiling water and eliminate lumps.

Other Cookware You’ll Need: Liquid measuring cup, medium and large mixing bowls, electric hand mixer, rubber spatula, cooling rack, small icing spatula, cutting board, and a paring knife.

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake

Here’s how to make this Jell-O® poke cake recipe.

1. Make and Bake Cake

Combine the cake mix and the water, oil, and egg whites (save the yolks for another recipe) called for on the box. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth—about 2 minutes (set a timer). Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Make Jell-O® Mixture

While the cake is cooling, pour boiling water over the gelatin and whisk until dissolved. Using less water than the box suggests thickens the mixture for the pokes.

3. Pour Jell-O® Mixture on Cake

Poke the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon every inch—aim for 25 to 30 pokes. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it soaks in evenly.

4. Frost Cake and Add Strawberries

Stir the frosting to loosen. Spread frosting in just one direction over the strawberry poke cake using long strokes. Using a back-and-forth motion often causes the top layer of cake to come off, leaving crumbs in the frosting. Top each slice with a halved strawberry before serving.

Possible Variations

We've heard from you—that you love how easy it is to make Jell-O® poke cake your own. Besides switching up the cake mix (chocolate, yellow, or strawberry cake mix are fan favorites), here are a few other tasty twists.

Change the Poke Filling: Try raspberry, peach, or cherry gelatin—or use pudding, like in our Chocolate Pudding Poke Cake. Eeyorebuddy raves, “Pudding or Jell-O®—either way, the whole family loves it.”

Top It Your Way: Change the frosting flavor, or use whipped cream, whipped topping, or Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. Add fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches—or sprinkle on chopped cookies, nuts, or candy sprinkles.

Make It Festive: Customize the colors to match any holiday or party theme, like with our Fourth of July Poke Cake. The same fan also shared, “My son asks for it every year for his birthday cake.”

Storing and Reheating

These are the storage methods we’ve tested to keep your easy strawberry poke cake tasting delicious.

Refrigerator

Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store individual pieces in a covered container for up to 3 days. If using plastic wrap, insert toothpicks into the cake to prevent the wrap from touching the frosting.

Freezer

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 4 months. We don’t recommend freezing the cake without poking, as it will not absorb the gelatin mixture properly when thawed.

Thawing

Remove the strawberry poke cake from the freezer the day before serving. Unwrap the foil and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Why Betty Users Love This Recipe

We’ve heard from users that this strawberry poke cake recipe is a fan favorite, earning over 100 five-star reviews for its irresistible texture and fruity taste. Many bakers rave about how moist and melt-in-your-mouth this Jell-O® cake is—ideal for birthdays, holidays, and special gatherings. Our bakers say the texture is light and the flavor refreshing, making it a top pick for summer desserts or any time you want a fresh, fruity tasting dessert.

What users really love is how easy and versatile this Jell-O® poke cake recipe is. Whether you're new to baking or experienced in the kitchen, it’s simple to follow and consistently delivers great results. From swapping out cake mix flavors to choosing between Cool Whip or whipped cream, the possibilities are fun and flexible. For many, this dessert is also nostalgic—bringing back childhood memories and helping create new ones at every celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about halfway into the Jell-O® cake, spacing them evenly so the filling can soak in and spread throughout. This ensures the filling distributes evenly without making the cake too soft. If you don’t have a wooden spoon, try the handle of a chopstick or a thick skewer. Be sure to wipe off your tool as needed, and poke while the cake is still warm for best results.

No, poke cakes won't turn out soggy if made correctly. To keep it from happening, poke holes about halfway into the cake, not all the way through to the bottom. If you poke too many holes or use too much filling, the cake can absorb more liquid than it can handle. Use just enough filling (whether gelatin or pudding) to soak in without overpowering the cake's texture. When done right, the cake stays moist, flavorful, and holds its structure.