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Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Melena
This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is the ultimate easy dessert — light, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor! Made with a simple vanilla cake, luscious pudding, and whipped topping, every bite tastes like summer in a pan. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want a dessert that looks and tastes like a bakery masterpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake Base:
  • 1 box vanilla or white cake mix plus eggs, oil, and water as directed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor
  • For the Strawberry Layer:
  • 1 package 3 oz strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
  • For the Creamy Topping:
  • 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk whole milk preferred for creaminess
  • 1 tub 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • Optional Add-Ins & Garnish:
  • Crumbled shortbread cookies or graham crackers
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Drizzle of strawberry syrup

Instructions
 

  • Step 1 — Bake the Cake Base
  • Preheat your oven according to cake mix directions.
  • Prepare and bake the vanilla cake in a 9x13-inch pan as directed on the box.
  • Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes — warm, not hot.
  • Step 2 — Poke and Pour
  • Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake surface.
  • In a bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then mix in cold water.
  • Slowly pour the gelatin over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
  • Step 3 — Add the Creamy Layers
  • Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
  • Spread pudding evenly over the chilled cake.
  • Top with whipped topping, smoothing it into a fluffy layer.
  • Step 4 — Garnish & Chill
  • Arrange sliced strawberries over the top.
  • Sprinkle with cookie crumbs or drizzle with strawberry syrup if desired.
  • Chill for at least 1 more hour (or overnight for best flavor).

Notes

  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring gelatin to prevent sogginess.
  • Whole milk makes the pudding extra rich and creamy.
  • Want extra stability in your whipped topping? Mix in a spoonful of instant pudding before spreading.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.