Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite desserts: Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake! I cannot get enough of this delightful combination of fluffy vanilla cake, sweet strawberry jello, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s like summer on a plate! This cake brings back so many fond memories of family gatherings and picnics, where it often takes center stage, disappearing faster than you can say, “Is there more?”
What makes this cake even more special is how it captures that classic strawberry shortcake vibe without needing a pastry chef’s degree. Not to mention, it’s so easy to make! Seriously, if I can whip this up in a pinch, so can you. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get to baking!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake?
Now, let’s break down what you’ll need for this scrumptious cake.
Vanilla Cake Mix: This is the base of our poke cake, and I usually go for a well-known brand that delivers on moist and fluffy goodness.
Eggs: You’ll need three large eggs to help bind everything together and add that rich flavor.
Water: Just a cup will do to mix with the cake batter. Nothing fancy here!
Fresh Strawberries: Duh! The star of the show! You’ll need a cup of hulled and sliced strawberries, plus some extra for garnish.
Strawberry Jello: This is where the magic happens! One cup of jello creates those delightful pockets of strawberry flavor throughout the cake.
Boiling Water: This helps dissolve the jello and allows it to seep into the cake perfectly.
Whipped Topping: This fluffy goodness is what gets spread on top, giving it that classic shortcake experience. I always opt for a store-bought brand to save time—because let’s be honest, who has the energy to whip cream every time!?
Is Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s address the health aspect of our delicious creation. While this cake is definitely not what you’d consider a health food, it does have some redeeming qualities!
Fresh Strawberries: These little gems are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. So, you can feel a little less guilty knowing you’re getting some fruit in your dessert!
Whipped Topping: While it’s not the highest in nutritional value, a dollop of whipped topping definitely beats frosting made with butter and sugar. Just remember: moderation is key!
As with all treats, maybe enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake!
Ingredients List
– 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup strawberry jello (3 oz package)
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
– Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
Serves about 12 deliciously sweet slices!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake?
Alright friends, let’s get to the good part—how to make this lovely cake!
1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions with eggs and water. Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly.
3. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
4. Once cooled, take a wooden spoon or skewer and poke holes evenly across the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart. This is where all that delicious jello will soak in!
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry jello powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until it’s completely dissolved.
6. Pour the jello mixture evenly over the poked holes in the cake. Allow it to seep in and work its magic.
7. Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the jello set. This is where patience pays off!
8. After it’s chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. It’s like the cloud that lands on our cake!
9. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices on top to make it look extra fancy.
10. Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy every refreshing bite!
Sweet Tips and Twists!
If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some fun ideas to try:
– **Other Fruit Options:** Swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous.
– **Flavor Variants:** Experiment with different flavored jello, like peach or lemon, to add a unique twist!
– **Extra Creamy Topping:** Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the whipped topping for a hint of sweetness.
I can’t wait for you to give this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake a whirl! It’s just the kind of dessert that brightens up any occasion. Let me know how it turns out for you, and feel free to share your little twists or tips—happy baking! 🍰
