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A chilled Jello poke cake on the white marble cooktop, being spread with a thick, fluffy layer of whipped topping using a spatula.

Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe

This strawberry Jell-O poke cake is an easy and refreshing dessert, perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion. The cake absorbs the fruity Jell-O, creating a moist and colorful treat, and the whipped topping adds a light, creamy finish. It’s a fun twist on a classic cake that’s sure to be a hit!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 205 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Fork (for poking the cake)
  • Mixing bowl (for Jell-O)
  • Spoon (for pouring Jell-O)
  • Refrigerator

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box 15.25 ounces white cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
  • 1 box 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O (or raspberry or cherry)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 8-ounce tub whipped topping (or 2 cups whipped cream)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake

  • Preheat oven and prepare the cake as directed on the box, baking it in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Let it cool for 15 minutes after baking.

Poke the Cake

  • Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes at ½–1-inch intervals across the surface of the cake.
    A cooled white cake on a white marble cooktop, with a fork creating evenly spaced holes across its surface.

Make the Jell-O

  • In a bowl, combine the boiling water with the strawberry (or raspberry/cherry) Jell-O mix, stirring until dissolved. Then add the cold water and mix until fully incorporated.
    A glass bowl on a white marble cooktop with bright red strawberry Jell-O powder dissolving as boiling water is stirred in. A measuring cup of cold water is positioned nearby.

Pour the Jell-O Over the Cake

  • Gradually spoon the Jell-O liquid over the cake, allowing it to soak in between additions. Ensure that the cake absorbs all the liquid.
    Spoonfuls of vibrant red Jell-O liquid being carefully poured over the poked cake on the white marble cooktop, with the liquid soaking into the holes.

Chill

  • Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for 3–4 hours, allowing the Jell-O to set and the cake to fully absorb the flavors.
    The cake placed on a baking sheet, wrapped in plastic wrap, and set inside an open refrigerator on the white marble cooktop.

Top with Whipped Topping

  • Right before serving, spread whipped topping (or whipped cream) over the top of the cake.
    A chilled Jello poke cake on the white marble cooktop, being spread with a thick, fluffy layer of whipped topping using a spatula.