Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a moist yellow cake with a luscious strawberry Jell-O filling and creamy cream cheese frosting topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for gatherings, this easy-to-make poke cake offers a refreshing and delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 Yellow Cake Mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Jell-O Mixture
- 1 small box instant strawberry JELL-O (Raspberry or cherry can be substituted)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup cold water
Frosting
- 1 8 oz. block cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped cream (Cool Whip or similar)
Topping
- 2 pints strawberries (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the directions on the yellow cake mix box to bake the cake. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly until it is warm to the touch.
- Poke the Cake: Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. This will allow the Jell-O mixture to seep into the cake for extra flavor and moisture.
- Make and Add Jell-O: Dissolve the strawberry JELL-O powder in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Then add 1 cup of cold water and stir. Pour this liquid evenly over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to allow the Jell-O to set.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Finally, top with sliced fresh strawberries, either spread across the entire surface or placed on individual slices when serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose raspberry or cherry JELL-O as alternatives to strawberry for a different flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best topping taste and texture.
- The cake needs to chill for at least 4 hours to allow the Jell-O to fully set inside the cake.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
- This cake can be made a day ahead to save time on serving day.
