Name: Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 48 min
Total time: 3 h 8 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; eggs, oil, and water as listed on the cake mix package; 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water; 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) strawberry gelatin; 1 pint (~340 g) fresh strawberries hulled; 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese softened; ⅓ cup (40 g) confectioners' sugar; 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract or vanilla paste; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream cold; fresh strawberries sliced

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

There’s something truly special about a poke cake, especially when it’s infused with fresh strawberries and topped with a luxurious whipped vanilla cream cheese frosting. This Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a delightful treat for your taste buds. Imagine biting into a moist, tender cake that’s soaked in strawberry goodness; the sweetness is balanced perfectly with the creamy frosting. Each forkful offers a vibrant flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Pin this for later!

I first discovered poke cakes at a family gathering, and I couldn’t get enough of the unique texture and the way the flavors meld together so beautifully. This cake is an ideal dessert for summer picnics, birthday parties, or just a fun Saturday afternoon where you want to treat yourself. It’s straightforward to prepare yet impressive enough to dazzle your guests, making it a go-to recipe for many occasions. You’re bound to love it as much as my family and I do—let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Comes together in about 20 minutes and is ready to enjoy after chilling for just a couple of hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy frosting creates a deliciously refreshing dessert.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and fluffy frosting make it a showstopper for any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a summer dessert or a delightful addition to any brunch table.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable if you want to try gluten-free cake mix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box white cake mix: This serves as the base for our cake, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. You can use any brand you prefer.
Eggs, oil, and water: Follow the package instructions for this—these ingredients help create a moist cake.
1 cup boiling water: This is essential for dissolving the strawberry gelatin properly.
1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin: Adds a vibrant strawberry flavor that seeps throughout the cake.
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled: Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and a burst of freshness when blended.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich and creamy frosting that complements the flavors perfectly.
⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar: This adds sweetness to the frosting without making it grainy.
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting with aromatic notes.
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold: Whips beautifully to create a fluffy texture for the frosting.
Fresh strawberries, sliced: For topping the cake, adding visual appeal and a fresh taste.

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.

Prepare the cake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, following the package instructions for eggs, oil, and water. Once mixed, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for around 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should look golden and fragrant.

Poke holes in the cake: Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface. Space the holes about 1 inch apart, pressing nearly to the bottom of the cake for maximum flavor infusion.

Dissolve the gelatin: In a heat-safe measuring jug, pour 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in the 3 oz box of strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool for about 15 minutes. Tip: Be sure not to blend the mixture while hot, as it can cause pressure to build in the blender.

Blend the strawberry mixture: Once cooled, transfer the gelatin mixture to your blender and add the hulled fresh strawberries. Blend until very smooth and combine the flavors fully.

Pour the strawberry mixture: Slowly and carefully pour the strawberry mixture evenly over the poked cake, letting it seep into the holes you created. After pouring, transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the mixture to set firmly.

Make the whipped frosting: To create the luscious frosting, add the softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup of confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Watch closely until soft peaks form, but be careful not to overwhip—you want it to remain light and spreadable.

Frost the cake: Once the cake has chilled and the filling is set, spread the whipped frosting evenly over the top. Feel free to decorate it with sliced fresh strawberries for an attractive finish.

Storing & Reheating

To ensure your Strawberry Poke Cake stays fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days if it’s not too warm. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. For reheating, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Please note that freezing may change the texture slightly, but a quick re-whip of the frosting can refresh its fluffiness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious while poking the holes; if you go too deep, you might make the cake crumbly.
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
If you find your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Want to make it ahead? You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the gelatin filling the following day.
For added flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the strawberry mixture for a tangy twist.

This Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and deliciousness. It brings together the refreshing taste of strawberries with the lusciousness of a whipped frosting that everyone loves. I encourage you to give this a try, whether it’s for a special occasion or just to treat a loved one (or yourself!). You’ll be thrilled with the results and the compliments you’ll likely receive.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can substitute them with frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before blending to avoid excess liquid in your frosting.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, you can use a dairy-free whipped topping in place of heavy cream and coconut cream mixed with a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Your cake will still be deliciously light and fruity!

What’s the best way to slice the cake without ruining the frosting?

To slice the cake neatly, use a warm knife (run it under hot water and dry it off) for cleaner cuts. This helps separate the frosting without tearing it or the cake underneath.

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

For sure! While strawberry gelatin enhances the theme of this cake, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or lemon for a unique twist. Just keep the same technique for creating the filling!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

👉 If you make my Strawberry Poke Cake With Whipped Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.