Go Back
Strawberry Easter Poke Cake
Benchi

Strawberry Easter Poke Cake – A Bright, Juicy, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as joyful and bright as a spring holiday table, the Strawberry Easter Poke Cake might just be your new favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
  • 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus extra slices for topping)
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (optional, to stabilize the topping)
  • Optional garnish: pastel sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or mini chocolate eggs

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Wooden spoon handle or thick drinking straw
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula or offset spatula
  • Knife

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bake the cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
  2. Poke the holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Go about 3/4 of the way down—don’t punch through the bottom.
  3. Mix the Jell-O: In a bowl, whisk strawberry Jell-O with boiling water until fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water.
  4. Pour and soak: Slowly pour the Jell-O evenly over the cake, aiming to fill the holes. Some will spill over the top—that’s fine.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to let the Jell-O set.
  6. Make the topping (optional stabilization): Fold the instant pudding mix into the thawed whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Top the cake: Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake. Sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly on top. Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings if you like.
  8. Decorate for Easter: Arrange strawberry slices like little flower petals or dot the top with mini chocolate eggs for a festive finish.
  9. Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy cold.

Notes

Every slice is a sweet little celebration, ready to make your Easter table (or any occasion) a lot more special.