This irresistible allure of a Strawberry Poke Cake with pudding is so refreshing and despite its modest appearance in pictures, this addictive recipe is bound to leave everyone craving for seconds.
Looking for more summer desserts? Try my Mini Fruit Pizza or Snicker Bites Cheesecake.
Top Tips
- Poke Holes Strategically: Use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes evenly across the cake, ensuring that the pudding can seep into the cake effectively.
- I prefer using cooking spray to grease the pan for effortless removal.
Variations
- Opt for a strawberry cake mix to enhance the strawberry flavor.
- When utilizing strawberry cake mix, opt for vanilla pudding to fill the poked holes.
- Add vanilla extract to enhance the cake with a rich vanilla flavor.
- Mixed Berry Poke Cake: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake after adding the pudding for a decadent twist on the classic strawberry dessert.
- Coconut Strawberry Poke Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake after adding the pudding for a tropical flavor boost.
- Almond Strawberry Poke Cake: Add almond extract to the cake batter and top the cake with sliced almonds for a nutty complement to the sweet strawberries.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: Swirl strawberry jam into the cream cheese frosting before spreading it over the cake for a decadent cheesecake-inspired dessert.
Substitutions
- Boxed Cake Mix: If you prefer homemade, you can substitute the cake mix with your favorite from-scratch cake recipe.
- Use white cake mix, yellow cake mix, or chocolate cake mix instead. This recipe is very versatile.
- Substitute whipped topping with heavy whipping cream whipped in a stand mixer using a whisk attachment to achieve a creamy frosting texture.
- Pudding Mix: Instead of using instant pudding mix, you can make a homemade pudding using cornstarch, milk, sugar, and strawberry extract.
- Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can also use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained or canned strawberries in syrup (just adjust the sweetness accordingly).
- Whipped Topping: If you prefer not to use whipped topping, you can make homemade whipped cream using heavy cream and powdered sugar, or substitute with stabilized whipped cream.
- Garnishes: Instead of strawberries, you can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of berries. Additionally, you can garnish with chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Cake Base: Instead of a traditional cake base, you can use angel food cake, pound cake, or even brownies for a different flavor profile.
- Liquid: Instead of water, you can use milk or buttermilk for a richer cake texture.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Since the cake contains pudding and whipped topping, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Properly stored, the cake can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Serve Chilled: For the best taste and texture, serve the cake chilled directly from the refrigerator. This helps maintain the integrity of the pudding and whipped topping layers.
Ingredients
- lemon cake mix
- water
- lemonade
- strawberry flavored Jello (pudding mix)
- whipped topping (like cool whip)
- strawberries
Instructions
Before starting, don't forget to preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare the ingredients ahead. It saves you a lot of time to lay them all out, plus, you know you are not missing an ingredient.
After that, go ahead and prepare a 9x13 inch pan by greasing it.
Follow the instructions provided on the cake mix box:
Then place it in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Using a fork, poke holes all over the cake and set aside.
In a saucepan, add the water, lemonade, and bring to a rolling boil. Next, add the strawberry jello and mix until well combined. Allow this to cool completely.
Once the jello mixture has cooled, pour over the cake and then set aside to allow the cake soak in the jello
Add strawberries, whipped topping and decorate!
Cover the whole top of the cake with whipped topping:
Refrigerate and chill your delicious Strawberry Poke Cake. And after a few hours of patiently waiting, here it is!
FAQ
Strawberry Poke Cake with Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25) ox lemon cake mix Follow the instructions provided on the cake mix box.
Pudding Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup strawberry lemonade *
- 1 (3) oz strawberry jello or vanilla pudding
Assembly
- 1 (8) oz whipped topping
- 1 (8) oz strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare 9x13 inch pan by greasing it.
- Follow the instructions provided on the cake mix box, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Using a fork, poke holes all over the cake and set aside.
- In a saucepan, add the water, lemonade, and bring to a rolling boil. Next add the strawberry jello and mix until well combined. Allow this to cool completely.
- Once the jello mixture has cooled, pour over the cake and then set aside to allow the cake soak in the jello.
- For decoration, garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped topping. For optimal flavor, refrigerate to chill before serving.
Notes
Watch The Recipe Video!
Bonnie says
Amazing! This is so yum!
Lainey says
Thank you so much Bonnie! I am inspired by your kind words! xx Lainey
Omid says
Perfect👍
Lainey says
Thank you, Omid. I appreciate your positive feedback!
Lainey says
Are you a fan of strawberry desserts? I have more simple strawberry recipes here that you can try. I hope you'll love them too!
Jakey L says
This recipe is very versatile, I used strawberry cake and vanilla pudding and it was sooo delicious. More creamier.
Thanks for sharing!