This Strawberry Poke Cake is one of those classic summer desserts that never goes out of style. Made with simple yellow cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, fresh pureed strawberries, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s incredibly easy to make and somehow always the first dessert gone at every barbecue, cookout, and summer holiday party.
Around here, this recipe has always been known as “McCann Cake.”
My best friend’s mom made this for every single summer get together growing up. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, pool parties, random backyard barbecues… if there was food involved, this cake usually showed up in a big pan straight from the refrigerator. Cold, creamy, strawberry-filled perfection. I honestly didn’t even know it was technically called Strawberry Poke Cake or Flag Cake until I got older because to us, it was just McCann Cake.
Now it’s become one of my own family’s treasured summer dessert recipes, and the second the weather warms up, somebody inevitably asks when I’m making it again.
The best part is how unbelievably simple it is. You start with a prepared yellow cake mix, poke holes throughout the warm cake, then pour over a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and pureed strawberries so every bite becomes soft, chilled, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. Once it’s topped with whipped topping and refrigerated, it turns into the ultimate easy summer dessert.
If you need an easy Memorial Day dessert, Fourth of July cake recipe, or classic barbecue dessert everyone will love, this Strawberry Poke Cake absolutely delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with only 6 simple ingredients
- Starts with boxed yellow cake mix for easy prep
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and cookouts
- Light, chilled, creamy, and refreshing for summer
- Great for Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
- Always a crowd favorite at barbecues and potlucks
- The strawberry mixture soaks into the cake for incredible flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yellow cake mix
- Ingredients needed to prepare cake mix
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped topping
- Optional fresh berries for garnish
Kitchen Tools You May Need
- 9x13 baking dish ([affiliate link])
- Hand mixer ([affiliate link])
- Blender or food processor ([affiliate link])
- Offset spatula ([affiliate link])
- Mixing bowls ([affiliate link])
Tips for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake
Poke holes throughout the cake while it’s still warm so the strawberry and sweetened condensed milk mixture can fully soak into the cake.
Refrigerating the cake is important. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This gives the cake time to absorb all of the strawberry flavor and creates that soft, creamy texture poke cakes are known for.
Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Fresh summer strawberries make a huge difference in this recipe.
For a patriotic Flag Cake version, top with sliced strawberries and blueberries before serving for an easy red, white, and blue dessert.
Easy Variations
- Add blueberries for a patriotic Fourth of July Flag Cake
- Use strawberry cake mix for even more strawberry flavor
- Swap homemade whipped cream for whipped topping
- Garnish with fresh mint for a fresh finish
- Drizzle with strawberry glaze before serving
Perfect for Summer Holidays & Barbecues
This easy Strawberry Poke Cake is the kind of nostalgic dessert recipe that belongs at every summer gathering. It’s cold, creamy, easy to transport, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re making it for:
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Summer BBQs
- Pool parties
- Potlucks
- Family cookouts
- Backyard parties
…it’s one of those easy dessert recipes people immediately recognize and get excited about.
FAQs
Why is it called poke cake?
After baking, holes are poked throughout the cake so the sweet strawberry and condensed milk mixture can soak down into every bite.
Can I make Strawberry Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it’s even better made the night before because the flavors have more time to come together.
How long should poke cake refrigerate before serving?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the ultimate texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Strawberry Poke Cake?
You can freeze it, but the texture of the whipped topping may change slightly after thawing.
What makes this a Flag Cake?
When topped with strawberries and blueberries, it creates a patriotic red, white, and blue dessert that’s especially popular for Fourth of July celebrations.
Strawberry Poke Cake
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Handheld Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake box mix (prepared)
- 2 eggs for the cake
- ½ cup oil for the cake
- 1 14 oz bag frozen strawberries
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 packages whipped topping
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup blueberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare your cake mix according to the box instructions and bake. (Generally calls for 2 eggs and ½ cup of oil, but prepare however the box tells you.)
- While the cake is baking, place your frozen strawberries in a bowl and let them start to "melt" down.
- Optional: you can use an immersion blender to get the strawberry mixture extra light get all the liquid moving.
- If you do not use an immersion blender, once the strawberries are no longer frozen, mash with a fork. (Optional: add ½ cup white sugar for added sweetness)
- Once the cake is done and not quite cooled all the way, poke holes in the cake with the blunt end of a spatula.
- Pour entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, and spread with a spatula to fully cover the cake.
- Pour over your strawberries, and use the same spatula to make sure they are covering the cake.
- Top the cake with whipped topping generously.
- Optional: Top the cake with fresh sliced strawberries and blueberries. Makes a great canvas for an American flag!
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before serving.
