Strawberry Poke Cake
This Strawberry Poke Cake is one of those easy desserts that disappears fast. Made with just 6 simple ingredients starting with yellow cake mix, it’s light, creamy, fruity, and perfect for spring and summer gatherings. The strawberry flavor soaks into every bite, while the fluffy topping makes it feel extra special without a lot of work. It’s the kind of simple dessert recipe that’s always a hit for Memorial Day, July 4th, potlucks, and backyard BBQs.
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.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours before serving, though overnight is even better. This gives the strawberry and milk mixture time to fully soak into the cake, creating that soft, chilled poke cake texture everyone loves.
The longer it chills, the more the flavors come together, and the cake becomes extra moist and flavorful. If possible, make this dessert the night before serving for the best results.