Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I remember the first time I made a Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. It was a rainy Saturday, and my kitchen smelled like a strawberry patch mixed with buttery cake. My niece and nephew were over, and their eyes lit up as the pink strawberry filling seeped into the soft cake. That day, I realized that a dessert isn’t just something sweet it’s a way to share love, laughter, and comfort. Today, I’m excited to share my easy, comforting, and utterly indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake recipe with you. It’s perfect for birthdays, weekend family treats, or whenever your heart craves a little cozy sweetness.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this poke cake is surprisingly easy. Soft vanilla cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy cheesecake drizzle come together in one luscious dessert. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy kitchen or complicated ingredients to make it shine.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is one of those recipes that feels magical every time I make it. Poking the cake and watching the strawberry gelatin seep into every nook gives it a gooey, juicy texture that’s pure comfort. Topping it with a creamy cheesecake layer turns it into a decadent treat that makes everyone smile.
I love this recipe because it’s hands-on without being complicated. It allows me to connect with my family while baking. My kids love poking the holes, and I love watching them drizzle the cheesecake mixture on top. It’s a recipe that’s all about sharing moments as much as sharing dessert.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. I’ve also included my little kitchen secrets to make it extra special:
Cake:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Cheesecake Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
Little Secrets:
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before poking—it prevents crumbs in your filling.
- Use softened cream cheese for a silky cheesecake drizzle.
- Let the cake chill for at least an hour to set the strawberry filling for the juiciest bite.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Mix the cake batter and vanilla, then pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Strawberry Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then stir in cold water.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick, poke holes all over the cake. The more holes, the more strawberry filling gets in!
- Pour Gelatin: Slowly pour the strawberry gelatin over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make Cheesecake Topping: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Stir in milk for drizzle consistency.
- Drizzle Topping: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled cake, spreading lightly. Refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes.
- Optional Garnish: Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake chilled, straight from the fridge. A slice on a pretty plate with a dollop of whipped cream feels like a little celebration. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. For family gatherings, I like to serve it in the pan—everyone can help themselves, and it keeps the vibe casual and cozy.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the cake and gelatin a day in advance; just add the cheesecake topping before serving.
- Do not freeze the cheesecake topping; it can separate. The cake itself freezes well before adding the cheesecake drizzle.
100-Word Short Version
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a soft, moist vanilla cake poked with holes and filled with strawberry gelatin, then topped with a creamy cheesecake drizzle. Simple, comforting, and full of love, it’s a perfect family dessert. Bake the cake, poke holes, pour the strawberry filling, then chill. Whip up a smooth cream cheese topping with powdered sugar and vanilla, drizzle over the cake, and refrigerate again. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Serve chilled for a luscious, indulgent treat that brings smiles to every bite. Easy, quick, and magical in every way.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour 50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Cheesecake Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
👩🍳 Instructions
- Bake cake according to box instructions with added vanilla. Cool completely.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water.
- Poke cake all over with a wooden spoon handle.
- Pour gelatin over cake, refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
- Drizzle cheesecake topping over chilled cake, refrigerate 30 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
📝 Notes
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before poking.
- Softened cream cheese ensures smooth topping.
- Make-ahead: cake and gelatin can be prepped a day before.
🍽️ Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: 350 kcal 🍰
Sugar: 28g 🍓
Fat: 18g 🧈
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 250mg
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a moist vanilla cake poked with holes and filled with strawberry gelatin, then topped with a creamy cheesecake drizzle. Cozy, easy, and perfect for family treats!
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Bake cake according to box instructions with added vanilla. Cool completely.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water.
- Poke cake all over with a wooden spoon handle.
- Pour gelatin over cake, refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
- Drizzle cheesecake topping over chilled cake, refrigerate 30 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Notes
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before poking to prevent crumbs in the filling.
- Softened cream cheese ensures smooth cheesecake topping.
- Make-ahead: cake and gelatin can be prepped a day before. Add cheesecake topping before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is more than dessert it’s a way to share joy, warmth, and love. Each bite reminds me of my family gathered around the kitchen table, smiles all around, and sticky fingers from the cheesecake drizzle. It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for making memories. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake will fill your home with sweetness, laughter, and a little touch of magic.