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.
One of my fondest childhood memories involves my mum baking with me on rainy afternoons. The smell of warm cake filling the kitchen, the sound of the mixer, and the joy of licking spoons together it’s moments like these that inspired me to create this Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake. Every bite is soft, sweet, and a little tangy from the cream cheese, and it brings back that sense of comfort and togetherness I cherish. I first tried this recipe for a family picnic, and from the first forkful, everyone begged me to make it again. Today, I’m thrilled to share it with you, hoping it brings as much love and warmth to your home as it does to mine. Whether it’s a Sunday treat, a birthday celebration, or just because, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake is a hug in dessert form.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it never fails to impress. Soft strawberry cake infused with juicy strawberry gelatin, swirled with creamy cheesecake frosting it’s simple, yet indulgent. I promise you, the flavor is extraordinary, and it’s easier than it looks. Trust me, if I can make it in my little kitchen, you absolutely can too.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this cake because it’s more than just a dessert. It’s a way to bring family and friends together. When I bake this Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake, I think about my niece’s first birthday party, where the cake stole the spotlight, leaving everyone with sticky fingers and big smiles. I love seeing people come together over food, laughing as they share bites. This cake feels like a celebration in every slice, yet it’s cozy enough for an ordinary weeknight treat. And the best part? It’s practically foolproof! No complicated steps or fancy tools just pure comfort and joy.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical dessert. I’ve included a few secrets that make it extra special:
Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (or homemade strawberry cake if you prefer)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter for the smoothest frosting.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the cream cheese frosting.
- When poking the cake, use the handle of a wooden spoon for perfectly even holes.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat & Prep: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s small gestures like greasing with butter and lining with parchment that make cleanup easier later.
- Bake the Cake: I mix the strawberry cake mix according to the box instructions, pour it into the pan, and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare Strawberry Gelatin: While the cake bakes, I dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved and set aside to cool slightly.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake cools for about 10 minutes, I use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top. This is where the magic happensvthe holes let the gelatin seep in for a moist, flavorful cake.
- Pour Gelatin: I gently pour the slightly cooled gelatin over the cake, letting it sink into the holes. Then I refrigerate for at least an hour so the cake absorbs all that fruity goodness.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: I beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Sometimes I sneak a few diced strawberries into the frosting for extra sweetness.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has set and is completely cooled, I spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish: I finish it off with fresh strawberries on top for that perfect, eye-catching look.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake with a cup of tea in the afternoon, or after dinner as a sweet finale. I slice it generously because this cake deserves to be shared. For a cozy family moment, I plate it with a dollop of whipped cream and maybe a drizzle of extra strawberry syrup. Kids love it, adults swoon over it, and everyone ends up asking for seconds. The creamy frosting and juicy cake make it perfect to enjoy slowly, savoring each bite.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This cake keeps beautifully:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead, pour the gelatin, and refrigerate. Make the cream cheese frosting the next day and frost before serving. It actually tastes even better when flavors meld overnight!
Pro tip: Avoid heating this cake in the microwave it’s best served cold to preserve the cream cheese frosting texture.
100-Word Short Version
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake is my go-to recipe for comfort and celebration. Soft strawberry cake meets sweet, juicy gelatin and creamy cream cheese frosting. I start by baking the cake, poking holes, and pouring in strawberry gelatin. After chilling, I spread a rich cream cheese frosting and garnish with fresh strawberries. It’s simple, visually stunning, and a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat, this cake is all about sharing love through food. Every bite is a blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures, making it unforgettable.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Chill: 1 hr
🛒 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 box strawberry cake mix</li> <li>1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin</li> <li>1 cup boiling water</li> <li>1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk</li> <li>8 oz cream cheese, softened</li> <li>1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li>2 cups powdered sugar</li> <li>1 cup fresh strawberries, diced</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions: <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.</li> <li>Mix and bake strawberry cake according to instructions. Cool 10 mins.</li> <li>Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Cool slightly.</li> <li>Poke cake with wooden spoon handle; pour gelatin evenly.</li> <li>Refrigerate 1 hour.</li> <li>Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar until smooth.</li> <li>Frost chilled cake with cream cheese mixture.</li> <li>Garnish with fresh strawberries and serve.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth frosting.
- Add strawberry jam to frosting for extra flavor.
- Cake can be made a day ahead.
🍽️ Nutrition:
Serving Size: 1 slice 🍰 | Calories: 320 kcal | Sugar: 28g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Sodium: 220mg | Fiber: 1g
Strawberry Cream Cheese 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
Soft strawberry cake meets juicy gelatin and creamy cream cheese frosting in this comforting Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake. Perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy treat, this easy recipe is full of love and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix and bake strawberry cake according to instructions. Cool 10 mins.
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Cool slightly.
- Poke cake with wooden spoon handle; pour gelatin evenly.
- Refrigerate 1 hour.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost chilled cake with cream cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and serve.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth frosting. Add strawberry jam to frosting for extra flavor. Cake can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Conclusion
Baking this Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake is my little act of love in the kitchen. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of my heart with my family and friends. It’s simple, indulgent, and comforting perfect for creating sweet memories. I hope it brings warmth, smiles, and a few sticky fingers into your home too. Remember, cooking is about joy, love, and togetherness. Enjoy every bite and savor those happy moments.