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 Poke Sheet Cake with Jello. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I wanted something bright, cheerful, and full of love to bring my family together. The aroma of fresh strawberries and sweet cake filling the house instantly made my kitchen feel like a warm hug. Every bite was soft, moist, and topped with creamy frosting that melted in your mouth. That day, the kids and I ended up laughing, sneaking spoonfuls of jello mixture, and creating a memory I still cherish.
This recipe is more than just dessert; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and shared moments. I use it for birthday parties, casual family gatherings, or even just a Wednesday night pick-me-up. I’ll show you how I make it, step by step, and share my little kitchen secrets to get it just right.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
What I adore about this Strawberry Poke Sheet Cake with Jello is how effortlessly it transforms an ordinary cake into a magical, flavor-packed treat. The cake stays moist because we literally poke holes and pour jello over it yes, I said it and that fruity goodness sinks right in, infusing each bite.
I love recipes that feel like love in edible form, and this one does exactly that. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for celebrations. And the best part? Kids and adults alike get involved in poking the cake and watching the jello seep in. Nothing beats a shared kitchen moment that ends in laughter and sticky fingers!
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need. I like to use the freshest strawberries I can find because they make the jello taste naturally sweet and vibrant.
1 box white or yellow cake mix
Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Optional: extra strawberries or sprinkles for decoration
Little kitchen secrets:
Make sure your cake is warm but not hot when pouring the jello. Too hot, and the gelatin melts completely; too cold, and it doesn’t absorb well.
I love using a fork to poke the cake because it creates just the right-sized holes for jello to seep in.
Whipped topping doesn’t have to be perfectly spread — I like a rustic, homey look.
How I Make It, Step by Step
Bake the Cake: I prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions and pour it into a greased 9×13-inch pan. I bake until a toothpick comes out clean and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Jello: While the cake is baking, I dissolve the strawberry jello in 1 cup boiling water. I stir until it’s completely dissolved.
Poke the Cake: Using a fork, I poke evenly spaced holes all over the warm cake. I like to do rows so every slice gets jello goodness.
Pour the Jello: Slowly pour the prepared jello over the cake, letting it sink into all the holes. I use a spoon to help spread it evenly.
Chill: I pop the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the jello sets.
Top with Whipped Cream and Strawberries: Once the jello is firm, I spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake and sprinkle with fresh chopped strawberries.
Serve: Slice, grab a fork, and enjoy!
How I Serve It at Home
At home, I like to serve this Strawberry Poke Sheet Cake with Jello with a cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. I often make it for weekend family brunches or after dinner when everyone is craving something sweet but light.
I love cutting the cake into squares and stacking them on a pretty platter. It’s not just about presentation — watching the layers of cake, jello, and whipped cream peek through always makes my family smile.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage: Keep the cake covered in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cake the day before a party. Just poke, pour jello, and chill overnight, then add whipped topping and fresh strawberries just before serving.
Reheating: This cake is best chilled, so no reheating needed. But if you want to soften it slightly, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
100-Word Short Version
If you’re craving a dessert that’s moist, fruity, and bursting with love, my Strawberry Poke Sheet Cake with Jello is it. I bake a simple white cake, poke holes, and pour in strawberry jello for an infusion of flavor that sets beautifully in the fridge. A layer of whipped cream and fresh strawberries tops it off, creating a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or just a sweet weekday treat. It’s easy, comforting, and full of joy — a cake that brings smiles and warm memories with every bite.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Chill: 2 hrs
🛒 Ingredients
1 box white or yellow cake mix
Ingredients as per box (usually 3 eggs, ½ cup oil, 1 cup water)
1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jello)
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Optional: extra strawberries or sprinkles
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven and bake cake as directed. Cool 10 min.
Dissolve strawberry jello in boiling water.
Poke cake holes with a fork.
Pour jello over cake, spreading evenly.
Refrigerate 2 hrs or until set.
Spread whipped topping over cake.
Sprinkle with fresh strawberries. Serve chilled.
📝 Notes
Cake must be warm, not hot, for jello infusion.
Use fork for perfect holes.
Can make ahead; add whipped cream just before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 180mg
Cholesterol: 30mg
Strawberry Poke Sheet Cake with Jello
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, fruity, and full of love, this Strawberry Poke Sheet Cake with Jello is a simple, family-friendly dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- Ingredients as per box (usually 3 eggs, ½ cup oil, 1 cup water)
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- Optional: extra strawberries or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven and bake cake as directed. Cool 10 min.
- Dissolve strawberry jello in boiling water.
- Poke cake holes with a fork.
- Pour jello over cake, spreading evenly.
- Refrigerate 2 hrs or until set.
- Spread whipped topping over cake.
- Sprinkle with fresh strawberries. Serve chilled.
Notes
Make sure the cake is warm, not hot, for jello infusion. Use a fork for perfect holes. Can make ahead; add whipped cream just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Conclusion
Every time I make this Strawberry Poke Sheet Cake with Jello, I feel like I’m creating a little moment of joy in my kitchen. The kids love helping, the flavors are light and sweet, and the memories we make around it are priceless. Cooking has always been my way of connecting with my family, and this cake is a perfect example simple, comforting, and full of love. I hope it brings your home as much happiness as it brings mine. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every moist, fruity bite. 💖