This Valentine’s Day Poke Cake will surely win hearts with its soft texture and delightful strawberry flavor! It’s an easy, colorful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating love, whether you’re feeding family or surprising friends.
This recipe addresses the common concerns of dryness and lack of vibrancy that often affect traditional poke cakes during festive occasions.
I remember the first time I made a poke cake, it turned out a bit too soggy because I poured in the jello too quickly. But once I figured out the right balance, it became a go-to for special occasions. This recipe clears up any worries you might have about kitchen mishaps and ensures every piece has the ideal amount of sweetness and moisture.
What’s great about this recipe is the simple prep time of just 10 minutes and a quick 30 minutes baking. When paired with whipped topping and a sprinkle of festive decor, you’ll have a dessert that’s not just tasty but also beautiful.
If you love strawberry desserts, try my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll for another delicious option!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Festive Look This poke cake is visually appealing with vibrant pink strawberry jello and colorful sprinkles, making it a standout centerpiece for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
- Moist Texture The jello added to the cake keeps it moist and tender, ensuring every forkful is soft and flavorful, making it a treat that lasts through the festivities.
- Sweet Simplicity With just a cake mix and a few simple ingredients, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. It’s designed for hassle-free, joyful baking.
- Interactive Fun Poking the cake is not just a technique; it’s part of the fun. Invite friends or family to help, adding a personal touch to your dessert preparation!
Valentine’s Day Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Valentine’s Day Poke Cake infused with strawberry jello and topped with whipped cream and heart-shaped sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix, standard cake mix box for 9x13 pan
- Eggs, quantity as required by cake mix box instructions
- Oil, quantity as required by cake mix box instructions
- 3.3 oz (approx. 93.6 g) strawberry Jello mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
- 16 oz (454 g) whipped topping, store-bought or homemade
- Valentine’s Day heart-shaped sprinkles, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven according to cake mix box instructions. Prepare the cake mix following the instructions on the box, using the specified amounts of eggs and oil. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake for about 28 to 30 minutes or until the cake springs back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 2: Remove the cake from the oven and cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. You will notice the cake pulling away slightly from the edges, indicating it is ready for the next step. For best results and to avoid sogginess, let the cake rest in the pan before transferring, if desired.
- Step 3: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart throughout the surface of the cake. Take care to avoid breaking the cake structure; the goal is to create holes for the jello to soak into.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved for an even flavor distribution. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then stir in 1 cup of cold water. This helps prevent burning and ensures smooth consistency.
- Step 5: Carefully spoon the prepared jello mixture over the poked holes in the cake, making sure each hole fills completely to maximize moisture and flavor infusion. Allow any excess liquid to seep into the holes naturally.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the cake for 3 to 4 hours. This chilling step is essential for the jello to set and for the flavors to meld, also helping the toppings adhere better.
- Step 7: After chilling, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake surface. Sprinkle the Valentine’s Day heart-shaped sprinkles generously on top. Optionally, add fresh strawberries immediately before serving for enhanced appearance and flavor.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve the whipped topping integrity and flavor freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.
- To check doneness before the full baking time, insert a toothpick at 25 minutes; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- When preparing the jello, always stir the powder into boiling water first, then add cold water to ensure proper dissolution and a smooth texture.
- Keep holes spaced about 1 inch apart to avoid cake collapse during soaking and maintain structure.
- For better cooling results, let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes before removing or poking, which helps avoid a soggy bottom.
- Add whipped topping and sprinkles just before serving to keep toppings fresh-looking and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Cake mix: Use a classic chocolate or vanilla cake mix for ease. It’s the base of this poke cake, making it both fluffy and flavorful!
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds a rich, creamy sweetness. Make sure to pour it evenly over the cake for the best soaking effect.
- Chocolate syrup: A good quality chocolate syrup enhances flavor and provides a beautiful drizzle on top. Look for one with a rich chocolate taste!
- Whipped topping: You’ll want a light and fluffy whipped topping to create the perfect contrast. Use store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer!
- Heart-shaped sprinkles: To make it festive, opt for colorful heart-shaped sprinkles. They add a fun, charming touch fitting for Valentine’s Day!
Recipe Tips
- If your cake is too dry, check for doneness after 25 minutes of baking by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- When making the jello mixture, stir in the boiling water first, then add the cold water to help it dissolve evenly, achieving a smooth consistency.
- If the cake sinks during cooling, poke holes no more than 1 inch apart, allowing the jello to soak in properly without compromising structure.
- For better cooling, let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
- When decorating, add whipped topping and sprinkles just before serving to maintain their appearance and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poke cake chilled, topped with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of frozen yogurt for added sweetness.
Use the poke cake base to make a lemon poke cake or chocolate poke cake instead. Add the strawberry jello layer to a funfetti cake base for a colorful dessert option.
Top the cake with a homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream and vanilla extract. Drizzle strawberry syrup or chocolate sauce over for an added flavor burst.
Recipe variations
- You can use a yellow cake mix instead of white cake mix to change the base flavor for this poke cake, adjusting baking time as directed on the package.
- Add 3.3 ounces of lime or cherry-flavored Jello mix to the 2 cups water mixture for a different taste compared to strawberry Jello mix used in this recipe.
- Either store-bought or homemade whipped topping can cover the poke cake; if using homemade, whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form.
- If making this poke cake for a larger group, double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13 pans, chilling each separately before topping and serving.
- This poke cake pairs well with beverages like the Pink Drink Copycat for an enjoyable Valentine’s treat combination.
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How to Store?
To keep your Valentine’s Day Poke Cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Refrigeration: Store the cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days to keep the topping fresh and the flavors intact.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap, place in a freezer container, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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