Intro

This cake mixes soft cake, sweet jello, and a light cream layer. You make it fast and cool it in the fridge. If you like sweet fruit cakes, you can also try a chocolate covered strawberry cupcake for a small treat.

why make this recipe

This cake uses a box mix and easy steps. You get a cake that tastes like strawberry cheesecake without hard work. It fits a party or a weeknight treat and stays soft in the fridge. For more ways to use strawberries in sweets, see this easy idea for another treat: chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes with a twist.

how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

This cake uses a baked box cake and a jello poke. You fold a cream cheese mix on top and add whipped cream and fresh berries. The cake chills and the jello sinks into the holes for bright flavor. You can also read a similar step list for a fruit cake idea here: fruit and chocolate cupcake pairings.

Ingredients :

1 box vanilla cake mix, made as the box says
1 (3 oz) package strawberry jello
1 cup water
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temp
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 carton whipped topping
1 quart fresh strawberries

Directions :

Make and bake the cake as the box says.
While the cake bakes, put the jello powder in a bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the powder is gone. Let the mix cool.
When the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with the handle of a wooden spoon.
Pour half of the cooled jello careful into the holes. Let the cake cool more.
Put the cream cheese into a bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth and the sugar is gone.
Add the rest of the jello mix to the cream cheese and stir until even.
When the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese mix on top of the cake in a thin, even layer.
Spread the whipped topping over the cream cheese layer.
Wash and cut the strawberries into halves or quarters and put them on top of the cake.
Put the cake in the fridge and chill until you serve.

how to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Cut the cake into squares with a sharp knife. Serve cold from the fridge. Add a small mint leaf on top for color if you like. If you want a chocolate note, you can pair a slice with a small chocolate cup like in this recipe page: chocolate covered strawberry cupcake recipe.

how to store Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Keep the cake in the fridge in a tight container or cover with foil. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. Do not leave it out at room temp for more than two hours because of the cream cheese and whipped topping. For a single-serve treat idea, see another small cake option: single serve strawberry cupcake idea.

tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Let the jello cool a bit before you pour so it does not melt the whipped top.
Make sure the cake is cool before you add the cream cheese layer to keep it smooth.
Use ripe berries for the best taste.
Chill the cake for at least 2 hours so the flavors set.

variation (if any)

Use a lemon jello for a tangy twist.
Swap fresh raspberries for strawberries for a sharp flavor.
Mix a little sour cream into the cream cheese mix for a tangier filling.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use fresh strawberry jello made from real fruit?
A: Yes. If you use fresh fruit jam, mix it thin with a little hot water so it will soak into the cake.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them well before you place them on top so they do not make the cake soggy.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make the cake and chill it up to two days before you plan to serve.

Q: Do I have to use whipped topping?
A: No. You can use whipped cream, but it may not hold as long in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake makes a bright, sweet dessert with little work. For another full recipe that inspired this style, see the original Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake on Beyond Frosting.