Print

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake Recipe

4.4 from 53 reviews

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a moist white cake filled with luscious strawberry pie filling, topped with fluffy whipped topping and fresh sliced strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a make-ahead treat that combines classic flavors into a vibrant and refreshing cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box white cake mix + ingredients list on packaging

Filling and Topping

  • 3 cups strawberry pie filling (about 21 ounce cans)
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake: Follow the white cake mix package instructions to bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature to ensure the filling can be absorbed properly.
  2. Poke the cake: Using a thin wooden spoon handle, gently poke rows of holes about an inch apart across the entire surface of the cooled cake. This will create pockets for the strawberry pie filling.
  3. Add the strawberry filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake, pressing gently with a rubber spatula to push the filling down into the holes for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Top with whipped topping: Evenly spread the thawed whipped topping over the entire surface of the cake. Then refrigerate the cake for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
  5. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, arrange the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the top of the cake for a bright and juicy finish. Slice and enjoy your delicious strawberry shortcake poke cake.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
  • Decorate the cake with sliced strawberries right before serving to avoid juice leaking into the whipped topping.
  • Don’t poke the holes too close together as this can cause the cake to collapse under the weight of the filling.
  • If you don’t have a thin-handled wooden spoon, a thick straw or chopstick can be used to poke the holes. Avoid using a fork as the holes won’t be large enough.
  • This cake is perfect as a make-ahead dessert; keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, poke cake, white cake, strawberry pie filling, whipped topping, easy dessert, make-ahead cake