Easy Strawberry Poke Cake (Cake Mix Recipe)
This Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is the ultimate shortcut dessert: fluffy cake, creamy strawberry pudding soaked into every bite, and a cloud of whipped topping on top. Finish it with a sprinkle of crushed Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers for that strawberry shortcake vibe, then chill overnight for peak gooey perfection. Simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast! 😉
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
- (plus eggs, water, and oil per box instructions)
- 1 package instant strawberry pudding mix
- Milk (amount listed on pudding package directions)
- 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- ½–1 cup crushed Golden Oreos or Nilla Wafers (for topping – add more if you want that extra cookie vibe;)
Optional Topping
- Fresh strawberries, diced or sliced (add right before serving)
- Freeze-dried strawberries, chopped up and crushed
- Powdered sugar (light dusting)
Instructions
- Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan according to the package directions.
- Let the cake cool until it’s about 50–60% cooled (warm, but set).
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke lots of holes all over the cake.
- Whisk together the instant strawberry pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Slowly pour the pudding over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Refrigerate until the pudding is fully set.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle with crushed Golden Oreos or Nilla Wafers.
- Refrigerate for several hours, but overnight is best for the best flavor and texture.(Here is the awesome reason why layered desserts are better the next day!)
Tips & Variations
- Optional bananas: Add freshly diced banana on top right before serving for a fruity twist!
- Stronger strawberry flavor: mix 1–2 tablespoons crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the whipped topping for an extra berry blast.
- More crunch: add extra Golden Oreo or Nilla Wafer crumbs right before serving.
If you’re craving easy make-ahead pudding desserts, check out this fast and easy Banana Cream Poke Cake, this shockingly decadent Gooey Quadruple Chocolate Oreo Cake, these Chocolate Strawberry Trifle Cups and of course…the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe layers of vanilla wafers, barely ripe bananas, and cloud-like whipped pudding that chills into something creamy, nostalgic, and totally addictive!
If poke cakes are your vibe, don’t miss this full recipe list: Best Poke Cake Recipes (Super Easy Cake Mix Desserts)
If you love easy desserts, don’t miss this collection of epic cake mix desserts: Cake Mix Desserts (Easy Recipes That Taste Homemade).
