Strawberry Champagne Poke Cake (Easy Cake Mix Recipe!)

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)
• ¼ cup champagne (or sparkling wine)
• 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)

Optional Toppings

• Crushed Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers
• Powdered sugar
• Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

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 not hot).
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke lots of holes all over the cake.
• In a bowl, whisk together the instant strawberry pudding mix with the milk amount listed on the package.
• Add the champagne and whisk until smooth (it should still thicken like normal pudding).
• Slowly pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.
• Refrigerate until the pudding is fully set.
• Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cake.
• Top with sliced strawberries (and optional cookie crumbs if using).
• Refrigerate for several hours, but overnight is best for peak gooey, chilled perfection.(Here is the awesome reason why layered desserts are better the next day!)

But…Why Add Champagne to a Cake??

Adding a splash of champagne doesn’t make this cake taste boozy, it just makes it taste fancier! The bubbles and light acidity brighten up the strawberry flavor, keep the sweetness from feeling too heavy, and give the whole cake that subtle “celebration dessert” vibe. Basically… it tastes like strawberry shortcake but with a sparkly twist!

Tips & Variations

• Best champagne choice: dry champagne or prosecco works great (sweet also works, but it will make the cake sweeter).
• Want more “champagne” flavor? Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the whipped topping to boost the “fancy bakery” vibe.
• Make it more decadent: sprinkle crushed Golden Oreos or Nilla Wafers on top before serving.
• Avoid soggy berries: add fresh strawberries right before serving if you’re making it 24+ hours ahead.
• This cake is best chilled overnight. The pudding sets into the cake and the texture turns ultra dense and creamy!

Love easy, make-ahead desserts that are simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time? Check out this Gooey Quadruple Chocolate Oreo Poke Cake that will absolutely dazzle you, these Chocolate Strawberry Trifle Cups that give you the perfect chocolate and fruity balance, this easy Boston Cream Poke Cake and of course… the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe with 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).