Strawberry Poke Cake

 

Strawberry Poke Cake

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
• Fresh strawberries, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, eggs and oil; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
• Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• Using a serrated knife, level top of each cake if necessary. Return layers, top side up, to two clean 9-in. round baking pans. Pierce cakes with a meat fork or wooden skewer at 1/2-in. intervals.
• Drain juice from strawberries into a 2-cup measuring cup; refrigerate berries. Add water to juice to measure 2 cups; pour into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; stir in gelatin until dissolved. Chill for 30 minutes. Gently spoon over each cake layer. Chill for 2-3 hours.
• Dip bottom of one pan in warm water for 10 seconds. Invert cake onto a serving platter. Top with reserved strawberries and 1 cup whipped topping. Place second cake layer over topping.

Frost cake with remaining whipped topping. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve with fresh berries if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.
Note: you can substitute any flavor gelatin for the strawberry and change the garnish to match. Lemon Poke cake is excellent! This is the very first cake I ever made as a young teenager and it has been a hit in my house ever since! Poke cake is one of the most requested cakes my family asks me to make for birthdays and we all love it!