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This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is the ultimate easy-bake dessert that tastes like sunshine on a plate! With layers of fluffy white cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, and pillowy whipped topping, it’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or when you need a little berry bliss in your life!
Why You’ll ADORE This Recipe
- Effortlessly Impressive – Looks fancy but comes together in minutes
- Berry Burst – Double strawberry flavor from puree + fresh berries
- Make-Ahead Magic – Tastes even better after chilling overnight
- Crowd-Pleasing – Always disappears at parties!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix + required ingredients (eggs/oil/water)
- 1 (3oz) instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1¾ cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Layers:
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- ½ cup strawberry puree (about 8 blended berries)
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Toppings:
- 1 (8oz) container whipped topping
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Crushed shortbread cookies (optional)
Step-by-Step Magic ✨
1️ Bake the Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ pan.
- Prepare cake mix as directed and bake 30-35 min until golden. Cool completely.
2️ Poke & Soak
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake (about 1″ apart).
- Whisk pudding mix with milk for 2 min until thick. Stir in vanilla.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries and 1 cup whipped topping.
- Pour over cake, spreading to fill holes. Drizzle with strawberry puree.
3️ Chill & Top
- Spread remaining whipped topping over cake.
- Garnish with strawberry slices and cookie crumbs.
- Refrigerate 2+ hours (overnight is best!).
Pro Tips for Perfection
Berry Boost – Macerate diced strawberries with 1 tbsp sugar for extra juiciness
Texture Trick – For cleaner slices, use a hot knife when cutting
Summer Twist – Add ½ cup blueberries for a patriotic red/white/blue version
Elegant Upgrade – Pipe whipped topping in rosettes and top each with a perfect berry
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream – Vanilla bean or strawberry cheesecake flavors
- Brunch Star – Pair with mimosas for a ladies’ luncheon
- Picnic Perfect – Cut into squares and pack in individual containers
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 1 month!
FAQ Quick Answers
Q: Can I use sugar-free pudding?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust milk amount per package directions.
Q: No fresh berries available?
A: Use 1 cup thawed frozen strawberries (drained well) instead.
Q: Want more crunch?
A: Toast the cookie crumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter first!
This luscious cake is like eating strawberry shortcake in poke form – every bite is moist, creamy, and bursting with berry goodness! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something sweet, this dessert delivers happiness in every forkful. 🌸
More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:
- 4-Ingredient Heath Toffee Cookies – A sweet and crunchy treat that’s ready in no time!
- Fruity Pebbles Cookies – Fun, colorful, and perfect for dessert lovers.
- TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
- TikTok Potato Bake

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake:
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is the ultimate easy-bake dessert that tastes like sunshine on a plate! With layers of fluffy white cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, and pillowy whipped topping, it’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or when you need a little berry bliss in your life!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
- 1 box white cake mix + required ingredients (eggs/oil/water)
- 1 (3oz) instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
- 1¾ cups cold milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Layers:
-
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- ½ cup strawberry puree (about 8 blended berries)
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Toppings:
-
- 1 (8oz) container whipped topping
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Crushed shortbread cookies (optional)
Instructions
1️ Bake the Base
-
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ pan.
- Prepare cake mix as directed and bake 30-35 min until golden. Cool completely.
2️ Poke & Soak
-
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake (about 1″ apart).
-
- Whisk pudding mix with milk for 2 min until thick. Stir in vanilla.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries and 1 cup whipped topping.
- Pour over cake, spreading to fill holes. Drizzle with strawberry puree.
Chill & Top
Spread remaining whipped topping over cake.
Garnish with strawberry slices and cookie crumbs.
Refrigerate 2+ hours (overnight is best!).
Notes
Berry Boost – Macerate diced strawberries with 1 tbsp sugar for extra juiciness
Texture Trick – For cleaner slices, use a hot knife when cutting
Summer Twist – Add ½ cup blueberries for a patriotic red/white/blue version
Elegant Upgrade – Pipe whipped topping in rosettes and top each with a perfect berry