If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible, a Strawberry Poke Cake with Condensed Milk is the perfect treat.

This light, fluffy cake is infused with sweet strawberry flavor and made extra rich and creamy with a layer of sweetened condensed milk.

It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply when you’re craving something fruity and indulgent.

What is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a simple dessert that starts with a baked cake (often a box mix), which is then “poked” all over with holes.

A sweet filling, such as pudding, Jell-O, or condensed milk, is poured over the cake, seeping into the holes and infusing every bite with flavor and moisture.

Finally, the cake is topped with whipped cream, frosting, or fruit for the finishing touch.

The result? A cake that’s ultra-moist, flavorful, and full of delicious surprises with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Poke Cake

Simple ingredients – Uses boxed cake mix and pantry staples.
Bursting with strawberry flavor – A strawberry gelatin layer gives the cake its signature fruity taste.
Creamy and moist – Sweetened condensed milk soaks into the cake, making it rich and decadent.
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for parties because it tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Read More: Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
1–2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced, for topping

How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake with Condensed Milk

Bake the cake
Prepare the boxed cake mix according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Allow it to cool slightly after baking.

Poke the holes
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

Prepare the strawberry gelatin
Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in ½ cup cold water.

Pour over the cake
Slowly pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.

Add the condensed milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it soaks into the poked holes.

Chill
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Frost and garnish
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Top with fresh sliced strawberries before serving.

Tips for Success

Use a white cake mix – It allows the strawberry color to really pop.
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Chill overnight – The flavors meld together and the cake becomes even more moist.
Get creative with toppings – Try adding crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, or white chocolate shavings.
Make it extra fruity – Add a layer of strawberry pie filling before topping with whipped cream.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cake (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then add whipped cream and strawberries before serving.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Strawberry Poke Cake with Condensed Milk is light enough for summer BBQs, festive enough for holidays, and simple enough for weeknight dessert cravings.

Every bite is creamy, fruity, and refreshing—the kind of dessert people will ask you to make again and again.

Read More: Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Strawberry poke cake with condensed milk

A moist and fruity cake made with strawberry Jell-O, sweetened condensed milk, and topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or any celebration!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

includes chilling 4

Total Time 4 50

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 box white or yellow cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
1 package 3 oz strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 tub 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
1 –2 cups fresh strawberries sliced, for topping

Method

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions in a 9x13-inch pan. Let cool slightly.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or skewer, poke holes evenly all over the cake.
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in ½ cup cold water.
Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes as much as possible.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries before serving.

Notes

White cake mix gives the best color contrast with the strawberry layer.
Chill overnight for maximum flavor and moisture.
Optional toppings: crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, or white chocolate shavings.