Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Name: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box of strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz) plus required ingredients to prepare the cake; 4 cups milk; 2 boxes (3.3 oz each) instant white chocolate pudding mix; 8 oz tub of cool whip; 12 oz fresh strawberries, quartered; 7 oz melted chocolate, suitable for dipping or drizzling

Author: Lora

Published: February 12, 2026

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Introduction to Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Welcome to my delightful world of desserts! If you’re craving something indulgent but easy to whip up, the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is your ticket to sweet bliss. This cake marries the classic flavors of strawberries and chocolate into one marvelous treat. Perfect for a busy mom, it offers that special touch to impress your loved ones at gatherings without stressing over complex recipes. Just imagine the smiles when they take that first bite! So, let’s embark on this delicious adventure together, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is not just a visual delight; it’s an easy solution for any occasion. With its moist texture and heavenly flavors, it’s sure to please every palate. The best part? You can have this delicious dessert ready in no time, allowing you to savor precious moments with your family. It’s a stress-free indulgence that’s guaranteed to impress without breaking a sweat!

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Gathering ingredients is like crafting a song; each component adds its unique note to the symphony of flavors in your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Strawberry Cake Mix: Start with a classic box mix. It’s the foundation of your cake. Just follow the package instructions, and you’ll be set!
Milk: Use this to prepare the pudding. Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with almond or skim milk if you’d like.
Instant White Chocolate Pudding Mix: This mixes easily and adds a luscious texture. Instant is key here; no cooking required!

Cool Whip: This fluffy topping brings a light and airy touch. If you prefer, homemade whipped cream works beautifully too.
Fresh Strawberries: These beauties are the stars! Quartered, they create freshness and a burst of flavor in every bite. Aim for those vibrant, juicy ones.
Melted Chocolate: Perfect for drizzling or dipping at the end. Use good quality chocolate for that rich flavor; dark or semi-sweet can add a delightful twist!

These ingredients work harmoniously to create something special. You’ll find the exact quantities needed for this scrumptious dessert at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that steals the show. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

First, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the strawberry cake mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Prepare the cake mix as directed, then pour it into the dish. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. This base is what makes your poke cake so scrumptious!

Step 2: Create the Poke Holes

Once the cake is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial; you don’t want a fragile cake! After that, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake’s top. It’s like giving it a little love—this is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Make the Pudding and Fill the Cake

Now, it’s time to whip up the pudding! In a bowl, combine the instant white chocolate pudding mix with four cups of milk. Whisk it until smooth. Don’t let it thicken yet; you want it pourable. Gently pour this creamy mixture over the cake. Make sure it floods those holes you created! Oh, the lusciousness filling that cake is a sight to behold.

Step 4: Add the Cool Whip

Spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top of the pudding. Grab a spatula and work your way across the surface with care. This light, fluffy layer is crucial and adds a beautiful finish to your poke cake. You’ll love how it looks like a snowy blanket of sweetness!

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

Next, let’s melt that chocolate—this is where you want to pay attention. Break your chocolate into smaller pieces and place them in a bowl. Microwave it in 15 to 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. This gentle heating prevents your chocolate from seizing; we want it silky and perfect for drizzling!

Step 6: Top with Strawberries and Chocolate

Time for the grand finale! Take your quartered strawberries and scatter them evenly over the Cool Whip layer. Then, take your melted chocolate and drizzle it generously over the strawberries. This creates a decadent topping that screams “delicious” with every bite. Your cake is shaping up beautifully!

Step 7: Chill the Cake

Once everything is assembled, it’s important to chill the cake for at least 2 hours. This helps the pudding set and melds all those flavors together. After this wait, your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake will be ready to dazzle your family and friends. Enjoy your creation!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
Don’t rush the cooling process; a warm cake can crumble when poking.
For a flavor boost, add a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mix.
Try adding a layer of sliced bananas for an extra twist!

Make sure to refrigerate the cake for at least two hours—it makes a big difference!

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch Baking Dish: A classic choice for this cake. If you don’t have one, any similar-sized pan works!
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for batter and pudding. Glass or plastic works just fine.

Whisk: Perfect for blending the pudding mix. A fork will also do in a pinch.
Spatula: For spreading the Cool Whip evenly. A butter knife can be a handy alternative.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: Ideal for melting the chocolate. Any heat-resistant bowl will suffice!

Variations

Chocolate Cake Base: Swap out the strawberry cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for an even richer flavor profile.
Different Pudding Flavors: Experiment with different instant pudding flavors, like vanilla or raspberry, for a unique twist.
Low-Calorie Options: Use sugar-free pudding and low-fat Cool Whip for a lighter version of this dessert.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch.
Garnish with Mint: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing touch to the presentation!

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature.

Serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad to enhance the fruity flavors of the cake.
For drinks, a chilled glass of sparkling water adds a festive touch.
Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence!

FAQs about Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

As I’ve enjoyed making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake over the years, I’ve received quite a few questions. Here are some of the most common ones, along with helpful tips to guide your baking journey!

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can! However, fresh strawberries give a fantastic burst of flavor and texture. If you opt for frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cake.

How far in advance can I make this cake?
This cake can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated to maintain its freshness. It actually tastes even better after sitting overnight!

Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Absolutely! While I love the richness of white chocolate pudding, you can experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or even strawberry pudding for a twist in flavor.

What if my cake crumbles when poking holes?
To prevent crumbling, let your cake cool completely. If it does fall apart, don’t fret—just layer it back together with a bit of pudding to help it stay moist!

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free whipped topping. Just make sure to use dairy-free chocolate for the drizzle!

Final Thoughts

The journey of creating this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is truly a celebration of joy and creativity. Each step reminds me of the love we pour into our kitchens for family and friends. The playful poke holes, the luscious pudding, and the vibrant strawberries all come together in a symphony of flavors. As you watch your loved ones relish each bite, you’ll appreciate the bliss that comes from homemade treats. So, don’t hesitate to dive into this delightful recipe—your kitchen will be filled with smiles, and your heart will be full!