Looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat? Our Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes are an absolute dream come true. Combining the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the vibrant, fruity burst of strawberry gelatin, these cupcakes offer an irresistibly moist texture and a beautiful, striking appearance that’s sure to impress. Get ready to bake a batch of pure joy!
Delicious & Easy Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes: Your Go-To Dessert!
Welcome to a world where baking is both fun and effortlessly delicious! These Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes are an absolute fan favorite, and for good reason. If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic “poke cake,” then you already know the magic that happens when a warm cake is lovingly infused with flavored gelatin. Now, imagine that same incredible moisture and vibrant taste, but in a perfectly portioned, handheld cupcake form! These treats are not only incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic baking project for all ages, but they also bring a cheerful splash of color and flavor to any gathering. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a casual potluck, or a festive birthday celebration, these cupcakes are guaranteed to disappear in a flash. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to wow even the most seasoned dessert connoisseurs. Prepare to share a recipe that everyone will ask for!
Unleash Your Creativity: Customizing Your Jell-O Poke Cupcakes
The beauty of Jell-O poke desserts lies in their incredible versatility. While strawberry is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your mood or occasion. Here are some fantastic ideas to get your creative juices flowing and make these cupcakes uniquely yours:
Transform into a Cake: This exact recipe can be effortlessly adapted to make a stunning 9×13-inch poke cake! Simply bake your cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to package directions, allow it to cool, then proceed with the poking and Jell-O infusion steps as described for the cupcakes. Adjust the chilling time as needed for a larger cake, usually a minimum of 3-4 hours.
Endless Flavor Combinations: The possibilities are truly endless! Feel free to mix and match any cake mix and Jell-O flavor. For a delightful citrus burst, try a lemon cake mix with lemon or lime Jell-O – a personal favorite of many! Orange Jell-O paired with a yellow or vanilla cake creates a sunny, refreshing treat. For patriotic celebrations like the 4th of July, consider using Berry Blue Jell-O for a festive touch. Don’t stop there! Chocolate cake with raspberry or cherry Jell-O offers a decadent twist, while a spice cake with apple Jell-O can bring a comforting warmth. Even coconut cake with pineapple Jell-O can transport you to a tropical paradise. Experiment and find your signature flavor!
Frosting Fantasies: While a classic whipped white frosting complements the strawberry perfectly, feel free to explore other frosting options. A light cream cheese frosting would add a tangy richness, or a homemade buttercream could offer a more indulgent experience. For a fun visual, you could even tint your frosting with a drop of food coloring to match your Jell-O flavor!
Garnish with Flair: Fresh fruit is always a welcome addition. Sliced strawberries are ideal for our featured recipe, but consider raspberries, blueberries, or even kiwi slices for other Jell-O flavors. A sprinkle of edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or a delicate mint leaf can also elevate the presentation and make your cupcakes even more appealing.
Essential Ingredients for Fluffy, Flavorful Poke Cupcakes
The beauty of these cupcakes lies in their simplicity, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. Using a good quality boxed cake mix saves time without sacrificing flavor, allowing you to focus on the fun part – the Jell-O infusion! For the best results, ensure your other ingredients are fresh and at room temperature as specified by the cake mix instructions.
- White cake mix (15.25 ounce box is standard)
- Ingredients required to make cake (typically egg whites, water, and oil)
- Strawberry gelatin (3 ounce box, such as Jell-O brand)
- Boiling water
- Whipped white frosting (1 container, or homemade)
- Optional: Fresh strawberries for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes
Making these poke cupcakes is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure each cupcake is packed with flavor and moisture:
Step 1: Bake Your Cupcakes to Perfection
Begin by preparing your white cake mix according to the instructions on the back of the box. Most standard mixes will require egg whites, water, and oil. Make sure to combine the ingredients just until smooth – overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake as directed, typically for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, it is absolutely crucial to allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the muffin tin and then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This step is vital because pouring warm Jell-O over warm cupcakes can result in a soggy texture; a fully cooled cupcake will absorb the gelatin perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Luscious Strawberry Jell-O Mixture
While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the strawberry gelatin. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it into a medium-sized bowl containing the 3-ounce box of strawberry gelatin. Whisk the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes, or until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved and there are no granules remaining. It’s important to achieve a smooth, uniform liquid. Allow this vibrant red mixture to cool slightly to room temperature; you don’t want it to be piping hot when you pour it over the delicate cupcakes.
Step 3: The “Poke” Magic – Infusing Flavor
Now for the fun part that gives these cupcakes their name! Once your cupcakes are completely cool, gently remove them from the muffin pan. Using a fork or a sturdy toothpick, poke numerous holes into the top of each cupcake. Don’t be shy here – you want plenty of channels for the Jell-O to seep into and thoroughly moisten the cake. Aim for about 10-15 pokes per cupcake, going about halfway to two-thirds of the way down. The more holes, the more Jell-O will be absorbed, resulting in a more flavorful and moist cupcake. Arrange your poked cupcakes back into the muffin tin or on a baking sheet with edges to catch any drips.
Step 4: Pouring and Setting the Delicious Infusion
With a spoon, carefully pour the cooled strawberry gelatin mixture over each poked cupcake. Distribute the liquid evenly, allowing it to slowly seep into the holes you’ve created. You’ll notice the beautiful red liquid being absorbed into the white cake, creating those signature streaks of color and infusing every bite with delicious strawberry flavor. Once all cupcakes have been generously coated, place the muffin tin or baking sheet into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set within the cupcakes. This setting time is crucial for the Jell-O to firm up and bind with the cake, ensuring a perfectly moist and stable cupcake.
Step 5: Frosting and Finishing Touches
After your cupcakes have thoroughly chilled and the Jell-O is fully set, it’s time for the crowning glory! Frost each cupcake generously with your whipped white frosting. You can use a knife, an offset spatula, or even a piping bag for a more decorative finish. For that extra touch of elegance and fresh flavor, top each frosted cupcake with a slice of fresh strawberry. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the strawberry perfectly complement the Jell-O infused cake and whipped frosting. Arrange them beautifully on a serving platter, and prepare to receive compliments!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes are best served chilled, making them an especially refreshing treat on a warm day. They are perfect for dessert buffets, picnics, or simply as a delightful snack. To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness and texture, avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods, especially if garnished with fresh fruit.
Want More Delightful Recipes?
If you loved these Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic poke cake and cupcake recipes, along with many other simple and delicious desserts that are perfect for any occasion. Explore some of our other popular creations:
- Lime Jell-O Poke Cake
- Raspberry Poke Cake
- Ultimate Lemon Poke Cake
- Strawberry Pudding Poke Cake
- No Bake Cherry Jell-O Dessert
- Strawberry Poke Cake
- Pecan Pie Cupcakes
- Funfetti Cupcakes
- Banana Pudding Cupcakes
- Coca Cola Cupcakes
- Bailey’s Cupcakes
- Biscoff Cupcakes
Originally published: July 2011
Updated photos & republished: June 2019
Strawberry Jell-O Poke Cupcakes
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15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white cake mix
- ingredients required to make cake: egg whites, water and oil
- 3 ounce box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup water
- 1 container whipped white frosting
Instructions
- Mix cupcakes as directed on the back of the box and bake as directed. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Boil 1 cup water and add Jell-O, stir until completely dissolved.
- Poke holes in cupcakes with fork or toothpick. Don’t be afraid to pick right down in there several times. You want plenty of holes for the jell-o to seep into.
- Using a spoon, pour strawberry gelatin mixture over cupcake.
- Then put cupcakes into the fridge for about 2-3 hours to set.
- Once set, frost cupcakes using whipped frosting.
- Top it off with fresh, sliced strawberries.
Video
Notes
- This same recipe can be used to make a 9×13-inch cake.
- You can use any combination of cake mix or Jell-O) flavor you like with these. Orange Jell-O works well with these. Also, for 4th of July celebrations, it might be fun to use a Berry Blue Jell-O.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories:
281kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
54g
|
Protein:
3g
|
Fat:
5g
|
Sodium:
382mg
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Sugar:
36g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.