Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake A Sweet Story, a Simple Recipe, and the Best Dessert Ever

I still remember the first time I made this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake. It was a warm Sunday afternoon, and the smell of fresh strawberries always reminds me of summer picnics at my grandma’s house. My grandma used to make everything from scratch, and she would laugh and say that the secret ingredient in her desserts was joy. That day, I wanted to make something that would make my family smile just like her strawberry desserts once did. That’s how this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake was born out of love, nostalgia, and a craving for something sweet that everyone would love. From the first bite of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake, with its dreamy pudding filling and juicy strawberries, I knew it would become a favorite dessert at every gathering.

Every forkful of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake combines juicy strawberries, rich pudding, cool whipped topping, and swirls of melted chocolate. The combination of flavors and textures is what makes this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake so irresistible and unforgettable. Every home baker, beginner or experienced, will love how this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dessert magic. If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like celebration and feels like comfort, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is exactly what you need today.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is one of those desserts that feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple to make. The moment you slice into this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake and see the pudding filling oozing into every hole, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd‑pleaser. Best of all, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, barbecues, or even just Tuesday night dessert cravings.

The great thing about Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is how it turns basic pantry staples into something show‑stopping. Cake mix, pudding, fresh strawberries, whipped topping, and melted chocolate come together to create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes exquisite. Every bite of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake gives you sweet strawberry flavor, creamy pudding richness, and a silky chocolate finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake, it will become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Cake A Sweet Story, a Simple Recipe, and the Best Dessert Ever

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is a rich, creamy, and fruity dessert made with strawberry cake mix, white chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries, all topped with a decadent chocolate drizzle. It’s perfect for any celebration or a sweet weeknight treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake as instructed. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Use the handle of a spoon to poke holes evenly across the cake surface.
  3. Whisk together the white chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth.
  4. Before the pudding sets fully, pour it over the cake and allow it to seep into the holes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Spread the cool whip evenly over the pudding layer.
  6. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 15–30 second increments until smooth. Drizzle over the cake.
  7. Top the cake with quartered fresh strawberries. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

You can substitute the pudding flavor to your taste, or use homemade whipped cream in place of cool whip. This cake stores well in the fridge and is best served chilled.

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

To make this outstanding Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake, you need just a few simple ingredients that most home bakers probably already have on hand:

  • 1 Box of Strawberry Cake Mix (15.25 oz) plus ingredients required to make cake
  • 4 cups of milk
  • 2 (3.3 oz) boxes of instant white chocolate pudding mix
  • 8 oz tub of cool whip
  • 12 oz fresh strawberries, quartered
  • 7 oz melted chocolate

Every ingredient works together to build unforgettable flavor in this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake. The strawberry cake base provides that classic fruity sweetness that sets the stage for the creamy pudding layer. While the cool whip adds light and fluffy texture, the fresh strawberries bring juicy brightness that balances the sweetness. The melted chocolate on top finishes this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake with a rich and elegant touch that makes it truly special.

How to Make This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake only takes a few easy steps and the result always looks like you spent a whole afternoon in the kitchen. Let’s walk through how to make this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake from start to finish:

  1. Prepare and Bake the Cake
    • Mix together and bake a Strawberry Cake Mix in a greased 9×13 baking dish, following the directions on the box. Once fully baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  2. Poke Holes in the Cake
    • Use the handle of a spoon to poke holes all over the cake. These holes are what make this dessert a true poke cake they allow the pudding to sink in and soak into every bite of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  3. Prepare the Pudding
    • Mix together instant white chocolate pudding mix and 4 cups of milk, following the directions on the packaging. Make sure the pudding is smooth and thick it’s the heart of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  4. Pour the Pudding Over the Cake
    • Pour the pudding mix over the cake before it completely thickens. Let it settle and seep into the holes for about 5 minutes. This part is what makes this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake creamy all the way through.
  5. Add the Whipped Topping
    • Once the pudding has started to set, spread a tub of cool whip evenly over the entire cake. This adds a light, creamy layer that balances the dense flavors of the pudding and chocolate in this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  6. Melt the Chocolate
    • Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring in short 15–30 second increments so it doesn’t burn. Once smooth, drizzle it over the cake. This drizzle is the crowning touch on your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  7. Top with Strawberries and Chill
    • Top the cake with freshly quartered strawberries and the melted chocolate. For best results, place the finished Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake in the fridge for a couple of hours to allow the chocolate and pudding to fully set before serving. Then slice and enjoy!

Baker’s Notes for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Here are a few helpful notes to make your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake even better:

  • Strawberry Cake Mix Variations: Any boxed strawberry cake mix works for this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake recipe. Just follow the instructions on the box that’s the foundation of this dessert.
  • More Strawberries, More Flavor: I used 1 pint of fresh strawberries cut into quarters, but you can add as many strawberries as you want for more berry flavor in every bite of your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  • Pudding Substitutions: While I recommend white chocolate pudding here, feel free to use vanilla or chocolate pudding instead for a different twist in your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake.
  • Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in the fridge this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake stays moist and delicious for days when kept chilled.
  • Melting Chocolate Options: I used a 7 oz container of Baker’s Microwavable dipping chocolate, but almond bark or chocolate chips also work great. Any good melting chocolate will make your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake look and taste amazing.
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Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

Once your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake has set in the fridge, it’s ready to serve! This dessert goes beautifully with:

  • A dollop of extra whipped cream
  • A fresh strawberry garnish on each slice
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side
  • A drizzle of additional melted chocolate right before serving

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake makes a perfect ending to meals like grilled chicken dinner, pasta night, or a special Sunday family meal. It’s also a fantastic dessert for picnics, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone will love getting a slice of something sweet that feels homemade and thoughtful.

Answering Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake Questions

Can I make this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. It tastes even better once everything has fully set and the flavors meld together.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake?
Yes just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake so they don’t make the cake soggy.

What if I don’t have cool whip for my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake?
You can use homemade whipped cream, but cool whip holds better and makes the texture of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake so light and dreamy.

Whenever I make this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake whether for a celebration or just because it brings back that warm, comforting feeling of home. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile, full of flavor and sweetness. From the first moist bite to the last melt‑in‑your‑mouth moment, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake delivers joy in every forkful. Next time you want something easy, beautiful, and absolutely delicious, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake should be your go‑to recipe!