POKE CAKES WITH WHITE CAKE MIX RECIPES

Steps:

• Bake a white cake according to package directions in a 9" x 13" prepared baking pan. We really like Duncan Hines brand but any white cake mix brand will work. Cool and poke holes in it. I've always used the end of a wooden spoon to poke the holes. Poke as many holes as you like but make sure they are spaced out across the top of the cake.
• In a small saucepan, boil crushed pineapple with juice, 1 cup white sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for a few minutes.
• Then pour pineapple mixture over cooled cake. This will fill up the holes that you've poked in the cake.
• In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and pecans.
• Mix thoroughly and spread evenly across the top of the cake.
• Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours before serving. Refrigerate overnight to give the cake the best flavor. Refrigerate any leftovers. Can be served cold from the fridge or heated for a few seconds in the microwave.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
• Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cooling rack 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in medium bowl, pour boiling water on gelatin; stir until gelatin is dissolved. Poke cake every inch with handle of wooden spoon or tines of meat fork halfway into cake. Carefully pour strawberry gelatin evenly over top of cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Spread frosting over top of cake. Drizzle red decorating gel over frosting. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows. Garnish each piece of cake with strawberries.