Strawberry Poke Cake

DD has a birthday this week and so, for a special occasion, I grant her something a little different. :)

*STRAWBERRY 7-UP POKE CAKE*

Cake:
1 box strawberry or white cake mix
3 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup carbonated 7-Up soda drink

Topping:
1 (3 oz) box strawberry flavor gelatin
3/4 cup boiling water
2 tbsp sugar (or to taste or you may omit)
3/4 cup very cold water
3-4 cups fresh sliced ripe strawberries (or as needed to cover the cake)
Frozen Whipped topping, thawed (you may use as much as you like)
Strawberry fans for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

In a bowl, combine all the cake ingredients on low speed beat for 1 minute, then increase to medium-high and continue beating until very smooth (about 3 minutes) transfer to prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake tests done. Cool completely.

For the topping; dissolve the gelatin in boiling water with the sugar and mix until no granules remain. Add in the cold water; mix well.

Using a straw, poke holes all over the top of the cake about 1-inch apart. Drizzle the jello mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Lay the strawberry slices evenly over the top. Refrigerate for 2 or more hours. Before serving top with whipped topping and strawberries. Refrigerate any leftovers.