Creating the Strawberry Poke Cake is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and eggs. Pour in the water and add the pureed strawberries. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.

3. Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After this, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Poke the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes throughout the cake. Make sure the holes are spaced about 2 inches apart.

6. Prepare the Gelatin: In a bowl, prepare the strawberry gelatin according to the package instructions. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

7. Chill the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the gelatin to set.

8. Top with Whipped Cream: After the chilling process, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.

9. Garnish: Finally, garnish the top with the sliced fresh strawberries and mint leaves if desired for an added touch of elegance.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful Strawberry Poke Cake with friends and family!