Flavors Worth Savoring
Irresistible Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe: Jello & Crunch Variations
As the sun’s warmth touched my skin and family laughter filled the air, I knew summer was perfect for a strawberry poke cake. The idea of moist cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, and fresh fruit on top excited me. This recipe is perfect for any summer event or a sweet treat craving.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secret to creating a moist and flavorful strawberry poke cake with a box mix.
- Learn how to infuse the cake with a creamy cheesecake pudding filling for an indulgent twist.
- Explore tempting variations, from vibrant strawberry jello poke cake to crunchy toppings that elevate the dessert.
- Uncover tips for making ahead and storing your strawberry poke cake to enjoy anytime.
- Dive into the world of strawberry cake recipes and find your new summer favorite.
What is a Strawberry Poke Cake?
A strawberry poke cake is a sweet treat that mixes a soft strawberry cake with creamy cheesecake pudding. It has a pink base that’s “poked” with holes. This lets a smooth cheesecake pudding fill the cake, making it moist and indulgent.
To make this cake, you bake a strawberry cake, then poke it with holes. Next, you pour a creamy cheesecake pudding over the top. After chilling, the cake is frosted and decorated with fresh strawberries. It’s a beautiful and tasty dessert.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White cake mix | 15.2 ounces |
| Fresh or frozen strawberries | 10 ounces |
| Instant vanilla pudding mix | 3.4 ounces |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Whipped topping | 3 cups |
| Fresh strawberries for garnish | As needed |
The strawberry poke cake is great for any event, like birthdays or summer barbecues. Its fruity flavor and creamy filling make it a hit with everyone.
The poke cake method is special because you poke holes in the cake and fill it with a liquid. This makes the cake moist and full of flavor.
Strawberry Poke Cake Ingredients
To make the strawberry poke cake, you need a few ingredients. Start with strawberry cake mix as the base. You’ll also need water, vegetable oil, and eggs for the batter.
For the creamy cheesecake pudding, use instant cheesecake pudding mix and whole milk. Top it with Cool Whip whipped topping. For a fresh touch, garnish with sliced strawberries.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strawberry cake mix | 1 box |
| Water | As per box instructions |
| Vegetable oil | As per box instructions |
| Eggs | As per box instructions |
| Instant cheesecake pudding mix | 1 (3.4 oz) package |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Cool Whip whipped topping | 1 (8 oz) container |
| Fresh strawberries (optional) | For garnish |
With these strawberry poke cake ingredients, you can make a delightful dessert. The moist strawberry cake and creamy cheesecake pudding are irresistible together.
“The perfect balance of flavors and textures – a must-try for any strawberry lover!”
Baking the Strawberry Cake
To bake the perfect strawberry cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly on a wire rack.
Poking the Holes
While the cake is still warm, use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over. Space them about 1-1.5 inches apart. This lets the strawberry syrup soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful. Let the cake cool completely before proceeding.
“The key to a perfect strawberry poke cake is in the baking and the patience to let the flavors meld together.”
The recipe makes 9 servings of the strawberry poke cake. Each serving has about 353 calories. It takes 25-30 minutes to bake. Use all-purpose flour for a fine and tender crumb.
Preparing the Cheesecake Pudding
To make the creamy cheesecake pudding for your strawberry poke cake, follow a few easy steps. First, get two packages of instant cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk. Use a handheld mixer to blend the pudding mix and milk for about a minute. This will start to thicken the mixture.
After the pudding thickens, move 1.5 cups of it to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off. This makes it easy to pipe the pudding into the holes in the cooled strawberry cake.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instant cheesecake pudding mix | 2 packages (3.4 oz each) |
| Cold milk | 4 cups |
Now that the cheesecake pudding is ready, you’re almost there. Make sure the cake is cooled and ready for the next steps. This will help you create a delicious layered dessert.
“The key to making the perfect cheesecake pudding is to whisk it thoroughly until it reaches the right thick and creamy consistency.”
Assembling the Strawberry Poke Cake
After baking and cooling your strawberry cake, it’s time to make it even better. You’ll need to assemble the strawberry poke cake. This involves poking holes and filling them with creamy cheesecake pudding.
Poking Holes and Filling with Pudding
Use a sturdy wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cooled cake. Space them about 1-1.5 inches apart. This lets the cheesecake pudding soak into the cake, adding flavor and moisture.
After poking the holes, fill each one with the prepared cheesecake pudding. If there’s leftover pudding, spread it over the cake’s top. This ensures every bite is creamy and delicious.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the pudding soak in. This step makes the cake moist and flavorful, impressing everyone who tries it.
“The key to an irresistible strawberry poke cake is all about that creamy pudding-filled center. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and indulgent.”
Frosting and Decorating
Once your strawberry poke cake is chilled, it’s time to frost and decorate it. Start by spreading thawed whipped topping evenly over the top. This creamy frosting will enhance the cake’s moist layers and serve as a base for your decorations.
To add color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries over the frosting. The juicy berries will contrast beautifully with the white frosting, making your cake a standout. You can also add blueberries or other fruits for more flavor and visual appeal.
Your strawberry poke cake is now ready to be sliced and served chilled. Store leftovers in the fridge to keep the cake light and prevent the frosting from melting. With its moist cake, creamy pudding, and fresh fruit, your strawberry poke cake will impress everyone.
| Frosting and Decorating Tips | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Thawed Whipped Topping | 1 8-oz. container |
| Fresh Strawberries, chopped | 1 pound |
| Blueberries (optional) | 1 pint |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup |
| Cream Cheese | 1 8-oz. block |
For a perfect strawberry poke cake, work with chilled ingredients and let your creativity flow. The creamy frosting and fresh fruit toppings will make your dessert stunning and delicious.
strawberry poke cake recipe Variations
The classic strawberry poke cake with creamy cheesecake pudding is loved by many. But, you can try different variations to make it even better. From strawberry Jello to crunchy toppings, these changes will give your cake a new twist.
Indulge in a Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
For more strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink color, use strawberry Jello. Mix it with the cheesecake pudding. Then, pour it over the cake’s holes. This adds a gelatin layer that’s perfect with the cake and pudding.
Embrace the Crunch with a Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Adding a crunchy topping can elevate your cake’s texture. Try using crushed Nilla wafers, graham crackers, or streusel on top. The soft inside and crunchy top will make everyone want more.
Customizing your strawberry poke cake is fun. Try different mix-ins, toppings, and flavors. A few changes can turn this classic dessert into something truly special.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This strawberry poke cake is great because you can make it a day or two before. It’s perfect for parties or special events. Just cover it and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before adding the whipped topping and fresh strawberry garnish.
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. To thaw it, just leave it in the fridge overnight. And any leftovers should be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
This strawberry poke cake is a wonderful choice for getting a head start on your desserts. You can make it a day in advance or freeze it for later. Either way, you’ll enjoy its moist, flavorful goodness whenever you want.
FAQ
What is a strawberry poke cake?
A strawberry poke cake is a moist cake. It’s made with strawberry mix, creamy cheesecake pudding, and fresh strawberries. This mix creates a perfect balance of flavors.
What ingredients are needed to make a strawberry poke cake?
You’ll need strawberry cake mix, water, oil, eggs, cheesecake pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip. Fresh strawberries are great for garnishing.
How do you bake the strawberry cake for a poke cake?
First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan. Mix the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs well.Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-28 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
How do you make the cheesecake pudding for a strawberry poke cake?
To make the pudding, mix two packages of instant cheesecake pudding with cold milk. Use a mixer for about a minute until it thickens.
How do you assemble a strawberry poke cake?
After baking and cooling, use a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake. Make sure the holes are 1-1.5 inches apart.This lets the cheesecake pudding soak into the cake. Then, pipe the pudding into each hole.
How do you frost and decorate a strawberry poke cake?
Once chilled, spread the whipped topping over the pudding. Sprinkle chopped strawberries on top for color and flavor.
What are some variations of the strawberry poke cake recipe?
You can try using strawberry Jello instead of some pudding. Or add a crunch topping like crushed Nilla wafers or graham crackers.
Can you make a strawberry poke cake in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day or two ahead. Assemble the cake with pudding, then chill it. Add the whipped topping and strawberries just before serving.For longer storage, freeze the cake with pudding. Thaw it in the fridge before topping and serving.
