Description
Strawberry Poke Cake is a deliciously moist and fruity dessert made with a white cake base infused with strawberry gelatin, layered with a creamy and luscious cream cheese frosting, and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This easy-to-make cake uses a boxed mix and simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion when you want a sweet and refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 Box white cake mix (15 ¼-Ounce), plus ingredients required on box: water, oil, and eggs
- 1 Box strawberry gelatin (3-Ounce)
- 1 Cup boiling water
Frosting
- 1 Cup sweetened condensed milk
- 8 Ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ Cups heavy cream (very cold)
- ¾ Cup powdered sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 Cups strawberries (fresh, sliced)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Additional fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, combining the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs as directed on the box.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Mixture: Dissolve the box of strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well until completely dissolved. Let it cool just enough so it’s not hot but still liquid.
- poke Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool, poke holes all over the warm cake about 1 inch apart. Slowly pour the cooled strawberry gelatin evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into all the holes, infusing the cake with strawberry flavor. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the very cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until firm peaks form.
- Combine Frosting Components: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the chilled cake, making sure to cover all edges.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the frosting for a fresh, fruity topping.
- Final Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least another hour to allow all flavors to meld and frosting to firm up. Before serving, garnish with dollops of whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Strawberry poke cake is a simple, fruity dessert that makes excellent use of boxed cake mix and gelatin for convenience.
- The cake is best served chilled to enjoy the refreshing combination of creamy frosting and fresh strawberries.
- Ensure the gelatin is cool before pouring so it doesn’t soak the cake too much or become runny.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture in the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 432 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
