Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the light, fluffy texture of the cake.
This cake is not only delicious but also pretty, with its layers of vibrant red fruit and soft, white cake. It’s a dessert that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests!
If you are a fan of strawberries, like I am, I know you will also love this old fashioned strawberry pie, strawberry shortcake biscuits, and this strawberry crunch cheesecake.
Poke cakes are unique treats that contain holes poked into the cake, allowing flavors to seep in and create an explosion of taste with each bite.
Strawberry Poke Cake is typically prepared using strawberry gelatin or syrup, which seeps into the cake and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
Fresh strawberries and whipped cream are also used to enhance the overall taste and create a harmonious balance of flavors.
There are many variations of Strawberry Poke Cake, and bakers can get creative with their choice of cake mix, filling, and toppings.
Some bakers choose a vanilla or even a lemon cake base, while others opt for a strawberry-flavored cake mix.
Regardless of the ingredients used, the final result is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to picnics or simply as a satisfying after-dinner treat.
What Is a Strawberry Poke Cake
A Strawberry Poke Cake is a delicious and visually appealing dessert that combines the flavors of a white cake, fresh or frozen strawberries, and a creamy filling like pudding or whipped cream.
The cake is called a “poke cake” because once the cake is baked, holes are poked into the surface, allowing the filling to seep into the cake and create pockets of rich, flavorful strawberry goodness.
The process of making a Strawberry Poke Cake is straightforward.
First, you will need to bake a yellow or white cake. You can use any cake mix or a homemade recipe of your choice.
Once the cake is baked and cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or another similar-sized utensil to poke holes evenly spaced across the cake.
Pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring that it fills the poked holes and saturates the cake.
The final step is to top the cake with a layer of creamy filling, such as whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even a strawberry-flavored pudding.
This creates an indulgent and fluffy texture that enhances the overall taste of the cake.
If desired, garnish your Strawberry Poke Cake with additional strawberries, sliced almonds, or any other topping you prefer.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a festive party.
The burst of strawberry flavor, combined with the moist and tender cake, will have everyone asking for seconds.
Essential Kitchen Tools To Make This Poke Strawberry Cake
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- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Toothpick
- Wooden skewer or fork
- Offset spatula
To make the Strawberry Poke Cake, you will need a 9×13 inch baking pan, a large mixing bowl for the cake mix, an electric mixer or whisk for mixing the ingredients, a toothpick for testing the cake, a wooden skewer or fork for poking holes, and an offset spatula for spreading the topping.
Tools & Equipment to Make this Poke Strawberry Cake
How to make this Poke Strawberry Short Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
In a large bowl, prepare the cake by mixing together the cake mix, half and half, vegetable oil, and eggs.
First, beat with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds. Then, increase it to medium speed for 2 minutes.
Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out moist, but clean.
Let the cake cool for 20 minutes.
Use the end of a mixing spoon or chopstick to make holes into the top of the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart, but you only need to press into the cake about 2/3 of the way.
Pour the strawberry syrup into the holes. The holes don’t need to be filled up as the syrup will soak into the cake, but make sure you get all of the holes.
Allow the cake to completely cool, about 35 minutes, before spreading the whipped topping on top of the cake.
Prepare the strawberry sauce by mixing the jam and sugar together. After it is mixed, combine it with the strawberries until fully covered.
Allow the mixture to sit for at least half an hour. The longer you let the sauce sit, the berries will break down more, making the sauce have more liquid.
Store the sauce and cake separately until ready to serve. This keeps well for several days if kept in a sealed container in the fridge.
Variations and Tips
Alternative Ingredients
- Fruit options: Instead of strawberries, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Simply swap out the fruit and adjust the recipe accordingly.
- Fillings: Experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache, caramel, or lemon curd. Just be mindful of the flavors, ensuring they harmonize with your chosen fruit.
- Cake flavors: Feel free to substitute the suggested cake mix with other types such as chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: This cake is best served chilled. It allows the flavors to meld together and makes holds the cake together better to make cleaner cuts.
Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Drizzle of strawberry syrup
Portion size: It’s crucial to keep it to individual servings to retain its visual appeal. Use a sharp knife to cut even, well-defined pieces.
Remember to carefully consider any ingredient substitutions or serving ideas to keep your Strawberry Poke Cake just as delicious and appealing as the original recipe.
Storing and Serving
Refrigeration and Freezing
To store your Strawberry Poke Cake, you should refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If you’re planning to consume it later, you can also freeze the cake. To do so, first, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, followed by placing it in an airtight container. Your cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, transfer the cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Slicing and Serving Tips
When it’s time to slice and serve your Strawberry Poke Cake, follow these tips for the best results:
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will help make clean cuts, preventing the layers of cake and filling from crumbling too much.
- Clean the knife: Wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth between each cut to ensure smooth slices.
- Let the cake sit: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing, making it easier to cut through.
Remember to enjoy your Strawberry Poke Cake within the recommended storage times to ensure the highest quality in taste and texture.
And, that’s it!
You will also love these recipes!
- Easy Angel Food Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
- Easy No-Bake Cherry Delight
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Banana Pudding
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
Poke Strawberry Short Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15–18 slices 1x
Description
This beautiful strawberry poke cake is so quick and easy to make and perfect for any occasion or potluck!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup strawberry syrup (ice cream or pancake syrup)
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups fresh whole strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake by mixing together the cake mix, half and half, vegetable oil and eggs. First, beat with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase it to medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out moist, but clean. Let the cake cool for 20 minutes.
- Use the end of a mixing spoon or chopstick to make holes into the top of the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart, but you only need to press into the cake about 2/3 of the way.
- Pour the strawberry syrup into the holes. The holes don’t need to be filled up as the syrup will soak into the cake, but make sure you get all of the holes. Allow the cake to completely cool, about 35 minutes before spreading the whipped topping on top of the cake.
- Prepare the strawberry sauce by mixing the jam and sugar together. After it is mixed, combine with the strawberries until fully covered.
- Store the sauce and cake separately until ready to serve. This keeps well for several days if kept in a sealed container in the fridge.
Notes
- 8 ounces of whipped topping creates a very thin layer in the pan, if you want it to be extra creamy, go ahead and double the whipped topping!
- You can use homemade whipped cream, but if you aren’t eating it right away you will want to use the store-bought version as it keeps better.
- Category: Cake
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Poke Cake, Poke Strawberry Cake, Strawberry Shortcake
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Final Word
If you loved this post, you’ll love the Total Beginner’s Guide to Baking.
In the Total Beginner’s Guide to Baking, I break down all the things that you should know to be a better baker.
After reading through this guide you will know how to accurately measure any ingredient, and how to measure honey without having it stick to the cup! (Soooo annoying.)
There’s also an article with tips on how to read through recipes. It sets you on the right foot before you even start baking anything.
I have a habit of baking AS I read through the recipe. So, I often miss a step, or screw up something that is explained in more detail lower on the page…. (will I ever learn?!!… Looking at my track record, no, probably not!)
But, you, my friend, won’t have to throw out so many ingredients because you have this article to help you through the recipe AND a worksheet to write down the important details before starting.
Anyways, this guide is 22 pages of helpful resources for the beginner AND intermediate baker. I am sure you will find it insanely useful on your baking journey.
Have fun baking!
Winni Cakes
This poke-strawberry-cake recipe is a burst of sweetness and flavor! Love how the juicy strawberries infuse every bite with delight. A must-try treat! Thank you for sharing!!!
★★★★★