When the sun is out and it’s warm, nothing beats a tasty summer cake. The Easy Strawberry Poke Cake is just that. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for the season.
This recipe, shared by General Mills, has become a hit with over 20 million views online. It’s loved for its moist and fluffy texture. It’s great for any event, from family gatherings to birthday parties.
strawberry poke cake recipe, also known as Jello poke cakes, are a delightful summer cake. They mix the moist texture of a baked cake with the refreshing burst of strawberry flavor. This unique technique involves poking holes in a freshly baked cake and filling them with a sweet strawberry gelatin or sauce.
Main Ingredients
Creating the ultimate strawberry poke cake requires the right ingredients. It starts with a simple white cake mix. This mix gives the cake its moist and fluffy texture. To enhance the strawberry flavor, you’ll need strawberry-flavored Jello and boiling water.
This strawberry dessert also needs sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. These ingredients make a rich strawberry sauce. Adding fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top completes the dessert. It looks stunning and tastes amazing. This no-bake cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, combining ease with incredible flavor.
Essential Ingredients:
- 15.25 oz White cake mix
- 4 Egg whites
- As directed on the cake mix box Water and vegetable oil
- 14 oz can Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- 3 oz box Strawberry Jello
- 1 cup Boiling water
- 21 oz can Strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz tub Heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- As needed Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Preparation Steps in Detail
- 1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix as instructed on the box, using the ingredients provided.
- Bake the cake in two 9-inch round pans for 38-40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them and cool completely on a wire rack.
- 2. Poke the Holes
- Once the cakes are cool, use the back of a wooden spoon or a cake tester to poke about 20 holes in each layer.
- 3. Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, mix 1 pound of fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the strawberries and thicken the sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the strawberry mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour the warm strawberry sauce over the cakes, making sure to evenly distribute it and let it soak into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cakes for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has set and the cakes are chilled.
- 4. Add the Whipped Cream and Garnish
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Make homemade whipped cream by whipping heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cake and top with fresh strawberries.
Tips for Success
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes about one inch apart.
- Slowly pour the warm strawberry sauce over the cake, ensuring even distribution.
- Let the cake fully chill before adding whipped cream to prevent melting.
- For an extra touch, add crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for crunch.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Problem: Cake Becomes Too Soggy
- Solution: Avoid making the holes too deep or too close together.
- Problem: Sauce is Too Thick
- Solution: Add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out.
- Problem: Whipped Cream Melts Quickly
- Solution: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping cream.
Innovative Garnishing Ideas
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for a decorative touch.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added texture.
- Use different fruit toppings, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a colorful contrast.
Refrigeration Guidelines
- For the best taste, add the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving.
- Store the strawberry poke cake in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- The cake stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Protein: 4g
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 35g
Conclusion
The strawberry poke cake recipe is a summer treat that will delight everyone. It’s easy to make and combines moist cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy topping. It’s perfect for any event, from barbecues to family gatherings.
This strawberry poke cake recipe is simple yet impressive. It requires just a few ingredients and is easy to assemble. Even beginners can make it and impress their friends and family.
Make the most of summer by trying this amazing strawberry poke cake recipe. Enjoy its delicious flavors and creamy texture. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
FAQ
- What is a Strawberry Poke Cake?
- A strawberry poke cake recipe is a tasty dessert. It’s made with white cake mix, soaked in white chocolate strawberry sauce. It’s topped with strawberry pie filling and whipped cream. It’s great for summer gatherings.
- What is the origin of Poke Cakes?
- Poke cakes, also known as Jello cakes, have a special method. You poke holes in a baked cake and fill them with a liquid like Jello gelatin. This makes every bite full of flavor.
- Why are Strawberry Poke Cakes perfect for summer?
- Strawberry Poke Cake is summer cake. It’s light and refreshing, with a taste of seasonal strawberries. You bake a cake, poke holes, add filling, and top it with whipped cream and fruit.
- What are the key ingredients for a Strawberry Poke Cake?
- The main ingredients are white cake mix, egg whites, water, and vegetable oil. You also need sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and strawberry flavored Jello. Plus, warm water, strawberry pie filling, heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberries.
- What kitchen tools are essential for making a Strawberry Poke Cake?
- You’ll need a 9×13-inch cake pan, a wooden spoon for poking holes, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate. A mixer for whipped cream and a spatula for spreading are also key. Make sure the baking pan is greased and floured.
- How do you properly poke holes in the cake?
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes one inch apart. Don’t poke all the way to the bottom. Pour the white chocolate strawberry sauce over the cake while it’s still warm. This lets it seep into the holes.
- How do you make the homemade whipped cream topping?
- To make homemade whipped cream, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread it evenly over the chilled strawberry layer. Top with fresh sliced strawberries.
- How long can you store a Strawberry Poke Cake?
- Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days. For the best taste, add the whipped cream topping and fresh strawberries just before serving.
- What variations can you try with Strawberry Poke Cake?
- Try different cake mixes like chocolate or angel food cake. Experiment with other Jello flavors or instant pudding for a creamier filling. Use other fruit fillings like cherry or lemon curd. For a richer taste, use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream.
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