There’s something absolutely magical about combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, sweet-tart flavor of strawberries, and this strawberry cheesecake poke cake is the ultimate celebration of that delicious duo! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone went wild over it! It was the centerpiece of the dessert table, and I’m telling you, it disappeared faster than I could slice it. The poke cake method creates those irresistible pockets of strawberry goodness, soaking into the fluffy cake and making every bite an explosion of flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want it at every gathering. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a memory maker!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful strawberry cheesecake poke cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll grab:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (trust me, this makes it super easy!)
- 1 cup water (just what the cake mix calls for)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for that moist texture)
- 3 large eggs (don’t skip these, they help bind everything together)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (this is where the cheesecake magic happens)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness and creaminess)
- 1 cup whipped topping (light and fluffy, just like clouds)
- 1 cup strawberry puree (make sure it’s nice and smooth)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for that fresh, fruity finish)
Gather these goodies, and you’re well on your way to creating a cake that’ll wow everyone!
How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delectable strawberry cheesecake poke cake! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll feel like a baking superstar when it’s done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly.
- Next, grab your box of yellow cake mix and prepare it according to the package instructions. It usually requires mixing in water, vegetable oil, and those lovely eggs. Just mix until smooth—don’t overdo it!
- Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes beautifully.
- Now, pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- After baking, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This is crucial—if you skip this step, your cream cheese layer might melt, and we don’t want that!
- Once cool, take a fork and poke holes all over the cake. Make them about an inch apart—this is where all that luscious strawberry puree will soak in and work its magic.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s all smooth and creamy. This will be your dreamy cheesecake layer!
- Spread that cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to fill those holes you just poked—this is where the flavor really comes to life!
- Now, pour the strawberry puree over the top of the cream cheese layer. Spread it gently to cover as much area as possible.
- Finish it off by dolloping the whipped topping on top and spreading it out to create a fluffy cloud of goodness. Then, scatter those fresh strawberry slices on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Finally, cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together for a truly delightful experience.
And there you have it! Your strawberry cheesecake poke cake is ready to impress. Just slice it up and watch it disappear!
Tips for Success
To ensure your strawberry cheesecake poke cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened before mixing. It’ll blend much smoother and create that dreamy texture you want. If you can, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start mixing.
Also, don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial; otherwise, your toppings might just slide right off. When you’re poking those holes, be gentle but firm—this helps the strawberry puree really soak in without tearing the cake apart. And last but not least, feel free to get creative! Add some crushed graham crackers on top for a fun crunch or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a twist. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple, no-fuss dessert that anyone can whip up!
- The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries is absolutely irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Visually stunning, with vibrant colors that make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk numbers! Each slice of this delightful strawberry cheesecake poke cake is estimated to have around 300 calories, with 12g of fat and 25g of sugar. You’ll also get about 4g of protein and 45g of carbohydrates. Of course, these are just estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used. But hey, when it tastes this good, who’s counting? Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even chocolate for a fun twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld even more. Just wait to add the whipped topping and fresh strawberries until right before serving.
What if I don’t have strawberry puree?
No worries! You can use store-bought strawberry sauce or even mash fresh strawberries if you’re in a pinch. It’ll still be delicious!
Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this strawberry cheesecake poke cake gluten-free, just swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’re all set!
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry cheesecake poke cake is a showstopper on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream for that extra indulgence! It’s perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or even a cozy family dinner. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing fruit salad to balance the sweetness. Trust me, this cake will steal the spotlight at any gathering, and your guests will be raving about it long after the last slice is gone!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your strawberry cheesecake poke cake is super simple! Just make sure it’s covered well to keep that deliciousness fresh. I recommend using an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. This cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long once everyone gets a taste!
If you happen to have leftovers and want to enjoy them later, you can freeze individual slices too! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat unless you want to have it warmed up—then just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and it’ll be like new again. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful strawberry cheesecake poke cake that combines the flavors of cheesecake and strawberries in a moist cake.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake.
- Pour strawberry puree over the top.
- Top with whipped topping and fresh strawberries.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake poke cake, dessert, cake, strawberries, cheesecake
