Best Strawberry Poke Cake: A Deliciously Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion

Strawberry Poke Cake is the epitome of indulgent, vibrant desserts that are as easy to make as they are stunning to look at. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, preparing for a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, this strawberry-filled cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delightful combination of a light and fluffy white cake, a rich and creamy strawberry white chocolate mixture, and layers of fresh strawberry pie filling and whipped cream that make each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The vibrant pink color of the cake makes it a showstopper at any table, while the moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake with creamy layers will have your guests coming back for more.

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This Best Strawberry Poke Cake is an easy-to-make dessert with simple ingredients. You’ll start with a box of white cake mix to create a light, fluffy base. The poke cake method allows for a delicious infusion of flavor throughout the entire cake. After baking, you poke holes into the cake and fill them with a luscious mixture made from white chocolate and strawberry gelatin, creating an irresistible combination of creamy, fruity goodness. The whipped cream topping adds an extra layer of sweetness, and the fresh strawberry garnish finishes the cake with a pop of color and fresh flavor.

The Ingredients:

This cake requires a few key ingredients to achieve its delicious layers of flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this irresistible strawberry poke cake.

• 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz): This white cake mix will be the base of the cake. The cake mix is quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect option for this simple, yet impressive dessert. Be sure to follow the instructions on the box for mixing the cake batter and adding the necessary ingredients, which typically include eggs, water, and vegetable oil.
• Egg whites (3): These egg whites are added to the cake mix to give it lightness and fluffiness, ensuring the cake bakes up soft and tender.
• 1 cup of water: The water is used to help hydrate the dry cake mix and provide the right consistency for the batter.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: The oil helps keep the cake moist and tender after baking, giving it that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Once the cake is baked, it will be transformed into a “poke cake,” which is where the magic happens.

• Strawberry White Chocolate Mixture:
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk: This thick, creamy milk acts as a base for the white chocolate sauce and helps bind the mixture together with sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips provide the creamy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberry. They will melt and combine with the condensed milk to create a luscious white chocolate sauce.
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin: This adds the fruity strawberry flavor that runs throughout the cake, making each bite packed with berry goodness.
  • 1/4 cup warm water: The warm water is used to dissolve the strawberry gelatin, ensuring a smooth texture and preventing any gritty bits.

Once you prepare the white chocolate-strawberry mixture, you’ll pour it over the cooled cake to fill the holes created during the poking process.

• 2 cans (21 oz each) of strawberry pie filling: The pie filling is spooned over the top of the cake for an extra burst of fresh strawberry flavor. It complements the creamy strawberry white chocolate mixture and creates an appealing topping.
• Whipped Cream:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (full fat and cold): The key to a perfect whipped cream topping is using cold heavy cream. It whips up beautifully to add a fluffy, light texture that contrasts wonderfully with the dense layers of cake and filling.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar: The sugar sweetens the whipped cream, making it the ideal complement to the tart and sweet flavors of the strawberries.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The vanilla enhances the flavor of the whipped cream, giving it an aromatic, warm note that balances the overall sweetness of the cake.
• 10-15 fresh strawberries (sliced): Fresh strawberries are the finishing touch to this cake, providing both a pop of color and a burst of fresh, juicy flavor to each slice. Their sweetness and slight tartness are the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

The process of creating this decadent Strawberry Poke Cake is simple and straightforward. You’ll start by preparing the cake, followed by creating the creamy strawberry white chocolate mixture, and then layering everything to create a stunning and flavorful dessert.

1. Prepare the White Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan, lightly dusting it with flour. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions, which typically calls for eggs, water, and oil. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before moving to the next step.
2. Poke the Cake: After letting the cake cool for a few minutes, use the bottom of a wooden spoon (or a similar kitchen utensil) to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about one inch apart. These holes are key to allowing the strawberry white chocolate mixture to seep into the cake, infusing it with flavor.
3. Prepare the Strawberry White Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat this mixture in the microwave for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through. Continue to heat in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Once the mixture is fully combined and shiny, stir in the strawberry gelatin and dissolve it in 1/4 cup of warm water. Be sure the gelatin is completely dissolved to avoid any gritty texture. Once combined, pour the strawberry white chocolate mixture over the cake, ensuring that it fills all the holes evenly. Use a spatula to spread the mixture into the holes, making sure every inch of the cake is covered. Let the cake cool completely, and then refrigerate it for about one hour to allow the mixture to set.
4. Add the Strawberry Pie Filling: After the cake has cooled and set in the fridge, top it with the strawberry pie filling. Spread it evenly over the surface of the cake, covering the entire top with a thick, sweet layer of strawberries. This adds both flavor and texture to the cake, complementing the creamy strawberry-white chocolate mixture below.
5. Make the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will take a few minutes of mixing at medium-high speed. Once the whipped cream is firm and fluffy, spoon it onto the top of the cake. Spread it evenly with a spatula, covering the strawberry pie filling completely.
6. Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: To add a fresh, vibrant touch, slice the fresh strawberries and arrange them on top of the whipped cream. The slices will not only provide additional flavor but also give the cake a beautiful, colorful appearance.
7. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for ensuring that the cake has time to absorb the strawberry white chocolate mixture and develop its rich, sweet flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy: After the cake has chilled and set, it’s ready to be served. Slice it into generous pieces and enjoy the decadent layers of cake, strawberry filling, white chocolate, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. The cake will be moist, flavorful, and a hit with everyone at your table.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas:

The moment you cut into the cake, you’ll be greeted with a burst of vibrant color from the fresh strawberries, the pink strawberry filling, and the fluffy white whipped cream. As you take your first bite, the texture of the cake will surprise you with its softness and moisture, thanks to the strawberry white chocolate mixture that has seeped into the holes of the cake. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate and strawberry filling complements the tender cake, while the whipped cream adds an airy, light texture. The fresh strawberries garnish provides a refreshing contrast with their juicy, slightly tart flavor. The combination of textures—soft cake, creamy filling, and fluffy whipped cream—creates a delightful mouthful that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Substitutions and Variations:

This strawberry poke cake is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various preferences.

• Cake Mix: You can substitute the white cake mix with a yellow cake mix, or even a gluten-free cake mix if you prefer a different flavor or dietary need.
• Gelatin Flavor: If you’re not a fan of strawberry, you can substitute the strawberry gelatin with raspberry, cherry, or any other berry-flavored gelatin for a different fruity twist.
• Whipped Topping: For a lighter alternative, you can use a store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream.
• Fruit Variations: Instead of strawberry pie filling, you can try blueberry or cherry pie filling for a unique take on the cake.

Serving Suggestions:

This strawberry poke cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, family gatherings, or holidays. It pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade, making it a great option for warm-weather celebrations. You can serve it alongside a fruit salad or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Why You Should Try This Strawberry Poke Cake:

If you’re looking for a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, this Strawberry Poke Cake is a must-try. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and indulgent flavors, all in one delicious dessert. The combination of fluffy cake, sweet strawberry filling, creamy white chocolate mixture, and airy whipped cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and ensures a delightful result every time. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to enjoy a slice of strawberry heaven!