What makes a perfect spring dessert? This homemade strawberry poke cake is a game changer, loaded with fresh strawberries and topped with whipped cream, making it an easy and quick family favorite, save this idea for your next weeknight dinner gathering or special occasion, try it soon

strawberry poke cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top is shown in the foreground

Introduction

This strawberry poke cake is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor, perfect for any occasion. With its moist cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy whipped cream topping, it’s a treat that will impress your family and friends without requiring a lot of complicated ingredients or techniques. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility
• Ease of preparation
• Impressive results with minimal effort

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include a boxed white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, boiling water, cold water, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. You can substitute the cake mix with a homemade cake recipe if you prefer, and use different types of fruit or gelatin flavors to create unique variations. For example, you could use raspberry or orange gelatin for a different twist, or add some sliced bananas or blueberries to the topping for extra flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with some butter or cooking spray. Then, prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box, and pour it into the baking dish. Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Step 2: While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberry gelatin mixture. In a small bowl, mix together the strawberry gelatin and boiling water until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then, add in the cold water and stir well. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a skewer or fork to poke some holes all over the top of the cake, and then pour the strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
3. Step 3: Allow the cake to cool completely, and then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the gelatin to set. While the cake is chilling, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a large bowl, beat some heavy cream until it becomes stiff and holds its shape. You can add some sugar or vanilla extract to the whipped cream if you prefer it sweeter or with a bit of flavor.
4. Step 4: Once the cake has chilled and the whipped cream is ready, it’s time to assemble the final dessert. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. Slice some fresh strawberries and arrange them on top of the whipped cream. You can also add some sprinkles or other decorations if you’re feeling fancy.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Also, don’t overpoke the cake, as this can cause it to fall apart.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the cake is 350°F (180°C), and it should be baked for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

This dessert is all about the soft and creamy textures, so you won’t need to worry about achieving a crunch factor. However, if you want to add some crunch to the topping, you could sprinkle some chopped nuts or cookie crumbs over the whipped cream before adding the fresh strawberries.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure that your whipped cream holds its shape, make sure to chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before beating the cream. This will help the cream to whip up faster and hold its shape better.

Storage Tips

• This dessert is best served fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the cake without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months – just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dessert is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the spring and summer months when fresh strawberries are in season. You can package it in a beautiful cake box or container, or create a DIY gift basket filled with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and other sweet treats.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, can be added to the cake batter for extra flavor.
• Creative toppings, such as chopped nuts or cookie crumbs, can be sprinkled over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps, such as using raspberry or orange gelatin, can be made to create unique variations.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems, such as a dense cake or runny whipped cream, can be solved by adjusting the ingredients or cooking time.
• Ingredient replacements, such as using almond milk instead of heavy cream, can be made to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Over/undercooking signs, such as a dry or soggy cake, can be identified by checking the cake for doneness and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses a traditional cake mix that contains gluten. However, you can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

This strawberry poke cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy whipped cream topping, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead and give it a try – and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #strawberrypokecake!