Are you craving a delicious dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This Strawberry Poke Cake is the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and juicy strawberries – a delightful treat for any occasion. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a special celebration. This recipe offers a simple, homemade approach to a classic dessert, resulting in a truly irresistible treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes, but always refer to your cake mix box for precise baking times.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before poking holes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a wooden skewer, chopstick, or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure to poke holes evenly across the entire cake. This allows the frosting to soak in and create a moist and flavorful dessert.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- In a medium bowl, gently toss 1 cup of sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to your preference). Set aside to macerate for at least 15 minutes. This will release the strawberries' juices and intensify their flavor.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the macerated strawberries over the poked cake, allowing them to settle into the holes.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the strawberries.
- Decorate the top with the remaining sliced strawberries.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to chill. This step is crucial for achieving optimal taste and texture.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of water in the cake batter.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and the frosting for extra flavor.
- To make it a truly decadent dessert, consider using a homemade vanilla bean frosting.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This Strawberry Poke Cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that's perfect for any occasion. It's a quick and easy recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!