Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake: Prepare to experience a dessert revelation! Imagine the comforting flavors of classic strawberry shortcake, but transformed into an incredibly moist and utterly irresistible poke cake. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a modern, effortless twist.

Strawberry shortcake itself boasts a rich history, evolving from simple biscuits and berries to the delightful layered treat we know and love. Its roots can be traced back to England, but it truly blossomed in America, becoming a symbol of summer picnics and family gatherings. This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake takes that beloved tradition and elevates it to a whole new level of ease and deliciousness.

What makes this dessert so universally adored? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender, fluffy cake, saturated with a creamy, strawberry-infused filling, is then topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, it’s creamy, and it’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, the poke cake method ensures that every single bite is bursting with flavor. Forget dry cakes – this one is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• For the Strawberry Poke:
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Whipped Topping:
• 16 oz heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Garnish:
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Mint leaves

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove later. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the ingredients together until well combined. Start on low speed to prevent the dry ingredients from flying everywhere, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before you poke holes in it.

Creating the Strawberry Poke

1. Dissolve the Gelatin: While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry gelatin. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin powder and 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no granules left!
2. Add Cold Water: Stir in 1 cup of cold water to the dissolved gelatin. This will help cool the mixture down slightly before pouring it over the cake.
3. Poke Holes in the Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the warm cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go almost all the way to the bottom of the cake, but not through it. The more holes you poke, the more strawberry flavor will seep into the cake.
4. Pour the Gelatin: Slowly and evenly pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the poked cake. Make sure the gelatin seeps into all the holes.
5. Refrigerate: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gelatin to fully set and the cake to absorb all that delicious strawberry flavor.

Preparing the Strawberry Filling

1. Prepare the Strawberries: While the cake is chilling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Macerate the Strawberries: Gently toss the strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice. The sugar will draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a delicious and slightly syrupy filling. Let the strawberries sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This process is called maceration.
3. Drain Excess Liquid (Optional): If the strawberries have released a lot of liquid, you can drain some of it off before adding the filling to the cake. This will prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. I usually leave a little bit of the juice for extra flavor.

Making the Whipped Topping

1. Chill the Bowl and Beaters: For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and the beaters of your electric mixer in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before making the whipped topping. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
2. Whip the Cream: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form.
3. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue beating on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter. You want the peaks to hold their shape when you lift the beaters.

Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

1. Spread the Strawberry Filling: Once the cake has chilled and the gelatin has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Spread the prepared strawberry filling evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Top with Whipped Cream: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the strawberry filling. You can use a spatula or a piping bag to create a decorative design.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves, if desired. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the strawberry flavor.
4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the whipped topping to set.
5. Enjoy! Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is best enjoyed within a few days, as the whipped topping can start to soften over time.

Tips and Variations:

• Cake Mix Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors. A strawberry cake mix would enhance the strawberry flavor even more. A yellow cake mix would also work well.
• Gelatin Flavors: You can also try using different flavors of gelatin, such as raspberry or cherry, to create a different flavor profile.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are best for the filling, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of making your own. Just make sure to thaw it completely before spreading it on the cake.
• Add Cream Cheese: For a richer flavor, you can add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake and the strawberry filling. Simply beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
• Make it a Trifle: For a fun twist, you can layer the cake, strawberry filling, and whipped cream in a trifle bowl. This makes a beautiful and impressive dessert for parties.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The whipped topping may soften slightly over time.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of the moist, vanilla cake, the sweet strawberry filling, and the creamy whipped topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or even just a simple weeknight dessert when you’re craving something special. Forget complicated baking projects; this poke cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite version, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a richer flavor, try using a cream cheese frosting instead of whipped topping. You could also add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top for an extra burst of fruity goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different cake flavors – a lemon cake would be absolutely divine with the strawberry filling.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Elevate the Presentation: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a more sophisticated look.
* Individual Servings: For a party, bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan and cut into squares. You can also use individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
* Boozy Boost: Add a splash of strawberry liqueur or rum to the strawberry filling for an adult-friendly twist.
* Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped topping for a decadent touch.
* Berry Bonanza: Mix in other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry poke cake.
* Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a slice of this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or strawberry cheesecake ice cream for an extra special treat.

I truly believe this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake will become a new family favorite. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to faces and creates lasting memories. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, and the delicious results are guaranteed to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this poke cake. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Don’t be shy – let me know how your Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake turned out! Happy baking!

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