Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: 7 Reasons You'll Love It
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box of vanilla cake mix; 1 cup of water; 1/3 cup of vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups strawberries, sliced; 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup cold water

5 września, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert to make when I want to impress friends or just treat myself: the strawberry cheesecake poke cake! Honestly, there’s something so magical about combining the sweetness of strawberries and the creamy goodness of cheesecake all in one deliciously moist cake. It’s like summer on a plate! I love how easy it is to whip up, and the best part? You can make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. Just imagine slicing into that cake and seeing the vibrant pink strawberry gelatin seeped into the holes, topped with a luscious cream cheese layer and fresh strawberries. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and trust me, once you share it, you’ll be everyone’s favorite baker! Let’s dive into how to make this delightful treat together!

strawberry cheesecake poke cake - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 box of vanilla cake mix: This is your base, so choose a good quality one for the best flavor.
1 cup of water: To mix into the cake batter; make sure it’s room temperature for optimal mixing.
1/3 cup of vegetable oil: This adds moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and fluffy.
3 large eggs: These act as a binder and add richness; make sure they’re at room temperature for better blending.
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: It should be super soft to blend easily into the frosting layer—trust me, no one likes lumps!
1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese and gives it that lovely, smooth texture.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: For the frosting; it needs to be cold so it whips up beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of this will elevate the flavors in your cream cheese mixture.
2 cups strawberries, sliced: Fresh, juicy strawberries are the star of the show, so go for ripe ones for maximum sweetness!
1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin: This is what gives the cake that delightful strawberry flavor and color.
1 cup boiling water: You’ll need this to dissolve the gelatin; it’s a key step, so don’t skip it!
1 cup cold water: This cools down the gelatin mixture before pouring it over the cake.

How to Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Prepping the Cake

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven means a perfectly baked cake! Now, grab your box of vanilla cake mix and follow the instructions on the package—mix it with 1 cup of water, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and those 3 large eggs. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth, but don’t overdo it! Just a couple of minutes should do the trick. Once your batter looks good, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When the timer goes off, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. You want it to be warm but not hot to the touch.

Poking and Soaking

Now comes the fun part! Grab a fork and gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake—about 20 holes should do it. This is where your strawberry gelatin magic happens! In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Then, add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture to cool it down. Carefully pour this vibrant gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all those holes. This step is key for infusing that delicious strawberry flavor throughout the cake! Once you’ve poured it all on, pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. The longer it chills, the better it gets!

Making the Cheesecake Topping

While your cake is chilling, let’s whip up that creamy cheesecake topping! In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar together until it’s super smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you reach stiff peaks. This is where the magic happens—gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. You want to be careful here to keep that fluffiness. Just fold until it’s all combined; you’ll love the light texture!

Final Assembly

Once your cake is chilled and the topping is ready, it’s time to assemble! Spread that dreamy cream cheese mixture over the top of the chilled cake, making sure to cover it evenly. Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Grab your sliced strawberries and generously place them on top of the cream cheese layer. I like to arrange them in a pretty pattern, but you do you! This cake is not just delicious; it’s a feast for the eyes too. Now, all that’s left is to slice it up and serve! You’re going to love how everyone dives into this delightful dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this scrumptious strawberry cheesecake poke cake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Enjoy this delightful dessert knowing that while it’s indulgent, it’s also a fun treat to share with friends and family! Just remember to enjoy in moderation, and savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available! Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before slicing. This way, you won’t end up with a soggy cake. While fresh strawberries do have that vibrant flavor and texture that shines, frozen strawberries work just fine and can still result in a delicious strawberry cheesecake poke cake!

How long can I store leftovers?

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this cake disappears fast!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover the cake well to keep it moist and fresh. I recommend enjoying it chilled—it’s so refreshing! If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze individual slices for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer bag!

Can I make this cake in advance?

You sure can! In fact, making this strawberry cheesecake poke cake a day in advance is one of my favorite tips. The flavors have time to meld together beautifully, and the cake becomes even more moist as it chills in the fridge. Just prepare it the day before your gathering, let it sit overnight, and it’s ready to impress your guests the next day. Trust me, they’ll be raving about it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dessert comes together in no time, making it perfect for last-minute get-togethers or when a sweet craving strikes!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and the sweet strawberry gelatin creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Visually Stunning: With its vibrant colors and beautiful layers, this cake is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. It’s sure to impress your guests!
Make Ahead: You can prepare this cake in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight for an even more delicious treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or just a casual gathering, this cake is a hit at any event!
Fun to Customize: Feel free to swap in different fruits or toppings to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your strawberry cheesecake poke cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:

Use Quality Ingredients: Since this cake features such simple elements, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Go for a good brand of vanilla cake mix and fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a lovely texture in your cake.
Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the cake batter, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it fluffy and light!
Poke Holes Generously: When poking the cake, don’t be shy! The more holes you make, the better the gelatin can seep in, giving you that delicious strawberry flavor throughout.
Chill Time is Key: Be sure to let the cake chill for at least 2 hours—or even better, overnight if you can wait! This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite extra tasty.
Fold Gently: When you’re mixing the whipped cream into the cream cheese, be gentle. Folding helps maintain that light, airy texture we love in a cheesecake topping.
Presentation Matters: Take a moment to arrange your sliced strawberries on top in a pretty pattern. It adds a lovely touch and makes your cake feel extra special!
Experiment with Flavors: Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to mix things up! Try adding a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese for a zesty twist or swap in other fruits that you adore.

With these tips, I’m confident you’ll create a stunning strawberry cheesecake poke cake that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your strawberry cheesecake poke cake, there are a few delightful pairings that can elevate your dessert experience even further! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of creaminess that perfectly complements the cake’s flavors. Just whip some heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture. The cold ice cream melts into the moist cake, creating a heavenly bite!
Chocolate Drizzle: For those chocolate lovers out there, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache can add a rich twist to the fruity flavors. Just melt some chocolate chips and drizzle it on top before serving.
Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on top not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing hint that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad on the side can balance the richness of the cake and provide a refreshing contrast. Mix up your favorite seasonal fruits for a colorful and vibrant addition.
Coffee or Tea: Pair your cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and subtle bitterness of the drink can enhance the sweetness of the cake, making for a delightful end to any meal.

These simple additions can turn your strawberry cheesecake poke cake into a complete dessert experience that your friends and family will absolutely love! Enjoy every moment of indulging in this sweet treat!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your strawberry cheesecake poke cake properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), here’s how to do it right:

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it well to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a piece of this delightful cake whenever the craving hits! It can be frozen for up to a month.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen slices, simply transfer them to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. Avoid microwaving the cake to reheat it, as it can make it soggy. Just enjoy it chilled for the best experience!

Following these storage tips will help you relish every last bite of your strawberry cheesecake poke cake for days to come. Enjoy the sweetness!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.