Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this strawberry cheesecake poke cake! It’s the kind of dessert that brings together the sweet, luscious flavor of fresh strawberries and the creamy goodness of cheesecake in a moist, fluffy cake. Seriously, every bite feels like a little party in your mouth! What I love most is how simple it is to make, yet it looks absolutely stunning on any table. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a birthday bash, or just craving something sweet, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It’s so refreshing and light, making it perfect for those warm days when you want something delicious without feeling heavy. Trust me, you’re going to want to whip this up for your next gathering!
Ingredients List
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry syrup (for drizzling)
How to Prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
Preparing the Cake
First, let’s get that delicious cake going! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Now, whisk that mixture together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed! Once everything is blended, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, so it bakes perfectly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before we dive into the fun part!
Creating the Filling
While the cake cools, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and creamy. I like to use an electric mixer for this part—it makes it easier and faster. Make sure there are no lumps, as you want it to be velvety and luscious. This filling is going to bring that cheesecake flavor to life!
Assembling the Cake
Now for the exciting assembly! After your cake has cooled for those 10 minutes, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and start poking holes all over the cake—about every inch or so. Don’t be shy; these holes are where all that yummy filling will go! Next, spread your cream cheese mixture generously over the cake, ensuring you fill those holes completely. Now, let’s add a cloud of whipped cream on top! Whip the heavy cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks, and then spread it over the cream cheese layer. Finish it off by adorning your masterpiece with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry syrup. Yum! Now, you’ll want to refrigerate this beauty for at least 2 hours to let all those flavors meld together beautifully before serving. Trust me, the wait is so worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- The poke cake method ensures each bite is filled with delicious cream cheese goodness.
- It looks stunning when served, with vibrant strawberry toppings that will impress your guests.
- This cake can be made in advance, so you can spend more time enjoying your gathering and less time in the kitchen.
- It’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warm weather, leaving you feeling satisfied but not weighed down.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your strawberry cheesecake poke cake turns out absolutely amazing! First off, don’t skip the cooling time! Letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking holes is crucial—it helps the filling absorb better. Speaking of holes, make them deep enough but not too big; you want them to hold that luscious cream cheese mixture, but you don’t want the cake to fall apart!
When making the cream cheese filling, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened; it’ll blend way better and give you that smooth texture we’re after. And for the whipped cream, be careful not to overwhip it—stiff peaks are your friend, but you don’t want it to turn grainy! Lastly, letting the cake chill for at least 2 hours is key to melding those flavors together and achieving the ultimate creamy, dreamy dessert texture. Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just estimates to give you a general idea. Here’s what you can expect per slice of this delightful strawberry cheesecake poke cake:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy every bite, and remember that balance is key! This cake is a treat, so savor it and share it with loved ones!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! If you want to mix things up a bit, you can use different flavors of cake mix to create your own twist on this strawberry cheesecake poke cake. For example, a chocolate cake mix pairs beautifully with strawberries, giving you a delightful chocolate-covered strawberry vibe. You could also try a lemon cake mix for a refreshing citrusy touch. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! First, make sure the cake is fully chilled before covering it. I recommend placing it in an airtight container or covering it tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you find yourself with too much cake, you can also freeze individual slices! Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy another slice!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make this strawberry cheesecake poke cake in advance, and it’s actually one of the best things about it! I recommend making it a day ahead of when you plan to serve it. Just follow all the steps, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you prefer), and it’ll be ready to wow your guests. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your strawberry cheesecake poke cake, the options are endless! This dessert is so versatile, and there are plenty of delightful pairings that can enhance its flavor even more. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with a mix of berries, melon, and citrus will complement the cake beautifully and add a refreshing touch.
- Whipped Cream: Serve extra whipped cream on the side for those who want to indulge a little more with each slice. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavor.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A glass of sweet iced tea or homemade lemonade can be the perfect drink to wash down the sweetness of the cake, keeping everything light and refreshing.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate syrup can elevate the cake to a whole new level of deliciousness. It adds a rich contrast to the sweet strawberries!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or get creative with your own! The key is to keep it light and refreshing to balance out the creamy, rich flavors of the poke cake. Enjoy your dessert adventure!
Call to Action
I hope you’re just as excited to make this strawberry cheesecake poke cake as I am! If you try it out, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below—did you make any fun variations or serve it with a special twist? And if you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delicious treat. So, go ahead and spread the love! Share your experience and let’s keep this dessert adventure going together. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your creations!
For more delicious cheesecake recipes, check out this cheesecake with strawberries!
You might also enjoy this strawberry mousse cheesecake recipe!
And don’t miss this white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake!
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: 7 Irresistible Layers
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious strawberry cheesecake poke cake that combines the flavors of strawberry and cream cheese in a moist cake.
Składniki
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry syrup
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions using water, oil, and eggs.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes throughout the cake.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake, filling the holes.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cake.
- Top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with strawberry syrup.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Let the cake chill for optimal texture.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative if needed.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 25g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 43g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: strawberry cheesecake poke cake, poke cake, cheesecake, strawberry dessert
