Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that's as easy as it is delicious? This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a delightful treat, perfect for any gathering. With a simple recipe and fresh strawberries, you'll impress your family and friends. Join me as I take you through each step to create this irresistible dessert. Let's whip up something sweet that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies traditional strawberry shortcake into a poke cake, making it a breeze to prepare for any occasion.
- Moist and Flavorful: The addition of sweetened condensed milk ensures the cake remains incredibly moist while infusing it with delightful flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert not only looks beautiful but also provides a burst of freshness in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 12, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, picnics, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Cake Mix and Essentials
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional strawberries for garnish
The foundation of this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is a light and fluffy vanilla cake. You start with a box of vanilla cake mix, which makes this recipe easy and quick. You will add one cup of water, one-third cup of vegetable oil, and three large eggs to the mix. This combination creates a deliciously moist cake.
Next, the filling and topping create the magic. Fresh strawberries are key; you need one cup, hulled and sliced. This will give the cake a burst of fruity flavor. Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and sweetness. You will also need one cup of whipped topping, which gives a light texture. Lastly, add one teaspoon of vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost. More strawberries on top make it look pretty and inviting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Creating the Poke Cake
1. Once the cake cools for 10 minutes, poke holes all over the top. Use a wooden spoon or skewer for this.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup sweetened condensed milk with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this over the cake. Make sure it seeps into the holes.
Final Touches
1. Let the cake cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors mix.
2. After chilling, spread 1 cup of whipped topping on the cake. Decorate with sliced strawberries on top. Add extra strawberries for a nice look.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To make your poke cake just right, poke holes at even intervals. This step helps the milk soak in well. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer for best results. Poke holes about an inch apart. This ensures each slice is full of flavor.
Cooling the cake is also key. After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, let it cool completely before adding the milk mixture. This extra time makes a big difference. It helps keep the cake from getting too soggy.
Making Substitutions
Want to change up the flavor? You can use different cake mixes. Lemon or strawberry cake mix works great too. This adds a fun twist to your poke cake.
If you need dairy-free options, swap the whipped topping with coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor and fits many diets. You can also try almond milk in place of regular milk in the cake mix. These changes keep your cake tasty and fun.
Presentation Tips
To make your cake look amazing, layer the strawberries neatly. Start in the center and work your way out. This creates a beautiful pattern. Use whole strawberries for a bold look or slices for a delicate touch.
Garnish with more fresh strawberries for extra flair. You can also sprinkle some mint leaves for color. A well-presented cake looks just as good as it tastes. Enjoy the compliments you will get!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and presentation, use fresh, ripe strawberries. They should be bright red and slightly firm to the touch.
- Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the sweetened condensed milk. This prevents the topping from melting and ensures a better texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the cake for at least an hour helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for a unique twist on the classic strawberry shortcake flavor.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your poke cake. Want to add a rich twist? Use chocolate pudding instead of the condensed milk. Just mix it with water and pour it over the cake after poking holes. The chocolate pairs well with strawberries for a fun treat.
You can also switch up the berries. Try adding blueberries or raspberries to the cake. These fruits add a new layer of taste. They also make the cake look colorful and fresh. Mix them into the whipped topping or sprinkle them on top.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free cake mixes. Many brands offer tasty mixes that work well. Just follow the package directions to ensure you get the right texture.
For a lighter version, consider low-sugar substitutes for the condensed milk. You can find sweetened condensed milk that is low in sugar. This keeps the dessert sweet without the extra calories.
Seasonal Variations
You can make your cake fit any season. For summer, use fresh peaches or cherries. Top the cake with mint leaves for a fresh vibe. For fall, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake.
During the holidays, get creative with decorations. Use red and green fruits for Christmas. For Easter, add pastel-colored sprinkles. These small changes make your cake festive and fun for any occasion.
Storage Info
Keeping the Cake Fresh
To keep your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight container to stop air from getting in. A glass or plastic container with a lid works well. You can also cover the cake with plastic wrap. This helps keep the moisture in and the cake soft.
Shelf Life
The cake lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, it may dry out or lose taste. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cake. Cut it into pieces and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy your cake later without losing flavor. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
How do I make the cake more moist?
To make your cake moist, use these tips:
- Add an extra egg: This helps the cake stay soft.
- Use milk instead of water: Whole milk gives great flavor and moisture.
- Add sour cream: Just a bit can add richness and moisture.
- Don’t overbake: Check for doneness early to avoid dryness.
These small changes can make a big difference. You want a cake that melts in your mouth!
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use fresh whipped cream! Here’s how they differ:
- Fresh whipped cream: It tastes richer and feels creamier. However, it can lose shape over time.
- Cool Whip: It is stable and holds its shape longer. This makes it easier for layering on your poke cake.
If you plan to serve the cake right away, fresh whipped cream works great. If you want to prepare it in advance, stick with Cool Whip.
What other fruits can I use in poke cake?
You can mix it up with different fruits! Here are some ideas:
- Blueberries: They add a burst of flavor and color.
- Raspberries: Their tartness contrasts well with the sweet cake.
- Peaches: These create a juicy and sweet combination.
- Bananas: They add a nice creaminess when layered.
Feel free to get creative! You can even combine fruits to make unique flavors.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious poke cake. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some useful tips. You learned how to create the best texture and present the cake beautifully. I also shared some variations and answers to common questions.
By trying these ideas, you can craft a poke cake that impresses everyone. Enjoy baking and testing new flavors! Your friends and family will love it.
