Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a delightful treat that tantalizes the taste buds with its luscious layers of strawberry flavor, creamy cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped topping. A perfect blend of sweet and tangy, the cake boasts a light, moist texture that melts in your mouth. The cake is rooted in the timeless poke cake tradition, where holes are made in the cake, allowing for a delicious filling to seep in, creating a cake that’s not only visually stunning but bursting with flavor. Ideal for summer gatherings, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, this dessert is a go-to favorite that is easy to prepare, ensuring you can whip it up quickly for any occasion.

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What You’ll Need for Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Complete Ingredients List

• 15.25 ounce box of vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 7 ounces (2 – 3.5 ounce boxes) of cheesecake instant pudding
• 3 1/2 cups cold whole milk
• 8 ounce container of whipped topping (thawed)
• 1 cup strawberries (washed, dried, capped, hulled, and chopped for optional garnish)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Cake Mix: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix if you’re gluten-sensitive.
• Milk: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Whipped Topping: For a healthier option, use light whipped topping or homemade whipped cream.
• Eggs: Replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a vegan version of the cake.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors of instant pudding like vanilla or chocolate, or add texture with shredded coconut or crushed graham crackers for the cheesecake layer.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Creating this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is straightforward, with each step designed to build flavor and texture. Follow along for a deliciously moist cake that prospects to leave everyone wanting more.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with baker’s spray to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients and mixing bowls to streamline the process.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, and vegetable oil. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is well blended.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Bake

Add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each is added. Once everything is well combined, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Poke Holes and Cool

After baking, allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before using the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface, approximately 1-1.5 inches apart. This step is crucial as it allows the pudding mixture to seep into the cake. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, mix two boxes of cheesecake instant pudding with 3.5 cups of cold milk. Using your handheld mixer, whisk until the pudding thickens—a process that should take about 2 minutes. You can also fold in sliced strawberries at this stage if desired for a fresh, fruity twist.

Step 6: Fill the Cake with Pudding

Once thickened, pipe or spoon the pudding into the holes of the cooled cake, filling each hole generously. Spread any remaining pudding evenly on top of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 7: Chill the Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling is essential for the flavors to meld together and for the cake texture to stabilize.

Step 8: Add the Topping

After chilling, gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the top of the pudding layer. For a final flourish, sprinkle chopped strawberries over the whipped topping, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Slice the cake into squares, keeping it refrigerated until ready to serve. The combination of creamy filling, moist cake, and fresh strawberries makes it an irresistible dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

For the best experience, serve this cake chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities. When plating, consider using a spatula to scoop up even squares, ensuring each slice contains a good amount of cream topping and strawberries.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

This poke cake pairs excellently with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for those who crave an extra indulgence. Other pairings can include a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a fresh fruit salad, making it a versatile dessert option.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Best Storage Methods

To ensure the cake remains fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, the cake can last up to 3-4 days; however, the strawberries may start to look less appealing after a day or two.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

This dessert is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. It’s not recommended to freeze the cake after assembly, as it may compromise the texture of the pudding and whipped topping. Instead, freeze the unbaked cake and make the pudding mixture fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

To achieve the best results, avoid over-mixing your batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Also, ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes, or the heat may cause the pudding to seep out instead of filling the holes.

Helpful Tricks for Success

Consider using a serrated knife to cut the cake into uniform pieces easily. For added flavor, infuse the whipped topping with vanilla extract or a splash of strawberry puree. If you want a more sophisticated look, use a piping bag to create swirls with the topping and strawberries.

Fun Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Add creativity by incorporating different mix-ins such as chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. You could swap out the strawberries for other fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches to create your signature dessert.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg), use plant-based whipped topping, and a vegan cake mix. The pudding can also be made using non-dairy milk and a vegan pudding mix.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cake ends up too dry, it could result from overbaking. Always check for doneness using a toothpick to avoid baking longer than necessary. If the pudding doesn’t set, ensure you mixed it according to package instructions and didn’t skip refrigeration time.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Definitely! You can make the cake a day ahead, allow it to cool and cover it with plastic wrap. Prepare the pudding the same day you plan to serve to ensure maximum freshness, or use instant pudding right before assembly for the best results.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

You can replace the vanilla cake mix with any other cake mix flavor that you enjoy. Instant pudding can also be swapped based on personal preferences, like chocolate or vanilla, for different flavor profiles.

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