If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake! Combining the classic flavors of cheesecake with the light, fluffy texture of a cake, this treat is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its creamy filling, luscious strawberry topping, and a fluffy cake base, it’s a dessert that delivers both on taste and presentation.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is the ultimate blend of rich cheesecake and fruity strawberry goodness. It’s simple to make, yet decadent enough to be a showstopper at any event. The cake itself is moist and tender, while the filling and topping add layers of creamy sweetness and vibrant flavor. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert that gets even better after chilling in the fridge.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup strawberry topping (store-bought or homemade)
For the Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Method
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box (usually 350°F or 175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cake Mix: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter. Typically, this involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until smooth.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions (usually 25-30 minutes). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and strawberry topping. Stir until well mixed.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke holes about 1 inch apart.
3. Add the Filling
- Pour Filling: Slowly pour the strawberry and condensed milk mixture over the cake, making sure the filling seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread it out if needed. Allow the cake to sit for a few minutes so the filling can settle in.
4. Prepare the Topping
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread Topping: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake, covering the filling completely.
5. Chill and Garnish
- Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully set.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries, either sliced or whole, as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. The combination of creamy cheesecake topping and fruity strawberry filling makes each bite a delightful experience.
Tips and Variations
- Strawberry Topping: If you prefer a homemade topping, you can cook down fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar until thickened and use that in place of store-bought topping.
- Add a Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers over the topping before adding the fresh strawberries. This will give you a little bit of that classic cheesecake crust crunch.
- Berry Varieties: Feel free to use other berries or fruit toppings if strawberries aren’t your favorite. Blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berry topping can be delicious alternatives.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just as a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and incredible flavor, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every slice of this scrumptious treat and savor the sweet, creamy goodness with each bite!
Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake! 🍓🎂
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