Description
This delightful Strawberries and Cream Poke Cake combines a moist strawberry-flavored cake infused with a sweet strawberry and condensed milk mixture, topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious whipped cream topping. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert delivers vibrant flavor and a creamy texture that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients required to make the cake as per box instructions)
Filling and Topping
- 1 (11.75-oz) jar strawberry ice cream topping
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the 9×13-inch pan as directed on the strawberry cake mix package. Bake the cake according to the package instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to remain hot once removed from the oven.
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: While the cake is baking, combine the sweetened condensed milk and strawberry ice cream topping in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Poke and Soak the Cake: Using a fork or a straw, poke holes all over the warm cake to allow the strawberry mixture to soak in. Pour the strawberry and milk mixture evenly over the hot cake. Set aside and let the cake cool completely so the flavors meld and it becomes moist.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Once the cake has cooled, evenly sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries over the surface for a fresh fruity layer.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer set to high speed, whip the cream for about 1-2 minutes until soft peaks form.
- Top and Chill: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake and place the cake in the refrigerator. Chill until ready to serve, allowing the topping to set and flavors to develop.
Notes
- Using a fork or straw to poke holes allows the sweetened mixture to deeply infuse the cake, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- For best results, use freshly chopped strawberries to add a bright, fresh contrast to the sweet topping.
- Chilling the bowl before whipping the cream helps achieve better volume and stiff peaks more quickly.
- This cake is best served chilled and within 2-3 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
