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Easy Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake - featured image
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A moist, pillowy yellow cake with deliberate holes filled with luscious creamy strawberry gelatin and topped with a smooth cream cheese whipped topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, this poke cake offers a nostalgic yet fresh dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
  • 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant strawberry gelatin mix
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 300 g)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227 g)
  • 1 tub (8 oz / 227 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup water, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake is baking, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in 1 cup boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir until completely dissolved. Add the sliced strawberries and let the mixture cool to room temperature but not set.
  5. Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over the surface about 1 inch apart using a wooden skewer or spoon handle.
  6. Slowly pour the cooled strawberry gelatin and strawberry mixture evenly over the cake, filling the holes and coating the surface. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the gelatin set.
  7. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
  8. Spread the creamy topping evenly over the chilled cake using a spatula. Chill the cake again for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  9. Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled or slightly cool.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist. Poke holes while the cake is still warm for better gelatin absorption. Cool the gelatin mixture before pouring to avoid melting the cake crumb. Beat cream cheese well to avoid lumps. Use fresh strawberries for best texture and flavor. Chill the cake fully before serving for cleaner slices and better flavor melding. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute cake mix and cream cheese accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, poke cake, summer dessert, creamy cake, easy dessert, strawberry gelatin, cream cheese topping

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-creamy-strawberry-shortcake-poke-cake-recipe-for-perfect-summer-dessert/