Description
Indulge in a delightful fusion of classic flavors with this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake! This recipe combines the simplicity of a boxed vanilla cake mix with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries and the creamy richness of cheesecake. Imagine a moist, tender cake, infused with strawberry jello for a burst of fruity flavor, topped with a smooth cheesecake layer, a cloud of whipped topping, and fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s a dessert that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious, perfect for potlucks, birthday celebrations, or simply a sweet treat on a warm summer day. The poke cake method ensures that every bite is saturated with strawberry goodness, while the cheesecake layer adds a luxurious touch that elevates this dessert to new heights. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! It is easy to make and a showstopper for any occasion. From the soft vanilla cake to the creamy cheesecake filling, this cake is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake because it is:
- Incredibly Easy to Make: Using a boxed cake mix as a base cuts down on preparation time, making it a perfect dessert for busy individuals.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of vanilla cake, strawberry jello, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors and layers make this cake a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
- Moist and Tender: The jello infusion ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist and tender, even after refrigeration.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or just a simple family dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.
- Adaptable: Easily customize the recipe with different flavors of jello or fruits to suit your preferences.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the classic combination of strawberries and cheesecake, making this cake a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Nostalgic and Comforting: The recipe offers a delightful blend of nostalgic poke cake simplicity with the sophisticated flavors of cheesecake, providing a comforting and familiar yet exciting culinary experience.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the cheesecake layer to tailor the sweetness to your liking, ensuring a balanced and harmonious dessert.
- Stress-Free Baking: This recipe minimizes stress with straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced or quartered
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This helps prevent the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal. Step 2: Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box. This usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until smooth and well combined. Be sure to follow the box instructions carefully for best results. Step 3: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Ensure the batter is distributed uniformly to promote even baking. Step 4: Bake the cake according to the box directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. Step 5: While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberry jello. In a heat-safe bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the jello is completely dissolved. Step 6: Set the jello mixture aside to cool slightly while the cake finishes baking. Allowing it to cool slightly prevents the hot jello from melting the cake when poured over. Step 7: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the jello from causing the cake to crumble. Step 8: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go about halfway down into the cake. The holes will allow the jello to soak into the cake, adding flavor and moisture. Step 9: Slowly pour about half of the cooled strawberry jello mixture over the cake, making sure to evenly distribute it into the holes. Let the jello soak into the cake for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to fully absorb the strawberry flavor. Step 10: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps. Step 11: Add the remaining strawberry jello mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined. This will create the creamy, strawberry-flavored cheesecake layer. Step 12: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cooled cake. Ensure the entire surface is covered for a uniform cheesecake flavor. Step 13: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cream cheese layer. This adds a light and airy texture to the cake. Step 14: Arrange the sliced or quartered fresh strawberries on top of the whipped topping. Be creative with the arrangement to make the cake visually appealing. Step 15: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. Step 16: Before serving, slice the cake into squares and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert on a warm day.
- Garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added visual appeal.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of lemonade.
- Serve as a dessert option for potlucks, picnics, or birthday parties.
Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Do not pour the jello mixture onto the cake while it is still hot, as this can make the cake soggy.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use a strawberry cake mix instead of vanilla.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained.
- To prevent the cake from becoming too soggy, do not pour too much jello into the holes.
- For a smoother cheesecake layer, beat the cream cheese and sugar for a longer period of time.
- Get creative with the toppings! Consider adding other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry sensation.
- If you’re short on time, purchase pre-made whipped cream instead of thawing whipped topping.
- For a more pronounced cheesecake flavor, add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese mixture or use sugar-free jello.
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
As per cake mix box instructions (typically 30-35 minutes)
Total Time:
Approximately 3-4 hours (includes cooling and refrigeration time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 4-6 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 200-300 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress. With its layers of vanilla cake, strawberry jello, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, it offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special occasion or a simple treat to enjoy on a warm summer day, this cake is a perfect choice. The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with different flavors and toppings to suit your preferences. From the simplicity of the ingredients to the delightful combination of flavors, this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a winner! So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use sugar-free jello to make this cake healthier?
A: Absolutely! Using sugar-free jello is a great way to reduce the sugar content of this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. It will still provide the strawberry flavor and help keep the cake moist. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the sugar-free jello, as they may differ slightly from regular jello. You may also want to taste the cheesecake layer and adjust the amount of sugar you add to ensure it’s sweet enough for your liking, considering the jello won’t be contributing any sweetness.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
A: If fresh strawberries are not available or in season, you can definitely use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess juice before slicing and adding them to the top of the cake. You can also use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. Another option is to use strawberry pie filling, but be aware that this will make the cake significantly sweeter.
Q3: How long will this cake last in the refrigerator?
A: This Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake will generally last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge. Keep in mind that the cake may become slightly softer over time, but it will still be delicious.
Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, it’s recommended to refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. This makes it a great option for parties or gatherings where you want to prepare dessert in advance. Just be sure to add the strawberries closer to serving time to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q5: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix or jello?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable to your personal preferences. You can use a lemon cake mix or a white cake mix instead of vanilla for a different flavor base. Similarly, you can experiment with different flavors of jello, such as raspberry, cherry, or even lime for a more tart twist. Just make sure the jello flavor complements the cake mix and any other toppings you choose. You can also use flavored cream cheese like strawberry or vanilla for the cheesecake layer. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavor combinations to create your own unique version of this delicious poke cake!
