Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
When you take your first bite of this Strawberry Poke Cake, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of moist cake, sweet strawberry sauce, and whipped cream creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! I love how easy it’s to make, yet it impresses everyone at gatherings.
The vibrant color and fresh taste make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday or a simple family dinner. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Strawberry Poke Cake
When it comes to whipping up a delicious dessert that will leave everyone wanting more, the Strawberry Poke Cake is an absolute winner. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create an explosion of flavor that feels like a special treat. You’ll find that most of these ingredients are staples you might already have in your kitchen, making it super convenient to bake this delightful cake.
Plus, who can resist the charm of fresh strawberries combined with whipped cream? It’s a classic combination that never gets old.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable Strawberry Poke Cake:
- 3 cups frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (for the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 6 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar (for the cake)
- 12 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Now, as you gather your ingredients, keep in mind that using frozen strawberries isn’t just a time-saver but also a great way to enjoy this cake out of season. They’re often frozen at peak ripeness, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing flavor.
And don’t sweat it if your butter isn’t perfectly room temperature; just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (watch it closely, though, because melted butter is a whole different story).
Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch up the fruit—try raspberries or blueberries for a twist! Just imagine the colorful layers of flavor dancing on your palate. Are you excited to get baking yet? Let’s move on to how to create this masterpiece.
How to Make Strawberry Poke Cake
So, you’re ready to plunge into making this scrumptious Strawberry Poke Cake? Great choice! Let’s get started.
First, grab those 3 cups of frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1/2 cup of water. Toss them all into a saucepan and cover it up. Set your stove to medium heat and let them simmer away until the strawberries break down and get all soft and mushy. You don’t even need to thaw them first; that’s the beauty of frozen fruit. It saves time and still tastes delicious.
While your strawberries are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 13x9x2 baking pan by buttering and flouring it. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and 4 teaspoons of baking powder—this will be your dry mix.
In another bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 6 egg whites, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Just whisk it until the egg whites are all broken up; it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Now, here’s where it gets fun: in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer if you’re feeling brave), cream together 1 3/4 cups of white sugar and 12 tablespoons of room-temperature butter. Beat it for about 3 minutes until it’s fluffy and dreamy.
Then, just like a perfectly coordinated dance, add in half of your wet mixture followed by half of your dry mixture, and repeat with the remaining halves. This step is essential for getting that nice, flat cake you want.
Once you have that glorious batter ready, pour it into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake it on the middle rack for about 35 minutes—you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, but not too clean, right?
Let it cool for at least an hour. Now comes the fun part: take a large skewer (or even a fork if you’re feeling wild) and poke about 50 holes in your cake. Don’t poke all the way to the bottom, though, or you’ll end up with a soupy mess.
After that, take the liquid from your cooked strawberries, stir in 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin, and pour it over the cake. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or even overnight if you can resist.
Finally, when you’re ready to serve, mix the reserved strawberry solids with another cup of frozen strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a food processor until it resembles jam. Spread that delicious mixture over the top of your cake, finish it off with a generous layer of whipped cream, and get ready for compliments. Enjoy every bite!
Strawberry Poke Cake Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Strawberry Poke Cake, experimenting with substitutions and variations can add a fun twist to this beloved dessert.
For a different flavor, try using raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a unique taste.
If you prefer a denser cake, use whole eggs instead of just egg whites. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour.
Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings like cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of chocolate for an indulgent finish!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Strawberry Poke Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and preparing your baking pan well.
It’s essential to let the cake cool completely before poking; this prevents the gelatin from running too deeply.
If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, consider adding fresh strawberries or a splash of strawberry extract to the batter.
For added texture, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top before the whipped cream.
Finally, remember that chilling the cake overnight enhances the flavors, making each bite even more delicious.
Enjoy your baking adventure!