Indulge in Sweet Bliss: The Best Strawberry Poke Cake

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our delectable recipe for the Best Strawberry Poke Cake. Bursting with the irresistible flavors of fresh strawberries, creamy white chocolate, and fluffy cake, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this easy-to-make poke cake is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create a dessert masterpiece that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare the mix)
- Ingredients usually called for the cake mix:
  - 3 egg whites
  - 1 cup water
  - 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the Strawberry White Chocolate Mixture:

14 oz sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cups white chocolate chips
1 package (3 oz) JELL-O strawberry flavor gelatin
1/4 cup warm water

Other Ingredients:

2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream (full fat and cold)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10-15 fresh strawberries (sliced)

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, using the egg whites, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Follow the baking time specified on the cake mix box.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.

Making the Strawberry White Chocolate Mixture:

Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry flavor gelatin in warm water according to the package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth and melted.
Combine the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate until well combined. Then, stir in the dissolved strawberry gelatin mixture until smooth.

Assembling the Poke Cake:

Poke Holes in the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake.
Pour the Mixture Over the Cake: Pour the prepared strawberry white chocolate mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to fill the holes and cover the entire surface.
Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to set.

Decorating the Cake:

Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Spread the Whipped Cream: Remove the chilled cake from the refrigerator and spread the whipped cream evenly over the top.
Add the Strawberry Pie Filling: Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the whipped cream layer, spreading it out evenly.
Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cake as a decorative garnish.
Chill and Serve: Return the cake to the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Make It Chocolate: For a chocolate twist, use a chocolate cake mix instead of white cake mix and swap out the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate.
Add Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans over the whipped cream layer for added texture and flavor.
Make It Boozy: For an adult version, add a splash of strawberry liqueur or vodka to the strawberry white chocolate mixture for an extra kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling? A: Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling. Simply slice the fresh strawberries and layer them over the whipped cream layer for a fresh and fruity twist.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake and strawberry white chocolate mixture in advance and assemble the cake just before serving. Keep the components refrigerated separately and assemble the cake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled cake for up to 1-2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

Use a keto-friendly cake mix or make a homemade keto-friendly cake base using almond flour or coconut flour.
Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a keto-friendly alternative such as heavy cream or coconut cream sweetened with a keto-approved sweetener.
Omit the pie filling or use a sugar-free, low-carb version made with fresh strawberries and a keto-friendly sweetener.

Low-Carb Version:

Use a low-carb cake mix or make a homemade low-carb cake base using almond flour or coconut flour.
Use a low-carb sweetened condensed milk substitute or make your own low-carb condensed milk using heavy cream and a low-carb sweetener.
Choose a sugar-free, low-carb strawberry pie filling or make your own using fresh strawberries and a low-carb sweetener.

In conclusion, our Best Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress your taste buds. With its moist cake base, luscious strawberry white chocolate filling, and creamy whipped cream topping, this dessert is a true showstopper that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it up at a birthday party, potluck, or family gathering, this poke cake is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of sweet bliss today!