What’s the perfect dessert to serve poolside on a warm summer day? This strawberry poke cake is a homemade treat that’s incredibly easy to make, featuring fresh strawberries and a light whipped cream topping – Save this idea for your next outdoor gathering.

strawberry poke cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top, served next to pool

Introduction

Imagine a warm summer day, lounging by the pool, and indulging in a refreshing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. The strawberry poke cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top is the epitome of summer desserts. This creative recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a masterpiece of flavors and textures, perfect for backyard gatherings, pool parties, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy under the sun. With its simplicity, impressive presentation, and the use of accessible ingredients, this dessert is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of moist cake, sweet strawberry sauce, and whipped cream creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it a convenient option for any occasion.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, the strawberry poke cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the cake can be ready in under an hour, including preparation and baking time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The poke cake technique, where you poke holes in the cake and fill them with a sweet sauce, adds an extra layer of moisture and flavor without requiring advanced baking skills. The result is a cake that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional, with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include a box of white cake mix, strawberry gelatin, boiling water, cold water, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. For the cake, you can use any brand of white cake mix available. The strawberry gelatin is what gives the cake its distinctive strawberry flavor and color. If you prefer a stronger strawberry taste, you can use strawberry puree or jam as a substitute. Whipped cream is essential for the topping, and fresh strawberries add a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray. Then, prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions, typically involving mixing the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl until well combined.
2. Step 2: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Step 3: While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water as per the package instructions. Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure the holes are filled with the mixture. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow it to cool and absorb the gelatin mixture.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, top the cake with whipped cream and sliced fresh strawberries. You can also garnish with additional strawberries or a sprinkle of sugar for extra appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy by the pool or at your next outdoor gathering.

Handy Tips

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can use strawberry extract in the cake mix or add a layer of strawberry jam on top of the cake before adding the whipped cream.
• Avoid overmixing the cake batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, then stop mixing.
• When poking holes in the cake, be gentle to avoid tearing the cake. You want the holes to be deep enough to hold the gelatin mixture but not so deep that they reach the bottom of the cake.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the cake is 350°F (175°C), and the baking time can vary depending on your oven. It’s crucial to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Overbaking can result in a dry cake, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.

Crunch Factor

This dessert is designed to be moist and tender, thanks to the poke cake technique and the topping of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. To maintain the crunch of the fresh strawberries, it’s best to add them just before serving. If you’re looking for an extra crunch, you could sprinkle some chopped nuts or cookie crumbs over the whipped cream.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients for the cake mix to ensure the cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
• Don’t over-saturate the cake with the gelatin mixture. You want the cake to be moist but not soggy. If using a particularly strong gelatin, you might start with less and adjust to taste.
• For a shortcut, use pre-whipped whipped cream or whipped topping from a can. This saves time and still provides a delicious topping.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be baked and refrigerated up to a day in advance. However, it’s best to add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing the cake once it’s been topped with whipped cream and strawberries, as this can cause the whipped cream to deflate and the strawberries to become icy. However, you can freeze the baked cake before adding the toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dessert, a beautiful presentation can make it even more special. Consider placing a slice of the cake in a decorative jar or container, topping it with whipped cream and a strawberry, and tying a ribbon around the lid. Alternatively, you can package the cake in a disposable aluminum pan, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and decorate the top with a gift tag or a small bouquet of fresh strawberries.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake mix can give the dessert a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Instead of whipped cream, you could top the cake with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or even a dollop of yogurt for a lighter option.
• Ingredient swaps: For a lemon or orange version, use lemon or orange gelatin and add some zest of the respective citrus fruit to the cake mix for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake turns out too dry, it might have been overbaked. Next time, check the cake for doneness a few minutes earlier. If the cake is too soggy, it might have been oversaturated with the gelatin mixture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find strawberry gelatin, you can use a different flavor like raspberry or lemon, depending on your preference. For the whipped cream, you can substitute it with a non-dairy whipped topping for a vegan version.
• Over/undercooking signs: An undercooked cake will be soggy in the center, while an overcooked cake will be dry and possibly cracked on top. Adjust your baking time accordingly based on your oven’s performance.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the baked cake before adding the toppings. It’s best to freeze it without the whipped cream and strawberries to preserve their texture.
• Is it gluten-free? If you use a gluten-free cake mix, this dessert is gluten-free. However, always check the ingredients of the gelatin and whipped cream to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as a larger cake will take longer to bake through.

Conclusion

The strawberry poke cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top is a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings. With its moist cake, sweet strawberry flavor, and creamy whipped topping, it’s sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this dessert is sure to bring joy and satisfy your sweet tooth. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the simplicity and delight of this strawberry poke cake by the pool or at your next outdoor celebration.