Table of Contents
Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a super-moist sheet cake that’s poked with holes, soaked with a strawberry-forward filling (often sweetened condensed milk plus strawberry flavor), then topped with a tangy cream-cheese whipped topping and fresh berries. The classic “poke cake” method uses the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes while the cake is still warm so the filling can soak in evenly.
Dish type
Dish type: Chilled poke cake (sheet cake dessert).
Main ingredients: White or strawberry cake, sweetened condensed milk and/or strawberry gelatin filling, cream cheese whipped topping (or Cool Whip), strawberries.
Cuisine: American potluck-style dessert.
Cooking method: Bake, poke, pour filling, chill, frost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s genuinely moist because the filling soaks into the pokes and flavors the whole cake.
- The topping tastes like cheesecake mousse, tangy and fluffy.
- Perfect for make-ahead because chilling improves the texture and makes cleaner slices.
- Great for crowds: it’s a 9×13 dessert that travels well.
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bake the cake. Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13 pan (commonly at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean). Tip: don’t overbake because poke cakes rely on a tender crumb to absorb filling.
Cool briefly, then poke. Once the cake has cooled a bit but is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about halfway down, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tip: holes that are too small won’t hold enough filling, and holes that go all the way down can make the cake overly soft.
Make the strawberry soak. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water and let it cool slightly. Tip: letting it cool a few minutes helps prevent the heat from melting the cake surface too aggressively.
Pour in the filling. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake so it runs into the holes, then pour sweetened condensed milk over the top as well (some recipes use condensed milk first, others after gelatin). Tip: pour gradually and pause so it has time to soak in instead of pooling.
Chill thoroughly. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or longer) so the filling sets inside the cake. Tip: overnight chilling makes the cleanest slices and best flavor.
Make the cheesecake-style topping. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then stream in cold heavy cream and whip until it thickens; add powdered sugar and vanilla and whip to a fluffy topping. Tip: start with smooth cream cheese so you don’t end up with little lumps in the frosting.
Frost and finish. Spread topping over the chilled cake and add sliced strawberries. Tip: add strawberries right before serving if you want them looking freshest.
Tips for Success
- Poke while the cake is still warm so the filling absorbs better.
- Use the wooden spoon handle (or similar) for evenly sized holes that hold enough filling.
- Chill long enough so the topping sets and slices stay neat.
- Keep heavy cream very cold for the fluffiest whipped topping texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Pudding version: some Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cakes use cheesecake pudding made with milk, then top with whipped topping.
- Real-strawberry boost: add mashed strawberries or strawberry topping over the condensed milk layer before chilling.
- Lighter topping: use whipped topping (like Cool Whip) instead of whipping heavy cream.
What to Serve With It
- Serve chilled for the best “cheesecake” vibe and clean slices.
- Add extra berries on the side for a brighter, fresher plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store this cake covered in the refrigerator, since it contains dairy-based topping and is designed to be served chilled. Many versions are intended to chill for hours (or overnight) and stay cold until serving for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition depends on cake mix, condensed milk amount, and whether you use heavy cream or whipped topping. If you tell me your exact cake mix and whether you used the full can of condensed milk, I can estimate calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, sugar, and sodium per slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pouring filling too quickly, which can cause pooling instead of soaking into the holes.
- Poking holes too close together or too deep, which can make the cake collapse into a mushy texture.
- Frosting before the cake is fully chilled, which makes the topping slide and cuts messy.
FAQ
What do I use to poke holes in a poke cake?
The handle of a wooden spoon is commonly recommended because it makes holes large enough for filling to soak in.
Do I poke the cake when it’s hot or cool?
Many recipes poke when the cake is still warm so the filling absorbs well.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for making ahead because it needs chilling time, and overnight chilling works well.
What filling is used in strawberry poke cake?
Some versions use strawberry gelatin dissolved in boiling water, and some also use sweetened condensed milk to add richness.
What topping makes it “cheesecake” style?
A cream cheese whipped topping (cream cheese whipped with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla) gives that tangy cheesecake vibe.
Conclusion
Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is the definition of crowd-pleasing: soft cake, strawberry-soaked pokes, and a fluffy cream cheese topping that tastes like cheesecake in sheet-cake form. If you want it more “berry-forward” or more “cheesecake-forward,” tell me whether you prefer gelatin soak, condensed milk soak, or a cheesecake pudding layer for your Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake.
Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: Bursting with Berry Flavor and Moist Goodness!
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and moist cake layers in this heavenly dessert. A perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 box cake mix (vanilla or white)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 container whipped topping
Directions
-
Start by baking the cake according to the package instructions, then let it cool completely.
-
Once the cake is cool, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with whipped topping until smooth.
-
Gently fold in the sliced strawberries and spread this mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
-
Refrigerate the cake for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
