Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

$To make a tasty Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake, you need these key ingredients: - 1 box vanilla cake mix - 3 large eggs - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 1 cup water - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups whipped topping - 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced - 1 cup strawberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Extra strawberries for garnish These ingredients work together to create a soft cake with a creamy topping. The vanilla cake mix gives a nice base, while the cream cheese adds richness. If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Cake Mix: You can use lemon or strawberry cake mix for a twist. - Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter option. - Whipped Topping: You can use homemade whipped cream or even Greek yogurt for a healthier choice. - Strawberry Sauce: If you lack strawberry sauce, use raspberry or blueberry sauce instead. These swaps keep the cake delicious while allowing for flexibility. Garnishes can add flair to your cake. Here are some fun ideas: - Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a cheesecake vibe. - Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra sweetness. - Use mint leaves for a fresh touch. - Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped topping. These ideas help personalize the cake and make it even more appealing. Enjoy creating your own version! Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need a box of vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Also, have cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whipped topping ready. Don’t forget fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once the cake is cool, use a wooden spoon handle or a fork to poke holes all over the top. Make sure the holes go deep but not all the way through. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined. Spread this mixture over the cake, filling the holes. Drizzle strawberry sauce on top and add diced strawberries. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. To keep your cake moist, use the right amount of water. The recipe calls for 1 cup. This amount helps the cake stay soft. Make sure you don’t overbake it. Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. This usually takes 25 to 30 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit. This helps it stay moist before you poke holes. Poking holes is key to a great poke cake. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork. Press down firmly but don’t reach the bottom. Space the holes about one inch apart. This helps the strawberry sauce soak in well. The cream cheese layer will fill the holes later. This way, every bite is packed with flavor. When it’s time to serve, make it special! Top each slice with a whole strawberry. Add a dollop of whipped topping for a creamy touch. You can also drizzle more strawberry sauce on top. Serve it nice and cold after refrigerating. This makes the cake refreshing and delicious. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family! {{image_2}} You can switch up the strawberries for other fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit gives a new taste and look. Blueberries add a burst of flavor. Raspberries bring a nice tartness. Peaches add a sweet and juicy touch. Mix fruits for a colorful topping. Your cake will look vibrant and inviting. Love chocolate? You can make a chocolate version. Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla. The cream cheese layer stays the same. You can add chocolate sauce on top. Drizzle it over the cream cheese layer. Then, top with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips. This twist will please any chocolate lover. Want a gluten-free poke cake? Use a gluten-free cake mix. Follow the same steps as before. Make sure your cream cheese and toppings are gluten-free too. Fresh fruits and whipped topping are usually safe. This allows everyone to enjoy a slice. You won't lose flavor or texture with this version. To store leftover cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and moist. You can also use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge to keep it cool. It should stay good for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to freeze the cake, cut it into slices first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. The cake can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To keep your cake fresh, always store it in the fridge. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long. If using strawberries as a garnish, add them right before serving. This keeps them looking fresh and tasty. Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake at its best! Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. I often prepare it the day before serving. This lets the flavors mix well. The longer it sits, the tastier it becomes. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to serve. You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw and drain them well before using. Canned strawberries work too. Be sure to rinse them and cut them into small pieces. You can also use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a twist. The cake stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well. If you see any signs of spoilage, throw it out. I recommend enjoying it within the first few days for the best taste and texture. Absolutely! You can switch out the vanilla cake mix for chocolate or lemon. Each flavor gives a unique twist to the cake. Chocolate pairs well with the cream cheese and strawberries. Lemon adds a nice zing that brightens the dessert. Feel free to get creative! This blog post covered all you need to make a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. We discussed key ingredients, helpful substitutes, and fancy garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure your success. Tips for moist cake and perfect holes will enhance your baking skills. You can even try fun variations like different fruits or a gluten-free option. Remember, storage matters too. Following these tips will help your cake stay fresh longer. Enjoy making this sweet treat!$

Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Bliss Cheesecake Poke Cake, a perfect summer treat that combines moist vanilla cake with a rich cream cheese layer and fresh strawberries. This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings or a sweet escape at home. Ready in just a few simple steps, it's a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family. #PokeCake #Cheesecake #StrawberryDessert #BakingFun

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Ingredients

1 box vanilla cake mix

3 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whipped topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

1 cup strawberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Extra strawberries for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions using the eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

Once the cake is cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake, making sure to go down deep but not all the way to the bottom.

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth.

Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the poked cake, ensuring it fills in the holes.

Drizzle the strawberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, letting it seep into the holes for extra flavor.

Top with diced fresh strawberries, spreading them out evenly across the cake.

Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 3.5 hours | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Before serving, garnish each slice with a whole strawberry on top and a dollop of whipped topping for an extra touch of elegance.