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Easy Firecracker Red White Blue Strawberry Poke Cake

strawberry poke cake - featured image
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A quick and festive poke cake featuring white cake, strawberry filling, and whipped topping, perfect for 4th of July celebrations or any summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (recommend Duncan Hines)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tub (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • Fresh blueberries (about 1/2 cup) for blue accents
  • Optional: white chocolate shavings or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix with electric mixer or whisk until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour batter into prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. While cake bakes, prepare strawberry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick and glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  5. Remove cake from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a spoon or skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the warm cake, deep enough to reach the bottom but not tear the cake.
  6. Pour warm strawberry filling evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Spread gently if needed. Let cake cool completely at room temperature, about 30-45 minutes.
  7. Spread whipped topping evenly over cooled cake. Smooth or leave rustic.
  8. Decorate with fresh blueberries arranged in rows or clusters and sprinkle white chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.
  9. Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and topping set.

Notes

If strawberry filling is too runny, cook longer or add more cornstarch. Chill whipped topping before spreading for better shape. Use a skewer for easier, evenly spaced holes. Can substitute almond milk for water or coconut whipped topping for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, strawberry poke cake, 4th of July dessert, easy summer dessert, patriotic cake, quick cake recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-firecracker-red-white-blue-strawberry-poke-cake-recipe-perfect-for-4th-of-july-desserts/