Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake: The Best Cake Ever!

Introduction

Get ready to meet what might just be the best cake ever, especially if you love bright, fruity, and creamy desserts! This Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a true showstopper that is unbelievably easy to make. Imagine a light, fluffy vanilla cake, still warm from the oven, with a rich and tangy cheesecake filling poured into every nook and cranny. Once it’s chilled to perfection, it’s topped with a sweet strawberry pie filling and a cloud of whipped cream. Every single bite is a heavenly combination of moist cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries. It’s one of those good summer desserts easy recipes that is perfect any time of year and is a guaranteed hit for any occasion!

This incredible cream filled cake is a complete dessert all on its own, designed to be served chilled. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert, which makes it absolutely perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Just slice it into squares and serve it straight from the pan. The cool, creamy texture and bright strawberry flavor make it a refreshing treat that everyone will love.

Full Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Let’s get started on one of the best cakes to make for any celebration!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box (about 15.25 ounces) white or vanilla cake mix
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
1 (8-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Graham cracker crumbs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan according to the directions on the cake mix box.
Prepare and bake the cake as directed on the box.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. It should still be warm, but not piping hot.
Using the round handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake, about an inch apart.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth and free of lumps.
Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while beating on low speed. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the cheesecake filling slowly and evenly over the top of the warm, poked cake. Use a spatula to gently spread the filling, encouraging it to sink down into the holes.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it is completely chilled and the filling is set.
Once chilled, spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake.
Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the strawberry layer.
Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, if desired.
Keep the cake refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes (plus chilling time)
Total time: 5 hours (includes chilling)
Servings: 15
Calories (per serving, estimated): Approximately 350-400 kcal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor Combo: It’s the perfect fusion of strawberry short poke cake and classic cheesecake in one easy dessert.
Starts with a Cake Mix: This recipe is practically foolproof and perfect for bakers of all levels.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Since it needs to chill, it’s ideal to prepare a day in advance for a stress-free party.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This is one of those fruity cakes birthday parties and potlucks were made for; it always disappears fast!
Cool & Refreshing: Served chilled, it’s a light yet satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any gathering.

The “poke cake” is a wonderfully fun and simple American dessert concept that gained widespread popularity in the 1970s. The technique is just as the name implies: you bake a simple sheet cake, and while it’s still warm, you poke holes all over the surface. Then, a liquid or creamy filling is poured over the top, seeping down into the holes. This not only infuses the entire cake with extra flavor and moisture but also creates beautiful, colorful ribbons throughout each slice. It’s a playful and incredibly effective way to elevate a simple cake mix into something special.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh, sliced strawberries and mint leaves for a beautiful, fresh finish.
Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top to really enhance the “cheesecake” experience.
A few white chocolate shavings would also be a delicious and elegant topping.
Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

Use a Wooden Spoon Handle: The round handle of a wooden spoon is the perfect size for creating holes that are big enough for the thick cheesecake filling to sink into.
Warm, Not Hot: Pour the filling over the cake when it’s still warm. This helps the filling absorb beautifully into the cake crumb.
Chill Completely: Don’t rush the chilling time! The cake needs to be fully chilled for the cheesecake filling to set properly, which is crucial for clean slicing.
Clean Slices: For the prettiest slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: This cake must be kept in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese and whipped topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this cake, as the texture of the pie filling and whipped topping can change upon thawing.
Reheating: This cake is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary!

Closing Paragraph

I am so excited for you to try this amazing Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake! It is truly one of the best fruit poke cake recipes out there, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s the perfect, easy dessert to make when you want something that looks and tastes absolutely incredible without all the stress.

If you make this poke cake strawberry delight, please share your experience! I would love for you to leave a comment and a rating below.

🎀 Final Thoughts

This cake is my go-to for just about every summer party, birthday, or potluck. It’s so much fun to make, and the look on people’s faces when they take that first bite is just the best. It’s cool, creamy, and bursting with strawberry cheesecake flavor. It’s a little slice of happiness!