Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dreamy dessert that practically shouts “summer celebration,” look no further than Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. This luscious treat combines moist strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, whipped topping, and juicy strawberries into every beautifully marbled forkful. The end result? A vibrant, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that tastes like a cross between classic strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, brightening up a potluck, or just treating yourself to something special, Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake feels happy, homey, and downright irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry and fridge staples are all it takes to transform everyday ingredients into an unforgettable Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. Every component, from the vivid cake mix to the luscious fresh berries, layers in color, flavor, and something special.

• Strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces): The backbone of the cake, offering fruity flavor and that signature pink hue with minimal fuss.
• Water (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps the cake mix blend to a perfectly smooth batter.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Gives the cake its winning tenderness and keeps it beautifully soft.
• Large eggs (3, at room temperature): Essential for binding and richness—room temperature eggs blend in best!
• Cheesecake instant pudding (two 3.5-ounce boxes): Adds the creamy, tangy cheesecake element that takes every bite to the next level.
• Cold whole milk (3½ cups): The secret to thick, luscious pudding filling—don’t skimp on the cold milk for best results.
• Whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed): A cloud-like finishing touch that keeps the whole cake light and lovely.
• Fresh strawberries (1 cup, chopped, for garnish): The ruby red crown, adding bursts of juicy sweetness and a pop of color—don’t skip these if you want your poke cake to really shine!

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F, giving it plenty of time to heat up while you prep. Give your 9×13 baking dish a generous coating of baker’s spray. This ensures an easy cake release and perfectly neat slices—no sticking, no mess!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Batter

Empty the strawberry cake mix into a mixing bowl, then add the water and vegetable oil. Beat together using a handheld mixer on medium speed until you see a smooth, even consistency, with all the powder incorporated. This is your moment to breathe in that strawberry aroma!

Step 3: Add Eggs for Richness

Crack in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Watch as your batter transforms into a pale, glossy pink. This extra mixing step makes the Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake especially delicate and fluffy.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour your finished batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 5: Cool and Poke the Cake

Let the cake cool just slightly—enough to handle but still a bit warm. Now, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface, about 1 to 1½ inches apart. These wells will soak up the cheesecake pudding, making every forkful decadent.

Step 6: Make the Cheesecake Pudding

In a fresh bowl, whisk both boxes of cheesecake instant pudding mix with cold milk. Use a hand mixer for about a minute until the pudding just begins to thicken. The pudding should hold its shape lightly, like soft peaks, so it fills the cake holes beautifully.

Step 7: Pipe and Fill the Cake

Spoon roughly 1½ cups of pudding into a piping bag (or ziplock bag with a snipped corner). Carefully pipe the pudding into each poked hole, filling right to the top—don’t worry if a little spills onto the surface. Incorporating the creamy pudding is what makes Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake so moist!

Step 8: Layer the Remaining Pudding

Take the rest of the pudding and gently spread it across the top of the cake, smoothing with an offset spatula for an even finish. This becomes a hidden layer of cheesecake goodness beneath the topping.

Step 9: Chill for Flavor and Texture

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld, the pudding to set, and the cake to become irresistibly tender.

Step 10: Add Whipped Topping and Strawberries

Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly across the pudding layer so it billows like soft clouds. Sprinkle generously with your chopped strawberries. Every bright red berry instantly signals celebration!

Step 11: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy

Slice your Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake into neat squares and keep it chilled until ready to serve. Watch smiles appear with every single serving!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake

Garnishes

To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake extra-special, add a handful of extra chopped strawberries on top just before serving. For a showstopping touch, a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a few mint leaves bring even more color and fragrance. Sprinkling with finely crushed graham crackers can also add a hint of pie-like charm.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light berry sorbet to keep things refreshing. If you’re serving a crowd, offer tall glasses of iced tea or lemonade to balance the cake’s sweetness. A bowl of fresh mixed berries on the side will reinforce those summery flavors and help cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake in individual parfait glasses by layering cubes of cake, pudding, and whipped topping for a beautiful trifle effect. Or, make mini poke cakes using a muffin tin for portion-controlled treats at showers and picnics. Don’t be afraid to add extra strawberries or a swirl of whipped cream for visual flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake stays moist and the flavors actually deepen as it chills, making leftovers truly delightful—if there are any!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual squares or the whole, uncut cake (without whipped topping or berries) securely in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh whipped topping and strawberries right before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Because the pudding and whipped topping don’t hold up to reheating, just slice and serve straight from the fridge. If chilled slices are a bit too firm, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a slightly softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade strawberry cake recipe, use it in place of the mix. Just be sure it fits a 9×13 pan and is sturdy enough to hold up to the pudding filling—and you’ll have an extra-special version of Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake.

Can I substitute another flavor of pudding?

Of course! If you can’t find cheesecake instant pudding, try vanilla or white chocolate. Both pair nicely with strawberries, and you’ll still get that creamy, rich poke cake experience.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

The handle of a wooden spoon works perfectly, but you can also use a thick straw or even the end of a chopstick. The goal is evenly spaced holes big enough to absorb plenty of pudding—don’t worry about being too precise!

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

You sure can! Freshly whipped cream (stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar) is a wonderful substitute for store-bought whipped topping. Just remember to keep the cake refrigerated and enjoy it within a couple of days as fresh cream doesn’t keep as long.

Is this recipe gluten free?

As written, this Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake is not gluten free due to the cake mix. However, you can easily swap in a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, and check that your pudding mix is gluten free for a celiac-friendly treat!

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever a dessert guaranteed to steal the show, it’s Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake. Packed with playful color, nostalgic flavors, and creamy richness, every slice feels like a celebration. I hope you’ll invite this cake to your next gathering—or just treat yourself and your family to some weekday sweetness. You really have to taste it to believe just how much everyone loves it!

Print