Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the vibrant contrast of sweet strawberries and zingy lemonade, all wrapped in a moist, creamy cake that practically melts in your mouth. millionaire peach salad homemade strawberry sheet pan This cake is like summer on a plate, perfect for those sunny days when you want something refreshing yet indulgent.
The moment you take a bite, the layers of flavor burst forth, making every forkful feel like a celebration. Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue, birthday party, or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake brings joy to any occasion. Trust me, once you serve it up, your friends will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake offers an easy preparation method that yields impressive results
- The bright flavors make it a refreshing treat for any season
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this cake is sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Perfectly versatile, you can switch up the fruit toppings based on what’s in season or available
I once made this Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake for my friend’s birthday party and watched as it disappeared faster than pizza at a kid’s party. slow cooker beef and noodles.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Strawberry Cake Mix: Choose a high-quality mix that promises moistness; it sets the foundation for your cake.
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Lemonade Concentrate: Use frozen concentrate for maximum tartness and flavor; fresh lemonade can also work wonders.
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Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for richness; it creates the dreamy frosting texture everyone loves.
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Powdered Sugar: This will sweeten the cream cheese frosting without adding grittiness; sift it for best results. For more inspiration, check out this easy sugar cookie frosting recipe.
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Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries to garnish; they’re not just pretty but add freshness and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this churro cruffins recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. It’s essential to prepare your dish so nothing sticks—trust me on this one.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with eggs and water according to package directions. Stir until smooth and lump-free—like your favorite smoothie!
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this phase.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before using the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over its surface—about an inch apart. This allows the lemonade mixture to soak in deeply.
Add Lemonade Mixture: In another bowl, mix together thawed lemonade concentrate with water and drizzle evenly over the poked cake while it’s still warm. It’ll soak right in like magic!
Make the Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread it generously across the top of your cooled cake—don’t skimp on this step.
Garnish with Strawberries: Finally, slice fresh strawberries thinly and arrange them beautifully on top of your cream cheese frosting—a feast for both eyes and stomach!
Now take a step back and admire your masterpiece; it’s time to dig in! Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
This Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake is not only easy to make but also gives you that satisfying “wow” factor when served. So whip this up at your next gathering and watch everyone come back for more!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake is a delightful treat that combines zesty lemon and sweet strawberries
- This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just when you need a fruity pick-me-up
- The vibrant colors and flavors will brighten anyone’s day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake, prepare your cake mix first, then bake it while preparing the strawberry lemonade mixture. no bake banana pudding cheesecake This way, everything will be ready at the same time for maximum freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out fresh strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can even add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese frosting for extra flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy it later, simply take it out and let it come to room temperature before slicing.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing
- Always poke holes while the cake is warm; this allows flavors to seep through beautifully
- Don’t skip chilling; it enhances texture and taste!
Creating this delicious cake reminds me of my childhood summers spent in my grandma’s kitchen. She always had a knack for whipping up desserts that made our family gatherings unforgettable.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Absolutely! Vanilla or lemon cake would work wonderfully as alternatives.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done!
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly before storing in the freezer.
Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Poke Cake is a refreshing summer dessert that perfectly balances sweet strawberries with tangy lemonade. This moist, flavorful cake is soaked in lemonade and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Ideal for barbecues, birthday parties, or simply to brighten your day, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and water; stir until smooth.
- 3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 4. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly, then poke holes all over the top with a wooden spoon handle.
- 5. Mix thawed lemonade concentrate with water and drizzle evenly over the warm cake.
- 6. To make frosting, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; spread over cooled cake.
- 7. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
