Introduction
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for Easter! This year, ditch the complicated desserts and impress everyone with this ridiculously easy yet incredibly delicious Easter Poke Cake. We’re taking simple ingredients and transforming them into a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for your Easter celebrations. Get ready for moist, fluffy cake, bursting with flavor and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting – yum!
Why This Works
This Easter Poke Cake recipe works because it’s a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients needed! The poke cake method creates an extra-moist cake that’s irresistibly soft and tender, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that balances everything perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Key Ingredients
- 🍰 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup water
- 🧈 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 🍓 1 cup strawberry preserves
- 🧀 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 🥛 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
4️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Using a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
5️⃣ While the cake is still warm, gently pour the strawberry preserves over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let it cool completely.
6️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
7️⃣ Frost the cooled cake with the cream cheese frosting. You can add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even more strawberries for extra decoration!
Handy Tips
- Don’t overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- If you don’t have strawberry preserves, you can use other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting it, otherwise, the frosting will melt.
Heat Control
Baking the cake at 350°F (175°C) ensures a perfectly moist and evenly baked cake. A lower temperature might result in a dry cake, while a higher temperature could burn it before it’s cooked through. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy!
Crunch Factor
This recipe focuses on a soft and tender cake with a smooth, creamy frosting. For added crunch, you could sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an even more intense strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
- Use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls of frosting on top of the cake.
- Add a layer of fresh strawberries between the cake and the frosting for an extra burst of freshness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake is perfect for gifting! Wrap it in clear cellophane and tie it with a pretty ribbon. You can also add a small Easter tag with a personalized message.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake: Use lemon cake mix and blueberry preserves. Top with a lemon cream cheese frosting.
🌟 Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and raspberry preserves. Top with a chocolate ganache.
🌟 Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake: Use pineapple cake mix and use a cream cheese frosting with coconut flakes.
🌟 Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake: Use a package of orange cake mix and add 1/2 cup of orange juice to the batter. Then use vanilla frosting and top with crushed graham cracker cookies
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: Make sure you don’t overbake the cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Frosting is too thick: Add a teaspoon or two of milk to thin it out.
- Frosting is too thin: Add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to thicken it.
FAQ
- Can I use a different kind of cake mix? Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake and poke it a day or two in advance, then frost it just before serving.
- Can I freeze this cake? It’s best to not freeze frosted cake. You can freeze the unfrosted baked cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then frost.
Conclusion
This Easter Poke Cake is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for celebrating Easter. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up some Easter magic! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on RateMyRecipes.com – we can’t wait to see them!
Crazy Easy Easter Poke Cake
A fun and colorful poke cake that is perfect for Easter celebrations. This cake is filled with vibrant flavors and topped with whipped cream and Easter-themed candies.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles
- 1/2 cup chocolate eggs or jelly beans
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350u00b0C (175u00b0F) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with food coloring if desired.
- Pour the colored condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely, then spread whipped cream over the top.
- Sprinkle colorful sprinkles and top with chocolate eggs or jelly beans for decoration.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
- For an extra flavor twist, try adding a layer of fruit puree between the cake and whipped cream.
- Make sure to poke holes deep enough for the condensed milk to soak in, but not so deep that the cake falls apart.