Creamy Poke Cake Variations with Fresh Fruit Fillings
A nostalgic and indulgent poke cake recipe featuring moist cake, creamy filling, and fresh fruit that creates a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (8 oz / 227 g) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or substitute with raspberries)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or use frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 large ripe peach, peeled and diced
- Optional toppings: additional whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, powdered sugar dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the cake batter following the instructions on your cake mix box (usually mixing cake mix with eggs, oil, and water). Mix until smooth but do not overbeat.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Immediately after removing from oven, poke holes all over the warm cake about 1 inch apart using a rounded wooden spoon handle or skewer.
- Prepare the creamy filling while the cake cools: beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended.
- Gently spoon or pour the creamy filling over the poked cake and spread evenly so the filling seeps into the holes.
- Scatter fresh fruit fillings evenly over the creamy layer.
- Refrigerate the entire cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and cake soak up the filling.
- Before serving, optionally top with extra whipped cream, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Slice with a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts.
Notes
Poke the cake while it is still warm to allow the filling to seep in properly. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Whip cream to soft peaks for best texture. For faster chilling, freeze for 1-2 hours but avoid freezing solid. Let cake sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving if too firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 4
Keywords: poke cake, creamy poke cake, fresh fruit filling, easy dessert, cake recipe, summer dessert, family dessert, crowd-pleaser