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Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake: Indulge with Ice Cream
Introduction to Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake (With Strawberry Ice Cream!)
The easy strawberry tres leches poke cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Picture this: you’re at a backyard barbecue, the sun is shining, and friends are gathered around, eagerly awaiting dessert. You unveil this gorgeous cake, its inviting layers soaked in a creamy three-milk mixture and crowned with a swirl of strawberry ice cream, and suddenly, you are the star of the show.
The beauty of this cake lies not only in its stunning appearance but also in its incredible flavor. Combining the richness of tres leches with the sweetness of strawberries creates a heavenly bite that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a dessert that makes people smile and sparkles like a warm summer day.
Why this cake is a showstopper for any occasion?
Imagine serving this cake at birthdays, gatherings, or just a family dinner after a long week. Its versatility is unmatched! Here are a few reasons it stands out:
- Moist and Flavorful: The poking method allows the three-milk mixture to seep deep into the cake, creating a texture that’s incredibly moist and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries and milky goodness is irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Don’t worry if baking isn’t your forte. This recipe is simple and forgiving, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With just a few steps, you’ll have a masterpiece ready for the table.
- Crowd-Pleasing: People adore it! The bright strawberry flavor and voluptuous texture appeal to a wide range of palates. Due to its charming appearance and fantastic taste, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite at any gathering.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of strawberry ice cream on top elevates the dessert to a whole new level. The cold, creamy treat balances the moist cake perfectly, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
In short, this easy strawberry tres leches poke cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe!). Let’s dive into this delectable composition and get started!
Key Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake (With Strawberry Ice Cream!)
Strawberries bring a burst of sweetness and freshness to the beloved concept of easy strawberry tres leches poke cake. The star of this dessert is, of course, the strawberries, which can be fresh or frozen. Fresh strawberries are vibrant and juicy, while frozen strawberries are perfect if you want to whip up this cake out of season.
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Cake Base: A simple yellow cake mix forms the foundation of this treat, making preparation quick and easy. You could also bake a homemade yellow cake if you’re up for it.
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Tres Leches Mixture: The combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream soaks into the cake to create the signature tres leches vibes. This mixture is crucial for achieving that indulgently moist texture.
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Strawberry Ice Cream: To top it off, serving with creamy strawberry ice cream adds a delightful contrast. It perfectly complements the understated sweetness of the cake and enhances the berry flavor.
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Whipped Topping: For a finishing touch, whipped cream creates a light, fluffy presentation that makes the cake even more irresistible.
By using these key ingredients, your easy strawberry tres leches poke cake will not only be simple to prepare but also a delightful crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of flavors and textures
You’ll quickly fall head over heels for this easy strawberry tres leches poke cake! This dessert captures the essence of summer with its luscious layers of moist cake and creamy strawberry goodness. The cake absorbs a trio of milk that makes every bite decadently rich yet surprisingly light. The sweet and tangy strawberries add freshness, perfectly complementing the dense, milky base.
Imagine slicing into that soft, pillowy texture while the milk-soaked cake practically melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget the silky, homemade strawberry ice cream that crowns this divine creation—it’s a scoop of bliss right on top! The contrast between the velvety cake and the frostiness of ice cream is a delightful surprise you won’t be able to resist.
This dessert is not just about flavor; it also showcases a beautiful presentation. A vibrant layer of strawberries on top makes it a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can whip it up without breaking a sweat. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll discover that creating something impressive can be simple and rewarding!
Variations of Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake
For those moments when you want to switch things up, the easy strawberry tres leches poke cake offers a canvas for endless creativity. This dessert not only delights with its classic flavor but also encourages experimentation. Let’s explore some tasty variations to elevate your cake to new heights.
Creative twists to try!
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Berry Medley: Exchange strawberries for a mix of berries! Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries create a colorful cake bursting with mixed berry flavor. Just ensure you adjust the sugar level if using tart berries.
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Coconut Flavors: Incorporate shredded coconut into the tres leches mixture for a tropical vibe. You can also top the cake with toasted coconut for an appealing crunch.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before adding your strawberry ice cream. The rich chocolate complements the milk-soaked cake beautifully, adding a decadent twist.
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Lemon Zest: A hint of lemon zest in the milk mixture can brighten the cake’s flavor profile. It balances the sweetness of the strawberries and adds an aromatic layer.
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Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts—like almonds or pecans—between layers of cake. This not only elevates the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch.
No matter how you choose to modify your easy strawberry tres leches poke cake, each variation is sure to impress at your next gathering or simply brighten your day!
Cooking Tips and Notes
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Creating an easy strawberry tres leches poke cake can be a breeze, but a few common pitfalls can diminish your results. Here are some friendly tips to ensure your cake turns out delightful:
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Choosing the Right Cake: If you opt for a sponge cake instead of a traditional vanilla or yellow cake, ensure it’s light and fluffy. A dense cake won’t absorb the tres leches mixture properly, resulting in a soggy base rather than a moist, flavorful dessert.
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Letting the Cake Cool: After baking, allow your cake to cool completely before poking holes for the milk mixture. If it’s too warm, the liquid will seep out instead of soaking in, leaving you with an uneven texture.
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Making Your Tres Leches Mixture: Use a combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk for an ideal balance of sweetness and creaminess. The ratio really matters! Too much of one can overwhelm the others, making your poke cake overly sweet or too wet.
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Letting It Sit: Patience is key! Allow your cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours (or overnight, if possible) after soaking. This waiting time lets all those delicious flavors meld beautifully, creating a luscious dessert experience.
By avoiding these common missteps, you’ll create an easy strawberry tres leches poke cake that stands out at any gathering!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake
Creating an easy strawberry tres leches poke cake is just the beginning of the delicious fun! How you present this delightful dessert can elevate its charm and taste. Here are some friendly serving ideas to make it truly memorable:
Best Ways to Present This Delectable Dessert
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Chill and Serve: After preparing the cake, refrigerate it for a few hours. This allows the tres leches to fully soak in, enhancing flavor and creating a moist texture that melts in your mouth.
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Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Top each piece with fresh slices of strawberries or a strawberry fan to emphasize the key flavor of your cake. A sprinkle of mint leaves can add a refreshing touch.
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Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can amplify the cake’s creaminess. For a fun twist, consider adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream for an aromatic experience.
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Serve with Strawberry Ice Cream: For a delightful contrast in temperatures, serve a scoop of strawberry ice cream alongside the cake. The combination of warm and cold will leave your guests raving about this dessert!
Embrace creativity with your presentation and let your easy strawberry tres leches poke cake shine. Each bite will surely narrate the delightful journey of flavors!
Time Breakdown for Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake
Embarking on your quest to create the perfect Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake can be both exciting and rewarding. Understanding the time involved is essential for effective planning, so let’s break it down.
Preparation time
To kick things off, set aside about 25 minutes for preparation. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the cake batter, and poking the cake to soak in those delicious tres leches.
Cooking time
The baking process will take around 30 minutes. While the cake is in the oven, you can relax or tidy up your kitchen, all while dreaming about that rich, creamy goodness.
Chilling time
Once your cake is out and cooled, it’s crucial to let it chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the tres leches to fully soak, making the cake utterly irresistible. For the best results, consider chilling it overnight!
Planning these time segments helps ensure your Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake turns out perfectly delicious for all to enjoy.
Nutritional Facts of Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake
If you’ve ever wondered about the nutritional benefits of indulging in an easy strawberry tres leches poke cake, you’re not alone! This delightful dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds but also packs a delightful, albeit sweet, nutritional profile.
Calories
A serving of this easy strawberry tres leches poke cake comes in at approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying option for dessert without being overly indulgent.
Fats
In terms of fats, each slice contains around 12 grams, primarily from the creamy toppings and milk used in the recipe. While they add richness, moderation is always best.
Sugars
This delicious cake does have a sweet side, with about 20 grams of sugar per serving, largely due to the saturated milk layers and strawberry sweetness, making it perfect for a special occasion while enjoying the nostalgic flavors of childhood desserts.
So go ahead, savor each bite of this irresistible cake, keeping mindful of how it fits into your overall dietary plan!
FAQ about Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake
Creating an easy strawberry tres leches poke cake is a delightful journey into layers of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion. As you embark on this delicious adventure, you may have a few questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries and their answers:
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! While strawberry ice cream beautifully complements the easy strawberry tres leches poke cake, you can switch it up based on your preferences. Vanilla, chocolate, or even a refreshing lemon sorbet can work just as wonderfully. Just think about how those flavors pair with the rich tres leches mixture, and feel free to get creative!
How long can I store this cake?
You can keep your easy strawberry tres leches poke cake in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. The cake will actually soak up the tres leches mixture over time, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Making this cake ahead of time is not just possible; it’s encouraged! In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight allows the flavors to meld and the cake to fully absorb the milks. Preparing it the day before a gathering can save you time and help ensure you serve an incredibly moist dessert that everyone will love.
By addressing these common questions, I hope to make your baking adventure with easy strawberry tres leches poke cake an absolute success!
Conclusion on Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake
A dessert everyone will love!
The easy strawberry tres leches poke cake offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make it a hit at any gathering. Its sponge absorbs the luscious three-milk mixture beautifully, while the strawberries bring a refreshing sweetness. Pairing it with strawberry ice cream elevates the entire experience! Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a slice of this indulgent treat that feels both comforting and festive. Your dessert table will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: overnight
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert featuring layers of cake soaked with strawberry cream and topped with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box French vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 14 ounces Häagen-Dazs Strawberry Ice Cream
- 1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- 6 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 lb strawberries, half sliced and half diced (for garnish)
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla if you have it — chef’s kiss)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the cake box directions (mine was 350°F).
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake exactly according to the back of the box. I mix mine vigorously by hand — free arm workout included.
- Pour into a 9×13 baking dish and bake as directed (about 28 minutes for me), until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a blender (I use my Ninja), add: strawberry ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Blend just until smooth and combined. Don’t overthink it — this is supposed to be easy.
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface.
- Slowly pour the strawberry milk mixture evenly over the hot cake, letting it seep into all the holes.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results. (If you’re short on time, let it soak at least 3–4 hours — but overnight is elite.)
- In a cold bowl, add: heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip until soft, fluffy peaks form.
- Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
- Top with additional fresh strawberries.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the cake overnight.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your desired sweetness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
