Pioneer Woman’s Dreamy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe

Strawberry poke cake emerges as a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary sensory journey.

This delightful dessert whispers sweet promises of summer’s bounty and comfort.

Bakers love how effortlessly simple ingredients metamorphose into something truly spectacular.

The magic lies in strategic holes that allow fruity essence to permeate every crumb with intense flavor.

Gelatin introduces a glossy sheen that elevates this cake from standard to stunning.

Soft, tender layers mingle with creamy richness, creating a symphony of textures that tantalize your senses.

Each decadent slice tells a story of indulgence, beckoning you to savor its strawberry-infused splendor.

Kitchen Tools for Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake

• Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming sugar and butter, blending batter smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, another for liquid components.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Generously buttered for cake base.
• Whisk: Great for integrating dry ingredients evenly.
• Fork: Used to create holes in cake surface.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient amounts.
• Refrigerator: Needed for chilling cake.
• Whipped Cream Mixer or Whisk: For creating fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter and whipped cream evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake

• Prep Baking Space Preheat the oven and get your baking dish ready. Slide the rack to the lower third position and set the temperature to warm up. Generously butter a large baking pan to create a non-stick surface.
• Mix Dry Ingredients Grab a mixing bowl and combine your flour blend. Whisk together the key dry ingredients until they're perfectly blended and lump-free.
• Combine Wet Elements In a separate bowl, blend buttermilk and vanilla until smooth and silky. This will create the liquid magic for your cake.
• Create Cake Batter Cream together sugar and butter until they become light and dreamy. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold in your flour and buttermilk mixtures, stirring until the batter looks smooth and inviting. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake and Cool Place the pan in the hot oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean. Let the cake rest and cool down for half an hour.
• Add Fruity Layer Poke gentle holes across the cake's surface using a fork. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in water and pour it evenly over the cake, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.
• Finish and Serve Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Whip up a creamy topping by blending heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake and garnish with fresh, sweet strawberries. Slice and enjoy your delightful creation!

Flavor Ideas for Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake

Mix up the flavor profile by swapping strawberry gelatin with raspberry or cherry for a vibrant twist.

Fold chopped fresh strawberries directly into cake batter for bursts of natural fruity goodness and added moisture.

Experiment with stabilized whipped cream by adding a touch of cornstarch to prevent deflation and maintain smooth, luxurious texture longer.

Prepare cake base one day ahead and add gelatin and topping just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent soggy bottom.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake

• Serve with Creamy Companions: Create delightful texture contrasts by pairing cake slices with vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt.
• Dress Up Dessert Plates: Garnish each serving with mint leaves, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Brunch Beverage Pairing: Complement cake with chilled champagne, sparkling rosé, or a light strawberry mimosa for a sophisticated flavor experience.
• Host Seasonal Celebration: Perfect for summer gatherings, bridal showers, or birthday parties where guests crave a refreshing, fruity dessert centerpiece.

Storing Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake Leftovers

• Preserve Cake's Freshness: Store cake covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
• Optimal Cooling Strategy: Allow cake to reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for freezer storage up to 3 months, preserving taste and quality.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Remove cake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and restore soft, creamy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients in Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Baking Powder: Choose aluminum-free for cleaner taste.
• Baking Soda: Fresh batch ensures proper rising.
• Sugar: Opt for fine granulated for smooth blending.
• Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter at room temperature.

• Buttermilk: Select full-fat version for creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure extract provides deeper aromatic profile.
• Eggs: Fresh, room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.

• Heavy Cream: Select cream with high butterfat content for stable peaks.
• Strawberry Gelatin: Choose vibrant, quality brand for intense flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries: Pick ripe, bright red berries with glossy surface.
• Boiling Water: Use filtered water for clean taste.
• Cold Water: Filtered water ensures clear gelatin mixture.

Heavenly Pioneer Woman Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Strawberry poke cake celebrates summer’s sweetest harvest with layers of moist vanilla cake infused with strawberry gelatin. Creamy whipped topping and fresh strawberries complete this irresistible dessert you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) strawberries
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) buttermilk
• 1 (3 oz/85 g) box strawberry gelatin
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 3 tbsps (45 g) sugar
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, cold
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Liquid Harmony: Blend buttermilk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, flavor-enhancing liquid mixture.
4. Butter Transformation: Cream sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to develop a uniform batter.
5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture into the butter base, alternating between the two. Mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
6. Baking Performance: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
7. Cooling and Perforation: Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then meticulously pierce the entire surface with a fork, creating channels for gelatin absorption.
8. Gelatin Infusion: Dissolve strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water, then add cold water. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring complete and even penetration.
9. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate for 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set and deeply flavor the cake.
10. Creamy Finale: Whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread the ethereal whipped cream over the chilled cake, creating a smooth canvas.
11. Presentation: Adorn with freshly sweetened strawberries moments before serving, adding a burst of color and fresh fruity essence.

Notes

• Precise Butter Coating: Generously grease the pan to prevent cake sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Leavening Agent Mixing: Thoroughly whisk dry ingredients to distribute baking powder and soda evenly for consistent cake rise.
• Gentle Batter Technique: Fold ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, which creates a dense, tough cake texture.
• Gelatin Penetration Trick: Use a fork to create deep holes, allowing strawberry gelatin to fully saturate the cake for maximum flavor infusion.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 66 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg