Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and strawberries. As a child, I remember the sheer delight of plucking luscious strawberries from my grandmother’s garden, and the way her kitchen would transform into a warm haven every summer, filled with the scent of rich chocolate desserts. Today, I want to share a recipe that encapsulates that nostalgia—a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake that brings together tender chocolatey sponge and a delightful fruity surprise. This is more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet invitation to relive joyful memories or create new ones around the dining table.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
• Portion Size: Serves 12
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approx. 300
• Protein: 4g per serving
• Carbs: 46g per serving
• Fats: 12g per serving
• Fiber: 1g per serving
• Sugars: 24g per serving
• Sodium: 230mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightfully moist and rich dessert that’s not only irresistibly delicious but also visually stunning—perfect for your next get-together. The poke cake method means that every bite is infused with creamy strawberry and condensed milk goodness, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, drizzled chocolate syrup, and garnished with fresh chocolate-covered strawberries, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Complete Cooking Journey

The journey of making this cake is as delightful as the taste. From the moment you gather your ingredients to the final luscious drizzle of chocolate syrup, you are bound to get swept away in the process. Baking is about creating little moments of joy, and this cake encapsulates all of that and more. Whether you’re seasoned in the kitchen or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each simple step towards a perfect dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
• Chocolate covered strawberries for garnish

Method:

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out effortlessly.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish. Bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cool & Poke

Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling, use a fork to poke holes all over the cake. The more holes, the better the flavor infusion!

Step 5: Strawberry Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk with the chopped strawberries. This mixture is the secret to the cake’s deliciousness! Pour it over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Step 6: Chill Out

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Whipped Topping Dream

Spread the fluffy whipped topping evenly across the top of the cooled cake. This is what makes every slice feel indulgently smooth.

Step 8: Drizzle of Goodness

Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the whipped topping. Don’t be shy; make it a generous drizzle for that irresistible chocolate flavor.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with chocolate-covered strawberries to garnish before slicing and serving. These not only add an elegant touch but also an extra explosion of flavor!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This poke cake is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a sunny Sunday afternoon. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for added sweetness. A fresh fruit salad on the side makes for a lovely, refreshing contrast!

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cake remains moist and delicious, thanks to the added condensed milk.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Ensure your cake is completely cool before adding the strawberry mixture to prevent melting the whipped cream topping.
• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a fluffier cake.
• You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available; just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture first.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to get creative! You can swap in other fruits like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor profile. For a chocolate lovers’ dream, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter!

Reader Questions & Solutions

• Can I use a different cake mix? Absolutely! This recipe works well with vanilla or strawberry cake mixes too. Just adjust toppings accordingly.
• What if I don’t have chocolate syrup? You can melt chocolate chips to drizzle over if you want an even richer flavor.
• How do I make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This cake is best served chilled, so you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving.
• Is there a dairy-free alternative? Look for dairy-free whipped topping and condensed milk options available in stores.

Wrapping Up

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Let it spark joy and connections in your kitchen as you bake and share it with the ones you love. I hope you bring this recipe to life, enjoying every step of the journey. Now, gather your ingredients and embrace the sweet thrill of baking—your chocolate-coated dreams await!

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