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Perfect Firecracker Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Strawberry Filling for Celebrations

firecracker poke cake - featured image
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A quick and festive poke cake featuring a moist yellow cake soaked with a luscious strawberry filling and topped with a colorful firecracker-inspired decoration, perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Yellow cake mix (one 15.25 oz box)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (frozen berries can be substituted)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 8 oz whipped topping (cool whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1/3 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
  • Fresh strawberries (optional, sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes or whisk vigorously by hand until smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.
  4. While the cake bakes, combine 2 cups chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened and bubbling (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Let cool slightly.
  5. Using a wooden skewer or fork, poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart, going about halfway through the cake.
  6. Slowly spoon the warm strawberry filling over the cake, allowing it to sink into the holes. Spread evenly with a spatula if needed. Let the cake absorb the filling for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake with a spatula. Sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles generously. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
  8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let everything set and flavors meld.

Notes

For gluten-free option, use gluten-free vanilla cake mix. For dairy-free, use coconut-based whipped topping and check cake mix ingredients. Poke holes while cake is warm but not hot to avoid crumbling. Chill cake after topping for best texture and flavor melding. If filling thickens too much while cooling, gently warm or stir in a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, strawberry filling, firecracker cake, celebration dessert, easy cake recipe, patriotic dessert, summer dessert

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/perfect-firecracker-poke-cake-recipe-with-easy-strawberry-filling-for-celebrations/