Description
Southern Strawberry Punch Cake Dessert combines light, fluffy yellow cake layers soaked in a luscious strawberry punch glaze, topped with fresh strawberries and creamy whipped topping. This moist, fruity, and refreshing dessert is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum taste. It’s customizable and a timeless southern classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (store-bought or homemade)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (eggs, oil, water) as per package instructions
Strawberry Soak
- 2–3 cups Strawberry Punch (chilled)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)
Toppings
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries, sliced
- 1–2 cups Whipped Topping or alternative (flavored yogurt, whipped cream, coconut cream)
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, whole strawberries or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to cake mix instructions and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray. Mix the yellow cake batter according to the package or homemade recipe instructions, pour into the pan, and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly.
- Pierce and Soak: Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly all over the cake’s surface. This step is crucial to allow the strawberry punch to penetrate and soak the cake thoroughly for moistness.
- Pour the Strawberry Punch: Slowly pour the chilled strawberry punch evenly over the cake, letting it soak in gradually. Refrigerate the cake for several hours or overnight to allow full absorption and chill through.
- Add the Fresh Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and generously arrange them on top of the soaked cake, covering it with juicy berries for vibrant flavor and color.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the strawberries to create a creamy, dreamy finish. Optionally, garnish with whole strawberries or fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Use high-quality, sweet, and fruity strawberry punch with natural strawberry notes for the best flavor.
- Do not skip piercing the cake; it ensures even soaking and a moist texture.
- Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor fusion.
- Choose ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum juiciness and sweetness.
- This dessert is make-ahead friendly and improves in flavor when made a day ahead.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- Whipped topping can be substituted with whipped cream, coconut cream, or flavored yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Southern dessert, strawberry cake, punch cake, layered cake, moist cake, fruity dessert, easy cake recipe, gluten-free dessert option, summer dessert, party dessert