Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old FROM UNITED KINGDOM. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Today, I’m so excited to share my Strawberry Milk Poke Cake recipe with you. I remember the first time I made this cake it was for a Sunday afternoon tea with my little nieces. Their eyes lit up as they dug into the soft, sweet, strawberry-scented cake, and I knew I’d found a dessert that truly brings people together. The light, airy sponge soaked in strawberry milk feels like a warm hug, and the whipped topping makes every bite melt in your mouth. Over the years, I’ve made Strawberry Milk Poke Cake countless times, tweaking it just enough to make it simple, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.
Strawberry Milk Poke Cake is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need complicated techniques, and the ingredients are ones you probably already have in your kitchen. The magic happens when you poke the cake and pour in the strawberry milk it transforms the cake into a creamy, dreamy treat. Whenever I serve this, it sparks smiles, laughter, and a few “can I have seconds?” requests. That’s why I adore making it for my family and friends.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Making Strawberry Milk Poke Cake reminds me that food isn’t just about filling bellies—it’s about filling hearts. I love how simple steps can turn into something so memorable. I love watching my nieces and nephews gather around the kitchen counter, sneaking little tastes of the fresh whipped cream while I finish decorating the cake.
This cake is versatile too. Sometimes, I like to layer it with fresh strawberries for extra flavor, or drizzle a little white chocolate on top for a showstopper effect. But even in its simplest form, Strawberry Milk Poke Cake radiates comfort and warmth. It’s a recipe that connects me with loved ones and invites everyone to share in a little moment of joy.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 box of white or vanilla cake mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strawberry syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- If you can, use fresh strawberries for the syrup it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t overmix the whipped cream; soft peaks are perfect for spreading over the cake.
- When poking the cake, use the handle of a wooden spoon to create even holes, so every bite soaks up the strawberry milk.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat the oven according to your cake mix instructions. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare your cake mix and pour it into the greased pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
- Bake the cake as directed on the box or recipe, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly for 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface, but don’t go too deep—you want the milk to soak in, not pool at the bottom.
- Mix the strawberry syrup with 1 cup of whole milk. Pour evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into every hole.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake in a generous, even layer.
- Decorate with fresh strawberry slices on top for a beautiful, inviting finish.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually serve Strawberry Milk Poke Cake chilled. I slice it into generous squares and place them on pastel dessert plates—it feels like a little celebration every time. I love pairing it with a cup of afternoon tea or a tall glass of cold milk. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy topping, and sweet strawberries is irresistible.
For parties, I sometimes make mini poke cakes in ramekins. Guests love the personal touch, and it keeps things fun and playful. Kids especially love grabbing their own little portion, digging in with spoons, and leaving chocolatey fingerprints everywhere!
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: I don’t usually reheat this cake, as it’s best served chilled. The whipped cream loses texture when warmed.
- Make-Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance, poke it, and pour the strawberry milk over it. Whip the cream and decorate just before serving to keep it fresh.
100-Word Short Version
Strawberry Milk Poke Cake is my go-to dessert for family gatherings and cozy nights in. I bake a soft vanilla cake, poke holes, and pour sweet strawberry milk over it. Then I whip fresh cream with powdered sugar and vanilla, spreading it on top of the soaked cake. Fresh strawberry slices add color and flavor. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Served chilled, this cake brings smiles and warmth to any table. I love making it because it turns ordinary moments into memorable celebrations, creating joy, laughter, and a little sweetness in everyone’s day.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 20 min
- Cook: 30 min
- Total: 50 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strawberry syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven and grease 9×13 pan.
- Bake cake per instructions. Cool slightly.
- Poke holes evenly with wooden spoon.
- Mix milk and strawberry syrup, pour over cake.
- Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over cake.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries. Chill before serving.
📝 Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for syrup if possible.
- Don’t overmix whipped cream.
- Make ahead by prepping cake and milk; decorate before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Serving Size: 1 slice 🍰
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Strawberry Milk Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Milk Poke Cake is a soft, sweet, and comforting dessert that will bring smiles to everyone at your table. This easy-to-follow recipe combines a fluffy vanilla cake, strawberry milk soak, whipped cream topping, and fresh strawberries for a hug-in-a-bite experience.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strawberry syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven and grease 9×13 pan.
- Bake cake per instructions. Cool slightly.
- Poke holes evenly with wooden spoon.
- Mix milk and strawberry syrup, pour over cake.
- Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over cake.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries. Chill before serving.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries for syrup if possible. Don’t overmix whipped cream. Make ahead by prepping cake and milk; decorate before serving. Store in fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Milk Poke Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a hug on a plate. Every time I make it, it reminds me why I love cooking: the laughter, the stories, the little moments around the kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s easy, comforting, and full of love. Whether it’s a simple weeknight treat or the centerpiece of a family celebration, this cake brings people together. From my kitchen in the United Kingdom to yours, I hope every bite brings warmth, joy, and a little sweetness into your home.