Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Recipes Italian Chef

Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

This Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make! A moist vanilla cake is poked with holes and soaked with creamy cheesecake filling, then topped with a generous layer of mixed berries and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every bite!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Poke cakes are inherently simple. This recipe uses a boxed cake mix for convenience, but you can certainly use your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe.
* **Bursting with Flavor:** The combination of vanilla cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and tart berries is a flavor explosion in your mouth.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves a good poke cake! This triple berry version is especially appealing because of its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This cake can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the berries for your favorites or adjust the sweetness to your liking.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Cake:

* 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)

### For the Cheesecake Filling:

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup milk

### For the Berry Topping:

* 4 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – fresh or frozen)
* 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the berries)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

### For the Whipped Cream Topping (optional):

* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Wooden spoon or the back of a spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk (if making homemade whipped cream)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake:

### Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions. Whisk together the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Level the surface with a spatula for even baking.
4. Bake for the time specified on the cake mix box, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times vary, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended time.
5. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for preventing the cheesecake filling from melting.

### Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for a lump-free filling.
2. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. The milk helps to thin out the filling slightly.

### Step 3: Poke the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a spatula to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go all the way down to the bottom of the pan. The more holes, the more cheesecake filling will soak into the cake.

### Step 4: Pour the Cheesecake Filling

1. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the poked cake. Use a spatula to spread the filling into the holes and across the surface of the cake. Make sure the filling seeps into all the holes for maximum flavor.
2. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake filling to set and the flavors to meld together. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

### Step 5: Prepare the Berry Topping

1. While the cake is chilling, prepare the berry topping. In a medium bowl, combine the mixed berries. If using frozen berries, you don’t need to thaw them completely.
2. If desired, sprinkle the berries with sugar and lemon juice. This step is optional, depending on the sweetness of your berries. The sugar enhances the sweetness, and the lemon juice brightens the flavors. Gently toss the berries to coat them evenly.

### Step 6: Assemble the Cake

1. Before serving, remove the cake from the refrigerator.
2. Spread the berry topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. Arrange the berries attractively for a visually appealing presentation.
3. If desired, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
4. Dollop the whipped cream over the berry topping. Alternatively, you can pipe the whipped cream for a more elegant look.
5. Slice and serve! Enjoy the delicious combination of vanilla cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh berries.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overbake the Cake:** Overbaking the cake will result in a dry cake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling.
* **Refrigerate the Cake:** Chilling the cake allows the cheesecake filling to set and the flavors to meld together. Don’t skip this step!
* **Use High-Quality Berries:** The quality of the berries will greatly impact the taste of the cake. Use fresh, ripe berries whenever possible. If using frozen berries, drain any excess liquid before using.
* **Make it Ahead:** This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator.
* **Customize the Topping:** Feel free to swap out the berries for your favorites. You can also add other toppings, such as chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* **Even Poking:** Space the holes evenly across the cake surface. This allows for even distribution of the cheesecake filling.
* **Gentle Mixing:** When preparing the cake batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Taste the berries before adding sugar. If they are already sweet, you may not need to add any sugar.
* **Stabilized Whipped Cream:** For a whipped cream that holds its shape longer, use stabilized whipped cream. You can find recipes online or use a store-bought stabilizer.

## Variations

* **Chocolate Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake:** Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla and top with a chocolate ganache before adding the berries.
* **Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake:** Use only strawberries for the berry topping and add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cheesecake filling.
* **Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Poke Cake:** Use only blueberries for the berry topping and add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
* **Peaches and Cream Poke Cake:** Use canned or fresh peaches instead of berries and add a dash of almond extract to the cheesecake filling.
* **Tropical Poke Cake:** Use pineapple chunks and shredded coconut for the topping and add a splash of coconut rum to the cheesecake filling.
* **Caramel Apple Poke Cake:** Use apple pie filling for the topping and drizzle with caramel sauce.
* **German Chocolate Poke Cake:** Use a German chocolate cake mix and top with coconut pecan frosting.

## Serving Suggestions

This Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

* **Serve chilled:** This cake is best served cold.
* **Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The cold ice cream complements the cake and berries perfectly.
* **Drizzle with chocolate sauce:** A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a touch of decadence.
* **Garnish with fresh mint:** A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and freshness.
* **Pair with coffee or tea:** This cake is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake may become slightly softer over time.
* **Freezer:** While not ideal, you can freeze this cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture of the cake may change slightly after freezing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, here is an approximate estimate per serving:

* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 4-6g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?**
A: Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like. Yellow cake, white cake, or even lemon cake would all work well.

**Q: Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh berries?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen berries. However, be sure to drain any excess liquid before using them.

**Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

**Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free?**
A: It is more challenging to make this cake dairy-free. You would need to find dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives often have a different texture and flavor, so the results may vary.

**Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?**
A: Grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter. You can also use baking spray with flour.

**Q: Can I add a crumb topping to this cake?**
A: Yes, you can add a crumb topping to this cake. Simply mix together flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon and sprinkle over the cake before baking.

**Q: How long does this cake last?**
A: This cake will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I make this cake without sweetened condensed milk?**
A: While sweetened condensed milk contributes to the signature cheesecake flavor and texture, you could experiment with alternatives. A mixture of cream, sugar, and a thickening agent (like cornstarch) might work, but it will alter the final result.

**Q: What if I don’t have an electric mixer?**
A: You can still make the cheesecake filling by hand, but it will require more effort. Make sure the cream cheese is very soft and beat it vigorously with a whisk until smooth.

**Q: Can I add alcohol to the cheesecake filling?**
A: A tablespoon or two of liqueur, such as Amaretto or Grand Marnier, can add a nice flavor to the cheesecake filling. Add it after the vanilla extract.

Enjoy your delicious Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake! This recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. The delightful combination of moist cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy berries is simply irresistible.

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