Description
Southern Strawberry Punch Cake is a moist, tender white cake infused with a citrus punch glaze and layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This classic Southern dessert combines fruity sweetness with a rich, moist texture, making it a perfect treat for any celebration or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (or gluten-free white cake mix for dietary needs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Punch Glaze
- 2 cups punch-flavored drink (tropical or orange punch; use sugar-free or plant-based punch for special diets)
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip or whipped cream (or dairy-free coconut whipped cream for vegan option)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to use both inside the cake and as a topping.
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the white cake batter according to the package instructions. Grease a baking pan, pour in the batter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Soak the Cake with Punch: While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly pour the punch-flavored drink evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak deeply and infuse the cake with moisture and citrus flavor.
- Layer With Strawberries and Cool Whip: Spread a generous layer of Cool Whip or whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Top with a hearty amount of the sliced fresh strawberries for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake uncovered or covered for at least a few hours (preferably overnight) so the flavors meld together and the cake firms up for clean slicing. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and texture.
- Poking holes in the warm cake ensures maximum punch absorption and a moist texture.
- Chill the cake thoroughly to enhance flavor melding and texture.
- Choose a lightly flavored citrus punch to avoid overpowering the cake.
- Serve cold for a refreshing dessert experience.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Vegan options include plant-based cake mixes, dairy-free punches, and coconut whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg