Description
Strawberry Seismic Cake is a delightful, moist strawberry poke cake infused with sweetened condensed milk and topped with creamy strawberry pudding and fresh strawberries. This easy-to-make American dessert combines the classic flavors of strawberry cake, luscious pudding, and whipped topping, perfect for summer gatherings or make-ahead occasions where chilling enhances the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
Topping and Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (10–12 oz) strawberry ice cream topping or strawberry syrup
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Optional Garnish
- Additional strawberries
- Crushed graham crackers
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake Cake: Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions, including eggs, oil, and water. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, usually about 25-30 minutes.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Let the baked cake cool for approximately 10 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake to allow soaking of the toppings.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evenly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, letting it seep deeply into the holes you made for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Drizzle Strawberry Topping: Next, drizzle the strawberry ice cream topping or strawberry syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to penetrate the holes as well. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix with 1½ cups cold milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Then gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the fully cooled cake surface for a creamy, luscious layer.
- Add Fresh Strawberries and Garnish: Sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries on top, and if desired, garnish with additional strawberries, crushed graham crackers, or white chocolate shavings for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving; chilling overnight enhances the flavors and texture even more.
Notes
- This cake is great for making ahead and tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- For extra flavor, consider layering in crushed graham crackers between layers or adding a swirl of strawberry jam to the topping.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the pudding mixture to prevent melting.
