Southern Strawberry Punch Cake Dessert
Southern Strawberry Punch Cake Dessert is a delightful, no-fuss treat that combines fresh strawberries, creamy whipped topping, and moist cake infused with strawberry pineapple juice and strawberry gelatin. This layered dessert brings a burst of fruity flavor, nostalgia, and vibrant colors — perfect for family gatherings, parties, or any occasion that calls for a sweet Southern classic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free cake mix)
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 box quick mix white cake mix
- 1 cup strawberry pineapple juice (used instead of water)
Fruit and Flavoring
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (to toss with strawberries)
- 1 package strawberry gelatin (powdered)
Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (or fresh whipped cream for variation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Mix the quick mix white cake mix according to the package instructions, but substitute strawberry pineapple juice in place of water to add extra fruity flavor. Pour the batter evenly into a greased baking dish and bake until the cake is golden and springs back when touched. Allow the cake to cool completely before the next step.
- Add the Strawberry Gelatin Layer: Evenly sprinkle the strawberry gelatin powder over the cooled cake. The gelatin will start to dissolve slightly as it soaks into the cake, creating moist texture and enhancing the punch flavor. Refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to let the gelatin set slightly.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Toss the sliced fresh strawberries lightly with sugar to draw out their natural juices. Spread this sweetened strawberry mixture evenly over the gelatin-layered cake, providing a fresh and juicy contrast.
- Finish with Whipped Topping: Generously spread the whipped topping over the entire dessert to add a creamy, airy finish that balances the tartness and density of other layers. Refrigerate the assembled cake for several hours or preferably overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Chill whipped topping and strawberry pineapple juice beforehand for better layer consistency.
- Use ripe, fragrant strawberries to maximize sweetness and flavor.
- Allow the dessert to chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for optimal flavor and texture development.
- Cut the cake evenly for uniform gelatin absorption and moistness.
- Adjust sugar amount gently depending on the sweetness of strawberries to maintain balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Southern dessert, strawberry cake, punch cake, layered dessert, easy strawberry dessert, summer dessert, nostalgic recipe
Find it online: https://marycorner.com/southern-strawberry-punch-cake-dessert/