Craving a dessert that brings back childhood memories? Neapolitan Poke Cake is a Triple Flavor Poke Cake that combines the classic strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors of Neapolitan ice cream in a fun, easy-to-make cake. This strawberry chocolate vanilla cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a nostalgic treat after dinner. With its vibrant layers and creamy texture, this nostalgic poke cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to whip up. Let’s make this Neapolitan Poke Cake and enjoy a slice of sweet nostalgia!
Why You’ll Love Neapolitan Poke Cake
- Classic Flavors: Combines strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate in one nostalgic poke cake.
- Easy to Make: Uses a cake mix for a quick, beginner-friendly layered dessert cake.
- Party-Perfect: Feeds a crowd with a colorful, eye-catching presentation.
- Make-Ahead: Gets better after chilling, ideal for stress-free entertaining.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun, familiar treat that kids and adults adore.
Ingredients for Neapolitan Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need for this strawberry chocolate vanilla cake (serves 12):
Cake:
- 1 box (16.5 oz / 468g) strawberry supreme cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
Filling:
- 1 box (3.9 oz / 110g) chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
Topping:
- 8 oz (227g) extra creamy whipped topping
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4–6 fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup (60ml) chocolate sauce
Equipment
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon handle or straw
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Cake Mix: Strawberry cake mix is ideal for this Neapolitan Poke Cake; use white or vanilla mix with pink food coloring and strawberry extract if unavailable.
- Pudding Mix: Chocolate pudding adds richness to this layered dessert cake; vanilla pudding works for a milder flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk ensures a creamy nostalgic poke cake; plant-based milk is a dairy-free option.
- Whipped Topping: Use store-bought for ease or homemade whipped cream for a richer strawberry chocolate vanilla cake.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add vibrancy; thaw and drain frozen strawberries for this layered dessert cake.
Directions for Neapolitan Poke Cake
Let’s make this Neapolitan Poke Cake—a perfect strawberry chocolate vanilla cake!
Prepare and Bake the Cake
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, I combine 1 box strawberry cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup milk, and ⅓ cup vegetable oil, beating with an electric mixer until smooth. I pour the batter into a greased 13×9-inch pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cake cool slightly for this nostalgic poke cake.
Poke the Cake
Once cooled, I use a straw or wooden spoon handle to poke holes 1 inch apart, about three-quarters through the cake, ensuring the pudding will seep in without leaking for this layered dessert cake.
Prepare and Pour the Pudding
In a bowl, I mix 1 box chocolate pudding mix with 1 cup milk, blending for 3 minutes until thickened. I pour the pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula and tapping the pan to help it settle into the holes for a moist strawberry chocolate vanilla cake.
Chill the Cake
I cover the cake and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to set the pudding, enhancing the creamy texture of this nostalgic poke cake.
Add Topping and Garnish
I stir 2 tsp vanilla extract into 8 oz whipped topping and spread it over the chilled cake. I scatter 4–6 chopped strawberries on top and drizzle with ¼ cup chocolate sauce for a stunning Neapolitan Poke Cake.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: ~145–165 minutes
- Servings: 12 (1 square per serving)
- Calories: ~290–320 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 35–38g carbs, 3g protein, 12–14g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Neapolitan Poke Cake
Try these twists on this layered dessert cake:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Cucumber Avocado Salad.
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk for almond milk and use dairy-free whipped topping, inspired by Layla Cooks’ No-Bake Pistachio Pudding.
- Berry Boost: Add raspberries with strawberries, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie.
- Chocolate Swap: Use hot fudge or Nutella for the drizzle, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Cake Costco Copy Cat.
- Cream Cheese Twist: Top with cream cheese frosting, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Pumpkin Dump Cake.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Protein Pancake Bowls for a fun brunch.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ Pomegranate Margarita for a festive vibe.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte for a cozy contrast.
Storage
I store this nostalgic poke cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; it gets better as the pudding soaks in. For make-ahead, I prepare the cake and pudding a day early, adding strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh. I avoid freezing due to the whipped topping’s texture, ensuring a perfect strawberry chocolate vanilla cake.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve this Neapolitan Poke Cake in squares with a strawberry cluster in the center for a stunning layered dessert cake.
- Garnish: Drizzle extra chocolate sauce or add fresh raspberries for this nostalgic poke cake.
- Pairing: Enjoy with coffee or Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie for a refreshing treat.
- Portion Size: 1 square per person for a satisfying dessert.
- Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
FAQs About Neapolitan Poke Cake
Here are answers to common questions about this dessert:
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, white or vanilla mix with pink food coloring works for this strawberry chocolate vanilla cake.
How do I avoid a crumbly cake when poking?
Let the cake cool completely before poking holes for a clean nostalgic poke cake.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free whipped topping for a dairy-free layered dessert cake.
How long should it chill?
Refrigerate 2–3 hours for the pudding to set in this Neapolitan Poke Cake.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them to avoid a soggy strawberry chocolate vanilla cake.
More Interesting Cake Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Neapolitan Poke Cake is a fun, nostalgic dessert that brings strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate together in every bite. This layered dessert cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whip up this strawberry chocolate vanilla cake, chill, and enjoy a sweet, creamy treat!
Neapolitan Poke Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box 16.5 oz / 468g strawberry supreme cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup 240ml milk
- ⅓ cup 80ml vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 1 box 3.9 oz / 110g chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 cup 240ml milk
For the Topping:
- 8 oz 227g extra creamy whipped topping
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 –6 fresh strawberries chopped
- ¼ cup 60ml chocolate sauce
Instructions
Prepare and Bake the Cake
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, I combine 1 box strawberry cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup milk, and ⅓ cup vegetable oil, beating with an electric mixer until smooth. I pour the batter into a greased 13×9-inch pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cake cool slightly for this nostalgic poke cake.
Poke the Cake
- Once cooled, I use a straw or wooden spoon handle to poke holes 1 inch apart, about three-quarters through the cake, ensuring the pudding will seep in without leaking for this layered dessert cake.
Prepare and Pour the Pudding
- In a bowl, I mix 1 box chocolate pudding mix with 1 cup milk, blending for 3 minutes until thickened. I pour the pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula and tapping the pan to help it settle into the holes for a moist strawberry chocolate vanilla cake.
Chill the Cake
- I cover the cake and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to set the pudding, enhancing the creamy texture of this nostalgic poke cake.
Add Topping and Garnish
- I stir 2 tsp vanilla extract into 8 oz whipped topping and spread it over the chilled cake. I scatter 4–6 chopped strawberries on top and drizzle with ¼ cup chocolate sauce for a stunning Neapolitan Poke Cake.
Notes
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