Description
This Southern Strawberry Punch Cake is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring layers of fluffy white cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple, ripe bananas, and a luscious Cool Whip topping. Perfect for gatherings and potlucks, this cake combines refreshing fruit flavors and a creamy finish for an easy make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cake Layer
- 1 box White cake mix (prepared as per package instructions)
Pudding Layer
- 6 oz. Vanilla instant pudding mix (1 box, prepared according to package instructions)
Fruit Layer
- 2 pkg Frozen strawberries, 20 oz total, thawed
- 1 can Crushed pineapples (drained, 1/2 can per layer)
- 2 Bananas, sliced
Topping
- 16 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, then divide the batter evenly between two well-greased 9-inch cake pans. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Prepare Pudding – While the cake bakes and cools, prepare the vanilla instant pudding according to the instructions on the box. Place the pudding in the refrigerator to chill and set.
- Layer the Cake and Pudding – Break one cooled cake layer into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bottom of a large serving bowl or trifle dish. Spread half of the set pudding evenly over the cake pieces.
- Add Fruits – Evenly pour over ½ can of crushed pineapple, then layer 1 package of thawed strawberries and one sliced banana on top of the pudding layer.
- Repeat Layers – Repeat the layering process with the second cake layer, remaining pudding, pineapple, strawberries, and banana slices.
- Add Topping – Spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top of the final fruit layer, covering the entire surface.
- Chill – Cover the cake and refrigerate for several hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple to avoid excess liquid.
- You can use fresh strawberries if preferred, but ensure they are sliced and juicy.
- The dessert tastes best when chilled overnight to allow flavors to blend.
- For a lighter dessert, use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
