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I have been obsessed with all things peaches lately. Here in Utah, it’s peach season and I can’t help myself when all I see are fresh peach stands and the grocery stores advertising them for crazy low prices.
My protein shake is peaches & cream and somehow I always end up ordering peaches and cream when we go to the local shaved ice place.
I took it as a sign that I needed to make something with all the peaches. Say hello to peaches and cream poke cake. You guys will LOVE this!
The cake is a boxed French vanilla cake mix. Prepare and cook according to the instructions and then poke holes in it when it comes out of the oven.
Pour this insanely delicious fresh peach syrup all over that cake, making sure that all the holes are filled. Refrigerate and then frost with a cream cheese whipped topping, and refrigerate again.
It really is simple. Even that homemade fresh peach syrup. It’s only a matter of combining fresh peach puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Let that come to a boil to thicken a bit and that’s it.
Of course, you can make this as “not simple” as you want by making a vanilla cake from scratch instead of using the boxed cake mix.
The recipe does call for fresh whipped cream which is a must when you are eating fresh peaches, but if whipping your own cream scares you, or you just don’t have time, you can also use an 8 oz tub of Cool Whip.
Tips & tricks for making a poke cake
- To make the holes in the cake you can use the end of a wooden spoon, or any handle that has a circular shape. You want larger holes so that the peach syrup soaks into all of the cake. I know some poke cakes call for a fork to make the holes, I would suggest not using a fork for this recipe because the holes will be too small to really get that fresh peach juice down into all of the cake.
- Plan ahead of time as poke cakes need refrigeration time. Poke cakes are better cold. Make the day before and let it sit overnight, or start preparing in the morning so it has time to sit in the fridge.
- My favorite time to eat poke cakes is the day after. The cake is so moist and the flavors have really developed nicely. That being said, if you are planning on making it the night before and serving the next day, I would wait to top it with the peach chunks until right before serving.
If you love fresh peaches then be sure to try out these other recipes
Peaches and Cream Poke Cake
Ingredients
peaches & cream cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) french vanilla cake mix
- ingredients called for on box
- 4 peaches, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1/3-1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (I use fresh)
whipped topping
- 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- fresh peach chunks for topping
Instructions
- Make and prepare cake according to the instructions on the box. Use a 9x13 baking pan. Cook for recommended time. Use a toothpick to test center to make sure it comes out dry and clean. You want the cake cooked through.
- When the cake is done, take out of the oven and use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over it. You want larger holes, not small ones, so that the peach mixture soaks into all of the cake. Let the cake cool while you prepare the peach filling.
- Prepare the peach filling : take the large chunks of peeled peaches (4 peaches) and place into a food processor or a blender and blend up. I like to leave some larger chunks and some pureed peaches. Blend/chop to your liking.
- Add the peach puree, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir and let it come to a low boil so it can thicken slightly and the sugar can dissolve. This only takes about 3-4 minutes. Once it's slightly thickened remove from heat and pour over the cake making sure the holes are filled.
- Cover and let refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Prepare the whipped topping by beating the cream cheese and granulated sugar into a larger mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, or a stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Add the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. Frost the cake, cover, and let refrigerate for at least 4 hours. When you're ready to serve, top the cake or each slice with fresh peach chunks.
Notes
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At 40 weeks pregnant this sounded SO GOOD. So I bought all the ingredients and had plans to make it. When I got home my peaches were just bruised beyond belief! I had canned peaches in light syrup so I decided to go for it (pregnancy cravings are no joke).
I did everything the same, except I rinsed and drained the peaches to get rid of the syrup taste and the cake turned out REALLY good. I used slightly less sugar and increased the boil time a bit on the sauce. I would 100% make this again and bring it to a potluck or something. It is sweet- but also light and really refreshing. I can’t wait to have a piece for breakfast tomorrow. I was really glad to find a poke cake without pudding!
Thank you!
40 weeks! You’re amazing, haha. So glad this hit the spot and it’s good to know that this could work with canned peaches. Thanks for leaving your feedback and I hope that baby comes. Congrats!
I made this last night, and my picky husband gave it a 10!!! Thank you!!!
It’s not peach season but I really want to make this! Do you think frozen or canned peaches would work better?
I would guess that frozen would be best. Just thaw them and drain the liquid as best as possible.
I made this cake and it was delicious. I used canned peaches but it didn’t matter. Will definitely make this again!
I have been making this for years. I make my own homemade peach puree and use it when ever I want this cake. And sometimes I substitute the oil in the cake mix for peach puree just for more peach flavor. Sometimes I make a spiced peach puree. Which is very good in this cake.
Delicious!! Used yellow cake mix, that was the only difference. Everyone loved it.
My 8-year old son asked for “peach cake” for his birthday party. I went in search of a recipe I hoped would be a crowd pleaser and thought this one sounded the best. It was a hit with kids and parents alike! Thank you for making his wish come true and for adding a new summer favorite to our repertoire!
Oh this makes me so happy! Glad it was a hit for his birthday! Thank you for your comment!