🍓 Southern Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake – Sweet, Moist & Perfect for Every Occasion!


 


There’s something about a Southern-style cake that just feels like home — especially when it’s as colorful, moist, and flavorful as this Southern Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake .

This classic dessert combines the best elements of strawberry shortcake , punch bowl charm , and old-fashioned baking magic into one unforgettable slice. It's soft, sweet, slightly tangy, and often soaked in a light syrup that makes every bite feel like summer.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this beloved Southern Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake from scratch , plus share expert tips, variations, and even how to monetize this content if you run a blog or YouTube channel.

Let’s dive into this Southern staple!


🍰 What Is Southern Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake?

Southern Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake is a layered or poke cake-style dessert made with a soft vanilla or strawberry cake base, fresh or canned strawberries, whipped topping, and sometimes crushed pineapple or Cool Whip folded into the mix.

The name comes from its traditional serving style — in a large punch bowl or trifle dish — where layers of cake, fruit, and cream come together in a stunning presentation.

It’s:

  • Light and fruity
  • Moist and tender
  • A Southern potluck favorite
  • Great for holidays, baby showers, or family dinners
  • Perfect for beginners

Whether you're bringing it to a church supper, backyard barbecue, or holiday table, this cake will disappear fast.


🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for one 9x13-inch cake or punch bowl version:

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tsp red food coloring (optional, for color depth)

For the Fruit Layer:

  • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling or strawberry filling
  • 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 (6 oz) can frozen strawberries (drained), or fresh sliced berries

Optional Topping:

  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
  • Crushed pineapple or fresh strawberries for garnish
  • Maraschino cherries for extra flair

💡 Tip: Some versions use boxed white or strawberry cake mix for shortcut prep!


🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions