Punch Cake

Ingredients:

• Cake:
  • 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix (or your favorite flavor)
  • Ingredients required for the cake mix (eggs, oil, water, etc.)
• Syrup:
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup rum (or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• Filling:
  • 2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 banana, sliced
• Topping:
  • 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Fresh fruit for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter following the package directions. Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch baking pan or two round cake pans. Let the cake cool completely.

2. Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and rum (or fruit juice). Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Filling: Whisk together the instant pudding mixes, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until thickened. Fold in the sliced strawberries and banana.

4. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is cool, cut it into two layers (if using a sheet cake, simply cut squares). Place one layer in a serving dish. Poke holes all over the cake layer with a fork. Slowly drizzle half of the cooled syrup over the cake.

5. Layer it Up: Spread half of the pudding mixture over the soaked cake. Top with the remaining sliced fruit.

6. Repeat: Place the second cake layer on top and poke it with a fork. Drizzle with the remaining syrup. Spread the rest of the pudding mixture over the top.

7. Chill and Top: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, frost the top with the thawed whipped topping and decorate with fresh fruit, if desired.

Also, Read

• key lime cake
• Old Fashioned Coffee Cake

Tips:

• For a stronger rum flavor, brush the rum syrup directly onto the cake layers instead of drizzling.
• Play around with the fruit fillings! Mandarin oranges, peaches, or blueberries would all be delicious options.
• You can substitute the instant pudding with homemade pastry cream for an extra decadent touch.

Other Punch Ideas

• Subak Hwachae Recipe [Korean watermelon punch]