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:
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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.
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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.
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Prepare the Filling: Whisk together the instant pudding mixes, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until thickened. Fold in the sliced strawberries and banana.
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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.
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Layer it Up: Spread half of the pudding mixture over the soaked cake. Top with the remaining sliced fruit.
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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.
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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
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