A strawberry crunch poke cake is a delightful dessert that combines the refreshing flavors of strawberry with a nostalgic crunch, reminiscent of classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. The combination of moist cake, fruity gelatin, and a crunchy topping makes this cake an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s for a summer gathering or just a sweet treat at home, this dessert is sure to impress.
Perfecting the technique of making a poke cake ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Creating the ideal crunchy topping requires some finesse.Explore best crunch topping tips for more details.
Table of Contents
🍰 Ingredients and Tools: How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
To make this tasty dessert, gather the following ingredients:
Cake Base:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
Strawberry Poke Filling:
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Crunch Topping:
- 20 Golden Oreos (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Topping and Garnish:
- 8 oz Cool Whip or whipped topping
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Fork or wooden skewer
- Food processor (or Ziploc bag and rolling pin)
- Spatula
🥧 Preparing the Cake Base
- Prepare the white or vanilla cake mix according to package instructions. Use a 9×13-inch pan for even baking.
- Bake the cake as directed, ensuring it’s fully done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Tip: For an extra moist cake, consider substituting buttermilk for water or adding an extra egg.
🍓 Creating the Strawberry Poke Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the Strawberry Jell-O with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix well.
- Using a fork or wooden skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire cake. The holes should be about an inch apart.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.
- Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the Jell-O set.
🍬 Making the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they form coarse crumbs.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter and strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Note: If you don’t have a food processor, you can crush the cookies by placing them in a Ziploc bag and using a rolling pin.
🍰 Assembling the Cake and Adding the Whipped Topping
- After the cake has chilled and the Jell-O has set, spread the Cool Whip or whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture over the whipped topping, covering the entire surface of the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce if desired.
🧡 Chilling and Serving the Cake
- Let the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for an additional hour before serving.
- Slice the cake into squares and enjoy the combination of moist cake, fruity filling, and crunchy topping.
🎉 Variations and Customizations
- Swap the Jell-O flavor: Use raspberry, lemon, or another fruit flavor for a twist.
- Layered version: Add fresh fruit between the whipped topping and crunch layer.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cake mix and cookies.
Love strawberry desserts? Try these irresistible recipes: How to Make a Delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake and How to Make a Strawberry Layer Cake for more ways to enjoy the sweet and fruity flavors! 🍓🎂
📊 FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
How do I store leftover poke cake?
- Store in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. It remains moist and delicious even after a few days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes! Preparing the cake the night before allows the flavors to fully develop, making it even tastier the next day.
How do I prevent the crunch topping from getting soggy?
- Add the crunch topping just before serving or store it separately until ready to use.
Can I freeze a strawberry crunch poke cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake without the topping for up to 2 months. Add the topping fresh after thawing.
What’s the best way to achieve a creamy whipped topping?
- Make sure your Cool Whip or whipped topping is at room temperature before spreading it over the cake.
💖 Conclusion
A strawberry crunch poke cake is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a standout dessert for any event. The soft cake, fruity Jell-O filling, and crunchy topping work together to create a treat that’s both fun and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible strawberry dessert! 🍓🍰
PrintStrawberry Crunch Poke Cake
This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delicious and nostalgic dessert inspired by classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars! A moist cake base infused with strawberry flavor, topped with a creamy whipped layer and a crunchy golden Oreo-strawberry topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any sweet occasion! 🍓🎂
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
For the Strawberry Poke Filling:
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
For the Whipped Topping:
- 8 oz Cool Whip or whipped topping
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 20 Golden Oreos (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
- ¼ cup melted butter
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries
- Drizzle of strawberry sauce
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before proceeding.
-
Create the Strawberry Poke Filling:
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the Strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and mix well.
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire cake (about 1 inch apart).
- Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the Jell-O to set.
-
Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- Crush Golden Oreos into coarse crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed Oreos with strawberry gelatin powder and melted butter until evenly coated.
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has chilled, spread Cool Whip evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the whipped layer.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for an additional hour before serving.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an extra touch
Notes
- For extra strawberry flavor, use fresh mashed strawberries in the Jell-O mixture.
- For a crunchier topping, toast the Oreo-strawberry mixture in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the cake.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix and cookies.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 per slice
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Easy Strawberry Poke Cake Best Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake
26 thoughts on “How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake”