Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake – A Sweet Nostalgic Delight

The Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is one of those desserts that effortlessly transports you back to the carefree days of childhood, with a twist that makes it just as magical for adults. A moist and flavorful strawberry cake meets a creamy frosting and crunchy, buttery topping, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Reminiscent of the beloved strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this dessert offers the same joy with a few simple ingredients and a fun poke cake technique that leaves every bite as satisfying as the last. Whether it’s for a summer gathering, birthday, or just because, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try it.

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The process of making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is straightforward but packed with moments that allow each layer to shine, from the light, airy cake to the rich, creamy frosting, and finally, the addictive crunch topping. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes as well, with vibrant pink layers and a tempting finish that begs to be served at your next celebration.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients for this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake come together to create a dessert that’s truly more than the sum of its parts. It features three distinct elements—the cake, the frosting, and the topping—each of which contributes its own special flavor and texture.

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix: The foundation of this cake is a simple white cake mix, which forms the soft, moist base of the dessert. The cake will absorb the strawberry gelatin, making it even more flavorful.
• 3 oz box strawberry gelatin: This is where the magic happens. The gelatin infuses the cake with a burst of strawberry flavor that seeps into the holes you poke in the cake, creating a vibrant, berry-infused dessert.
• 1 cup boiling water: Used to dissolve the gelatin, it helps the powder blend smoothly into the cake batter.
• 1 cup cold water: The cold water helps set the gelatin in the cake and gives it the right texture.

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the key to achieving that rich, velvety base for the frosting. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cake and the topping.
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipping cream is what gives the frosting its light and fluffy texture, making it the perfect complement to the dense cake and crunchy topping.
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: This is the sweetener for the frosting, adding just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the flavors in the frosting and gives it a warm, aromatic quality.

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 18-20 Golden Oreos, coarsely crushed: These iconic cookies provide the signature crunch for this topping, combining with the strawberry gelatin powder to create a texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter is the binder for the Oreo mixture, helping to hold the crumbs together and ensuring that every bite of topping is rich and indulgent.
• 3 oz box strawberry gelatin powder: Just the dry powder of strawberry gelatin is mixed into the crushed Oreos to give the topping an extra hit of strawberry flavor.
• Fresh strawberries (optional): Garnishing the cake with fresh strawberries adds a burst of color and freshness, rounding out the cake’s flavor profile and making it even more appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The process of making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is fun and rewarding. Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. Prepare the white cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Once mixed, pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be light golden brown on top and spring back when touched. Allow the cake to cool completely. This step is essential to avoid the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, take a fork and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. The holes should be spaced evenly, allowing the gelatin to soak in evenly. The more holes you poke, the better the flavor will seep into the cake, creating that signature “poke cake” texture. Be careful not to tear the cake while poking, but make sure the holes are deep enough to allow the gelatin to infuse thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin

In a small pitcher, combine the strawberry gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water. Whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved, then stir in 1 cup of cold water. This mixture will be poured over the cake to fill the holes and add flavor. Gently pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring that it soaks into all the holes. Once the gelatin has been evenly distributed, cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the cake sits, the more flavorful it becomes.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

For the frosting, start by beating the softened cream cheese in a stand mixer for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. Transfer the cream cheese to a medium bowl. In the stand mixer bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Switch to the whisk attachment and whisk on high speed for 5-7 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cream cheese into the whipped cream mixture until fully incorporated. The frosting should be smooth, light, and airy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has fully chilled and absorbed the gelatin, spread the frosting evenly over the top. The frosting should cover the entire surface of the cake, hiding the vibrant pink gelatin layer beneath. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting to the edges of the pan. The frosting will be thick and creamy, providing a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet, strawberry-infused cake beneath it.

Step 6: Prepare the Crunch Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the coarsely crushed Golden Oreos, melted butter, and the dry strawberry gelatin powder. Stir the mixture until the Oreos are completely coated with the butter and gelatin. The result should be a colorful, crumbly mixture that adds texture and flavor to the cake. Take handfuls of the mixture and sprinkle it over the frosting, pressing gently to ensure the topping sticks. The Oreo crunch topping will add the perfect amount of texture and flavor to every bite.

Step 7: Garnish and Chill

For an extra touch of freshness, garnish the cake with sliced fresh strawberries. These provide a pop of color and a burst of natural sweetness that complements the cake perfectly. Once garnished, cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to allow the topping to set. The longer the cake sits, the better the flavors meld together, but it’s just as delicious after a few hours of chilling.

Tips for Variations and Substitutions

While this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is already a crowd-pleaser in its original form, there are a few ways to tweak it according to your preferences:

• Substitute the Cake Mix: If you prefer to use a homemade cake, feel free to swap the white cake mix for a from-scratch version. A vanilla or even a strawberry-flavored cake would work beautifully with this recipe.
• Alternate Toppings: While the Golden Oreos are a fantastic choice for the topping, you can also try using other cookies, such as shortbread or even chocolate sandwich cookies, for a different flavor.
• Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture on the cake.
• Add a Layer of Strawberry Jam: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, consider adding a layer of strawberry jam or preserves between the frosting and the cake before adding the topping. This will give the cake an added richness and depth.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Serve it chilled and cut into squares or bars for easy serving. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more festive presentation, top each slice with a fresh strawberry or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

This cake is also an excellent make-ahead dessert, as it requires a few hours of refrigeration to set. Make it the day before your party or family gathering, and it will be ready to serve when the time comes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is the ultimate in nostalgia meets indulgence. It combines the familiar, comforting flavors of strawberry shortcake with the fun and creativity of a poke cake, and the crunchy topping adds a delightful surprise to each bite. With its vibrant colors, irresistible textures, and creamy layers, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress your guests, this recipe is straightforward, accessible, and bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So why not make it today? Trust us, you won’t regret it!