Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

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Craving a delightful, fruity dessert with layers of creaminess and crunch? Look no further! Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is the perfect solution, combining a moist cake with the vibrant flavor of strawberries, a rich cream topping, and a crunchy cookie layer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this cake is simple to make, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Follow along with our easy-to-follow recipe, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

What is a Poke Cake?

Poke cakes are unique because after baking, holes are poked into the surface of the cake, and a flavorful liquid or filling (like gelatin, pudding, or syrup) is poured over, allowing it to seep into the cake. This creates an ultra-moist, flavorful cake, and when paired with creamy toppings or crunchy elements, it becomes an irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake:

Bursting with strawberry flavor

Creamy, dreamy topping
Easy to make with basic ingredients
Crowd favorite at parties and gatherings

Versatile with potential flavor variations

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, gather the following simple ingredients. Most are pantry staples, and the rest can be found easily at your local store.

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)

1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

For the Creamy Topping:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

1 1/2 cups crushed Golden Oreos
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

4 tbsp melted butter

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh strawberries
Additional whipped cream

Equipment You’ll Need:

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk

Wooden spoon for poking holes

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Here’s how you can make this delicious dessert, step-by-step:

1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions (typically mixing eggs, oil, and water).
Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

2: Poke Holes and Add Jell-O Mixture

While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry gelatin. In a medium bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. This will soak into the cake, giving it that signature “poke cake” moisture and flavor.
Place the cake in the refrigerator for 2 hours to let the gelatin set fully.

3: Create the Creamy Topping

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip), keeping the mixture light and airy.
Once the cake has chilled, spread this creamy topping evenly across the surface.

4: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the frosted cake.

5: Garnish and Serve

If you want to elevate your presentation, garnish the cake with fresh strawberries and extra whipped cream. Slice, serve, and enjoy this chilled dessert for the best flavor and texture.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

1. Use Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients will make all the difference in your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake. Opt for fresh strawberries for garnishing, real vanilla extract, and high-quality cake mix for the best flavor.

2. Customize the Crunch

If you prefer, you can switch out the Golden Oreos for vanilla wafers or graham crackers to give your cake a different flavor profile. You can also try adding a bit of freeze-dried raspberries for an extra fruity crunch.

3. Get Creative with the Cake Mix

You’re not limited to vanilla or white cake mix. A strawberry or lemon-flavored cake mix can add an extra layer of fruitiness to your poke cake, making it even more vibrant and flavorful.

4. Chilling is Key

Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the cake for at least 2 hours allows the strawberry gelatin to fully absorb into the cake, ensuring a perfectly moist texture.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delicious treat, it’s important to know what you’re consuming. This dessert is high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving):

Serving: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of the cake)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g

Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Sodium: 280mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 31g

Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 4%

This cake provides a sweet treat for your taste buds, but the sugar and fat content make it best as an occasional indulgence. However, the fresh strawberries in the garnish offer a boost of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. In fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors.

2. What Can I Use Instead of Golden Oreos?

If you don’t have Golden Oreos, you can use vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies. Any light-flavored cookie will work well to create the crunch.

3. Can I Freeze the Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, but it’s best to freeze it without the topping. Once thawed, add the whipped topping and crunch mixture right before serving for the best texture.

4. Can I Use Homemade Cake Mix Instead of Boxed?

Definitely! If you prefer to make a cake from scratch, simply use your favorite vanilla or white cake recipe. The rest of the steps will remain the same.

5. How Long Does Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Last?

Stored properly in the fridge, this cake can last up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

6. Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free cookies for the crunch. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

The combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures makes Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake an absolute winner in the dessert world. With its easy preparation and delicious result, it’s perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion. So, next time you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert, give this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake a try. You won’t regret it!

Make sure to follow these tips and tricks for an even better cake experience, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste. Happy baking!

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