Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Growing up, there was nothing quite like the thrill of hearing the ice cream truck’s jingle. Among the many treats, the strawberry shortcake crunch ice cream bar was a personal favorite—the perfect blend of creamy strawberry goodness with a delightful crunchy coating. If you share that love for nostalgic flavors, this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a must-try.

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it relies on simple ingredients, requires minimal baking skills, and delivers impressive results with little effort. With a soft, moist cake, a luscious whipped cream frosting, and a golden strawberry crunch topping, this dessert is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this easy cake will quickly become a favorite.

Why This Recipe Is Special

1. Beginner-Friendly – This recipe starts with a simple boxed cake mix, making it foolproof for those who aren’t confident in baking from scratch.

2. Bursting with Flavor – The strawberry gelatin soaks into the cake, creating a fruity, ultra-moist texture reminiscent of a tres leches cake.

3. The Crunch Factor – The golden Oreo and strawberry gelatin topping adds an irresistible crunch that takes this cake to the next level.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly – This cake is even better after chilling, making it a perfect dessert to prepare in advance.

Ingredients and Preparation

The Cake

• White Cake Mix – A convenient base that ensures a soft, fluffy texture. You can also use vanilla cake mix for a richer flavor.
• Eggs, Oil, Water – Standard ingredients needed to prepare the cake mix.
• Strawberry Gelatin (Jell-O) – The key ingredient that seeps into the cake, creating its signature moistness and fruity taste.
• Boiling & Cold Water – Used to dissolve and set the gelatin evenly in the cake.

Alternatives: Try using a homemade vanilla sponge cake if you prefer baking from scratch. You can also swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry if you want a different flavor twist.

The Frosting

• Cream Cheese – Adds a slight tanginess to balance the cake’s sweetness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Whipped into stiff peaks to create a light, airy texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

Alternatives: If you want a lighter frosting, use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream. Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese for a slightly healthier version.

The Strawberry Crunch Topping

• Golden Oreos – Crushed into coarse crumbs to provide that nostalgic crunch.
• Melted Butter – Helps the topping stick together and adds richness.
• Strawberry Gelatin Powder – Coats the cookie crumbs, enhancing the strawberry flavor.

Alternatives: Use vanilla wafers or graham crackers instead of Golden Oreos for a different take. If you want a more natural strawberry flavor, mix freeze-dried strawberry powder with the crumbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 2: Once the cake is cool, use a fork or the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface. In a mixing cup, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter and dry strawberry gelatin powder. Sprinkle the topping generously over the frosted cake, pressing lightly to adhere. If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell If Your Cake Is Done: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.
• Preventing a Soggy Cake: Let the cake cool completely before adding the gelatin mixture. This prevents excess moisture from making the cake too wet.
• Make It Extra Crunchy: If you love a crispier topping, add the crunch mixture just before serving to maintain its texture.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crunch topping will soften over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a fun twist.
• A glass of cold milk or a strawberry milkshake makes the perfect drink pairing.

Try This Recipe and Share Your Thoughts!

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is the ultimate beginner-friendly dessert that delivers big on nostalgia, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re making it for a party or a weekend treat, it’s sure to impress.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! What’s your favorite childhood dessert that you’d love to see turned into a cake? Let’s get baking!

FAQ About Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

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