Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Combining the sweet flavors of strawberries with a crunchy topping reminiscent of the popular strawberry crunch ice cream bars, this cake is moist, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or just when you want a sweet treat, this poke cake is easy to make and always a hit!

---

What Is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a type of cake that has holes poked into it after baking. These holes are then filled with a sweet mixture, usually gelatin, pudding, or a flavored syrup, which soaks into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful dessert. For this recipe, we’re using strawberry gelatin to infuse the cake with a delicious strawberry flavor, topped with a crunchy strawberry crumble.

---

Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

Cake Mix

For ease, we’re using a vanilla or white cake mix as the base of this poke cake. It’s light and fluffy, allowing the strawberry flavors to shine through.

• Pro Tip: You can make a homemade vanilla cake from scratch if you prefer, but a boxed mix keeps things simple and quick.

Strawberry Gelatin

Strawberry-flavored gelatin is the key to making this poke cake packed with strawberry goodness. It soaks into the cake, giving it moisture and a burst of fruity flavor.

Crunch Topping

The strawberry crunch topping is what takes this cake to the next level. It’s made from a combination of Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries, which replicate the flavors of a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar.

• Pro Tip: The freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated strawberry flavor without adding moisture to the crunch topping.

---

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
• Water, oil, and eggs (as required by the cake mix box)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter, and bake the cake according to the directions.
3. Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

---

Step 2: Poke and Fill

Ingredients:

• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

1. While the cake is still slightly warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
2. In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in the cold water.
3. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes you poked earlier. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.

---

Step 3: Prepare the Crunch Topping

Ingredients:

• 10 Golden Oreos, crushed
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

1. In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries together until they are finely crushed.
2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the melted butter until combined. Set aside.

---

Step 4: Frost and Top the Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• Strawberry crunch topping (from above)

1. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
2. Sprinkle the prepared strawberry crunch topping generously over the whipped topping, pressing it down lightly so it sticks.

---

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake into squares and serve! Each bite will have the perfect combination of soft, strawberry-soaked cake, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy, flavorful topping.

---

Variations and Add-Ins

Strawberry Cream Cheese Poke Cake

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the whipped topping with cream cheese. Beat together 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/2 cup powdered sugar, then fold it into the whipped topping before spreading it over the cake.

Chocolate Strawberry Poke Cake

Add a layer of melted chocolate ganache (made with chocolate chips and heavy cream) on top of the cake before adding the whipped topping and crunch layer for a chocolatey twist.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Poke Cake

Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and use gluten-free cookies for the topping to make this recipe gluten-friendly.

---

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be adapted to fit different dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free cookies for the topping.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the whipped topping with a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.
• Vegan: Use a vegan cake mix and plant-based whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made up to 1 day in advance. Just wait to add the crunch topping until you’re ready to serve it, so it stays crispy.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries for the topping?
Freeze-dried strawberries are best for the crunch topping because they don’t add moisture. Using fresh strawberries may make the topping soggy.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Print