Irresistible Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Summers call for sweet, refreshing desserts that make everyone smile, and this strawberry crunch poke cake recipe delivers pure delight.

Layers of moist cake infused with creamy strawberry goodness promise an extraordinary treat.

Delicate strawberries and crispy crunch topping create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Each slice bursts with vibrant flavor and irresistible charm.

The dessert combines classic comfort with a modern twist that keeps people coming back for more.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients merge into something spectacular.

You’ll want to serve this showstopping cake at every gathering, where it’s sure to become the star of the dessert table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Ingredient Lineup

• White Cake Mix: Provides the fluffy foundation with a light, tender texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create a rich, smooth cake structure.
• Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Water: Helps activate cake mix ingredients and provides necessary liquid.

• Strawberry Gelatin: Adds vibrant strawberry flavor and creates a luscious, wet cake texture.
• Boiling Water: Dissolves gelatin powder completely for smooth flavor distribution.
• Cold Water: Helps cool and set the gelatin mixture evenly throughout the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Provides tangy richness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light, fluffy texture with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Golden Oreos: Delivers delightful crunch and buttery cookie flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind cookie crumbs and creates a crisp texture.
• Strawberry Gelatin Powder: Adds extra strawberry punch and color to the topping.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides fresh, bright garnish and natural sweetness.

Tools That Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Easy

• Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping cream and beating cream cheese smoothly and quickly.
• Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing different components like crunch topping and mixing ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ideal for baking the cake and creating the base of the dessert.
• Paddle and Whisk Mixer Attachments: Crucial for different mixing techniques and textures.
• Small Pitcher: Great for whisking and pouring gelatin mixture evenly over the cake.
• Fork: Needed for poking holes in the cake to help gelatin absorb.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading frosting and folding ingredients gently.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness during baking.

Steps to Build a Flavorful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Cake Foundation

Warm up the oven and prepare a baking pan. Mix white cake batter and bake until perfectly golden. Let the cake cool completely, creating a soft canvas for delicious layers.

• Strawberry Infusion

Create a vibrant strawberry liquid by combining gelatin with hot and cold water. Gently pour this crimson mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into countless tiny holes. Chill in the refrigerator to let flavors develop and set.

• Dreamy Cream Topping

Whip together cream cheese, heavy cream, and sweet powders until billowy and light. Spread this cloud-like frosting across the chilled cake surface with smooth, gentle motions.

• Crunchy Strawberry Crown

Crush golden cookies and blend with melted butter and strawberry powder. Sprinkle this sparkling, textured mixture over the creamy layer. Press down softly to create a delightful crumbly topping that adds exciting crunch.

• Serving and Storing

Slice and serve immediately for maximum flavor explosion. Keep any remaining pieces tucked safely in the refrigerator, where the cake’s delicious layers will continue to mingle and develop rich tastes.

Crunch Topping Tips for Strawberry Poke Cake

• Cake Moisture Magic: Poking holes allows the gelatin to penetrate deeply, creating a super moist and flavor-packed dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Make-Ahead Master: Prepare this cake a day in advance to let the flavors develop and give the gelatin time to set perfectly, making your party prep a breeze.
• Topping Texture Twist: Crush the Golden Oreos roughly for a crunchy contrast – smaller chunks create more interesting bites and prevent a uniform texture.
• Berry Bonus Hacks: Swap strawberry gelatin with raspberry or mix fresh berries into the frosting for a vibrant flavor upgrade that looks stunning on the plate.
• Temperature Technique: Always let the cake cool completely before adding gelatin to prevent soggy results and ensure clean, beautiful cake layers that hold their shape beautifully.

Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake at Gatherings

• Sweet Summer Party Centerpiece: Showcase this vibrant strawberry cake as the star dessert at backyard barbecues, birthday celebrations, or potluck gatherings where guests will be delighted by its eye-catching layers and fresh strawberry accent.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the cake into neat squares and place each piece on a white porcelain plate with a mint leaf garnish. Add a small dollop of whipped cream beside the slice for an extra touch of sophistication.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve alongside morning mimosas or fresh coffee during weekend brunch. The cake's bright strawberry flavor pairs wonderfully with light breakfast fare and creates a stunning dessert focal point that will impress guests.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack individual cake slices in clear containers for outdoor events. The sturdy frosting and crunch topping make this dessert transportable and ideal for park gatherings, beach days, or family reunions where everyone can enjoy a delightful sweet bite.

How to Store Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Right

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Seal the cake in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Protect the delicate crunch topping by placing a layer of plastic wrap gently over the cake before closing the container.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Temperature Tip: Always keep this dessert chilled below 40°F to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent bacterial growth. The gelatin and cream cheese components require consistent cool temperatures.
• Serving Recommendation: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the frosting to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy texture and making each slice easier to cut and enjoy.

Decadent Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade strawberry crunch poke cake delivers delightful layers of sweet, tangy flavors and creamy textures. Sharp strawberry notes mingle with crunchy topping, creating a dessert guaranteed to charm dessert enthusiasts and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white cake mix
• 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup boiling water
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 18–20 Golden Oreos, coarsely crushed
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) strawberry gelatin powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries (optional)
• Eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
• Oil (as specified on cake mix box)
• Water (as specified on cake mix box)

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Instructions

1. Cake Base Preparation: Blend white cake mix according to package instructions, pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean at 350°F, roughly 22-25 minutes.
2. Cake Perforation and Gelatin Infusion: Once cooled, create multiple fork punctures across the cake’s surface. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then mix with cold water, and carefully pour over the cake, ensuring complete penetration. Refrigerate for 4 hours to set and absorb flavors.
3. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese until smooth, then simultaneously whisk heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently incorporate cream cheese into the whipped cream, creating a luxurious, uniform frosting.
4. Topping Preparation: Crush Golden Oreo cookies and combine with melted butter and dry strawberry gelatin powder. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake, then sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture on top, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Serving and Storage: Optionally garnish with fresh strawberries. Serve immediately or refrigerate to meld flavors. Store covered in the refrigerator, noting the topping may soften over time.

Notes

• Optimize Cake Base: Follow package instructions precisely for the white cake mix to ensure a light, fluffy foundation that perfectly absorbs the gelatin.
• Master Gelatin Technique: Create multiple fork punctures across the entire cake surface to maximize flavor penetration and moisture absorption.
• Whip Cream Carefully: Achieve stiff peaks when whipping cream by chilling the mixing bowl and beaters beforehand for a more stable, luxurious frosting.
• Preserve Crunch Topping: Add the Oreo cookie crumble just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent premature softening.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg