As summer arrives, I find myself craving vibrant flavors that mirror the season’s warmth. That’s when I discovered the magic of the Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that brings back the joy of childhood ice cream treats! The moment I lifted a piece from the pan, the bright pink swirls of strawberry Jell-O and the cloud-like cream cheese frosting created a symphony of color and scent, sending my taste buds into a frenzy. This cake is not just eye-catching; each bite captivates with a mix of moist, fluffy texture and that irresistible crunch from Golden Oreos on top.
This poke cake is the perfect solution for those moments when you need a show-stopping dessert without the stress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat after a long day, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Join me as we whip up this summer favorite that promises to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Why is Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Perfect?
Freshness abounds: This cake showcases vibrant, juicy strawberries, instantly refreshing your taste buds.
Simple to make: With easy-to-follow steps, you don’t need to be a pro baker to impress your guests.
Texture delight: The fluffy cake paired with a crunchy topping creates a satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Endless variations: Feel free to get creative! From different Jell-O flavors to alternative toppings, it can adapt to your personal taste.
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Whether at family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this dessert is sure to win hearts and leave smiles!
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Nonstick cooking spray – Ensures that the cake releases easily from the pan for perfect slices.
• White cake mix (15.25-oz. box) – Serves as the light and fluffy base for your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake.
• Strawberry Jell-O (3-oz. box) – Infuses moisture and vibrant strawberry flavor into each bite.
For the Frosting
• Heavy cream (1½ cups) – Creates a rich and fluffy whipped cream frosting that complements the cake.
• Cream cheese (8-oz. block, room temperature) – Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to your frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar (⅔ cup, 75 g) – Sweetens the frosting for that perfect balance with the tartness of strawberries.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor profile with inviting warmth.
• Kosher salt (⅛ tsp) – Balances the sweetness, bringing depth to the frosting’s flavor.
For the Crunch Topping
• Vanilla sandwich cookies, such as Golden Oreos (24) – Provides that delightful crunch topping that makes this poke cake irresistible.
• Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, ½ stick, melted) – Binds the cookie crumble together while adding richness.
For Garnishing
• Fresh strawberries (for serving, halved lengthwise) – Not only adds beauty but elevates the flavor profiles and presentation of the cake.
This collection of ingredients ensures that your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is not only delicious but a true celebration of summer flavors!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
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Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
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Prepare the Pan: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will help the cake slide out easily once it’s baked.
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Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Poke Holes: Once cool, use a bamboo skewer or chopstick to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, avoiding the bottom. This allows the Jell-O to seep in beautifully.
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Add the Jell-O: Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. Pour the Jell-O mixture over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
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Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the Jell-O set and the flavors meld together.
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Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and heavy cream. Continue beating until it’s fluffy and well combined.
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Frost the Cake: Once the cake is set, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
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Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the frosted cake.
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Serve with Fresh Strawberries: When ready to serve, add fresh strawberry halves on top for a beautiful finish.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
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Cool Completely: Make sure your cake is fully cooled before poking holes; this allows the Jell-O to absorb evenly, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Jell-O Variations: Don’t hesitate to play with flavors! Experiment with different Jell-O, like raspberry or peach, for unique twists on your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake.
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Frosting Flexibility: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with whipped cream for a fluffy texture without the density.
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Crumbly Topping: Be sure to mix the crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter thoroughly, as this will help create a delightful crunch that complements the cake’s moistness.
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Chill Time: For best results, let your cake chill overnight after adding the Jell-O. This time allows the flavors to deepen and ensures a beautiful slice when served.
What to Serve with Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?
To create a delightful meal, consider complementing your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake with these fabulous pairings that enhance the sweetness and add contrasting flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a wonderful contrast to the fruity cake, delighting your taste buds with each bite. This classic pairing transforms a simple dessert into a decadent treat.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like blueberries, kiwi, and mango elevates the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness and color to your plate. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the cake’s richness.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This fizzy beverage’s zesty flavor refreshes your palate and complements the strawberry notes without overwhelming the dessert. It’s perfect for summer gatherings!
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats bring a touch of indulgence, balancing the sweetness of the poke cake with rich chocolate goodness. Plus, they look stunning on any dessert table.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Replace regular whipped cream with this light, airy topping that enhances the cake’s fruity theme and adds a tropical flair your guests will love. It’s a fun twist on tradition!
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Lemon Tart: The tartness of lemon balances the sweetness of the Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, providing a perfect end to your meal. It also adds a sophisticated touch to any summer event.
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Mint Tea: A refreshing herbal mint tea cools down with a fragrant twist, rounding out the meal with its aromatic properties. It’s a lovely way to cleanse the palate after rich desserts.
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists to make the recipe your own!
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a delicious non-dairy version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free cake mix for a delightful poke cake that caters to everyone at your table.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the strawberry flavors.
- Texture Twist: Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the batter for extra strawberry flavor and crunch.
- Different Jell-O Flavors: Experiment with blue raspberry or peach Jell-O for a fun, colorful variation that surprises the palate.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the frosting for a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Elevate your strawberry delight with these variations, and create new memories with each and every bite!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake retains its moisture and flavor, making it just as delightful on day three.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then enjoy it at room temperature or heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frosting Storage: Store any leftover cream cheese frosting separately in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, re-whip to restore its fluffy texture before spreading it back on your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake.
Make Ahead Options
This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is an excellent choice for meal prep, saving you time and stress during busy weeks! You can prepare the cake and let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before adding the frosting. To maintain the cake’s wonderful texture, ensure it is completely cooled before poking holes and pouring the Jell-O over it. Additionally, mix the cream cheese frosting and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the frosting over the chilled cake, add the Oreo crumble, and top with fresh strawberries for a fresh, vibrant presentation that delights!
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe strawberries are best for this dessert. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and free from dark spots. They should primarily have a sweet aroma, which indicates ripeness. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen ones can work, but they might release more moisture into the cake.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?
Very easy! Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help the cake maintain its moisture and flavor. If you notice the frosting beginning to harden, you can cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?
Definitely! To freeze, I recommend doing so before frosting the cake. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight before decorating.
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise, it might be due to expired baking powder or under-mixing the batter. Always check the expiration date on your baking mix and ensure that you mix it just enough to combine the ingredients without overmixing. If you see larger lumps, that’s perfectly okay!
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the regular white cake mix. It will give you a similar texture while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Just remember to check that your Jell-O is also gluten-free, which most brands are.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually benefits from being made a day ahead. The flavors deepen and the Jell-O seeps fully into the cake when chilled overnight. Just prepare it the day before your gathering and enjoy the compliments the next day!
Irresistible Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake for Summer Fun
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- bamboo skewer or chopstick
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 can Nonstick cooking spray Ensures that the cake releases easily from the pan for perfect slices.
- 1 box White cake mix (15.25-oz) Serves as the light and fluffy base for your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake.
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-O (3-oz) Infuses moisture and vibrant strawberry flavor into each bite.
For the Frosting
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream Creates a rich and fluffy whipped cream frosting.
- 1 block Cream cheese (8-oz, room temperature) Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
- ⅔ cup Confectioners' sugar (75 g) Sweetens the frosting for balance.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor.
- ⅛ tsp Kosher salt Balances the sweetness.
For the Crunch Topping
- 24 cookies Vanilla sandwich cookies, such as Golden Oreos Provides that delightful crunch topping.
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted butter (½ stick, melted) Binds the cookie crumble together.
For Garnishing
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries (for serving, halved lengthwise) Adds beauty and elevates flavor profiles.
Instructions
Main Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Poke holes all over the surface of the cake using a bamboo skewer.
- Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup of hot water and pour over the poked cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Beat together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the cake.
- Mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter and sprinkle over the frosted cake.
- Top with fresh strawberry halves before serving.