Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that merges the deliciousness of a classic poke cake with the fresh flavors of strawberries and a crunchy topping. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks, and especially during the strawberry season when the berries are at their best. The dessert features moist white cake as its base, which absorbs a luscious strawberry Jell-O mixture, making each bite incredibly flavorful and juicy. Topped with a creamy frosting made from whipped cream and cream cheese, this cake is then finished with a crunchy layer of cookie crumbs that provide a wonderful contrast in texture. Each slice is not just a treat for the taste buds—it’s also a feast for the eyes, showcasing vibrant red strawberries against a backdrop of white and tan.

This recipe is an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide that even novice bakers can master. You’ll find the sweet, tangy flavors and the interplay of textures to be irresistible. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients about Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

List of ingredients with measurements

• Nonstick cooking spray
• One 15.25-ounce box white cake mix plus ingredients called for on the box
• One 3-ounce box strawberry Jell-O
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• One 8-ounce block cream cheese, room temperature
• 2/3 cup (75 g) confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 24 vanilla sandwich cookies, such as Golden Oreos
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• One 3-ounce box strawberry Jell-O (for the poke)
• Fresh strawberries, halved lengthwise for serving

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you want to switch things up, here are a few substitutions you can consider:

• Instead of white cake mix, you can use yellow or a gluten-free cake mix for a different twist or dietary needs.
• Vanilla sandwich cookies can be replaced with graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.
• For a healthier option, swap heavy cream with whipped coconut cream.
• You can also use sugar-free Jell-O and confectioners’ sugar to create a lower-sugar version.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Start by greasing a 13×9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure that the cake comes out easily once baked. Prepare the white cake mix according to the directions on the box, which usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, water, and oil. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. A tester inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

Using a bamboo skewer or a chopstick, carefully poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake. Make sure you don’t go all the way through to the bottom, and space the holes about 1/2 to 1 inch apart. This is the part where the Jell-O will soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Jell-O Mixture

In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and whisk in the strawberry Jell-O powder until it’s completely dissolved. After that, add another 1/2 cup of cold water and mix thoroughly. Carefully pour the Jell-O mixture evenly over the holes in the cake, ensuring that it seeps into every crevice. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or for the best results, let it sit overnight.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your cake is chilling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. In another large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese on medium-high speed until it is smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until smooth, then add the vanilla extract and salt. Gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is just combined, creating a light and fluffy frosting.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has set in the refrigerator, remove it and spread the frosting over the top of the cake. Reserve some frosting for decoration if you like. Now, for the crunchy topping: in a food processor, pulse the vanilla sandwich cookies until they become small pea-sized crumbs. Transfer these crumbs to a medium bowl, pour in the melted butter, sprinkle with some Jell-O powder, and stir everything together until well combined. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the frosting, pressing down lightly so it adheres. If you reserved some frosting, dollop or pipe it over the crumbs, and finally, top with halved fresh strawberries for that finishing touch.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Best ways to serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Serving Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is as easy as cutting it into slices—you’ll want to get a generous portion of cake, creamy frosting, and the delightful crunch all in one bite. For an inviting presentation, display the cake on a nice platter and add some fresh strawberries around it for a pop of color. This approach not only makes it look beautiful but also emphasizes the fresh strawberries used in the recipe.

Serving suggestions or pairings

Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top can elevate the dessert experience, making it even more indulgent. Additionally, a light fruit salad or a refreshing glass of lemonade complements the sweetness of the cake wonderfully and adds a refreshing touch to your dessert table.

How to Store Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Proper storage methods

To keep your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store the cake in the refrigerator, where it will remain delicious for about 3 to 5 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you have leftover cake, it’s best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. Just be cautious not to overheat, as it might melt the frosting. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is to rush the cooling process of the cake. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding the Jell-O, as this will prevent it from falling apart. Also, ensure that the holes are spaced evenly to allow for uniform absorption of the Jell-O.

Helpful tips for better results

To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh or frozen strawberries in the frosting or as a topping. You can also experiment with adding a bit of lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor. Lastly, if you want a richer taste, opt for a higher-fat cream cheese for the frosting.

Variation of Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

While the original recipe is amazing as it is, there are countless variations to try. For example, you could swap strawberry Jell-O for raspberry or peach to create a new flavor profile. Another idea is to add layers, using different flavors of cake or frosting in between, like chocolate or vanilla, for a multi-flavored experience.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those who prefer gluten-free options, use a gluten-free cake mix. And vegan bakers can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives, and the eggs in the cake mix can often be replaced with applesauce or flaxseed mixed with water for binding. Always check the packaging for specific alternative suggestions.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your cake isn’t rising or has a strange texture, double-check your oven temperature and ensure it was properly calibrated. Also, make sure to follow the cake mix directions carefully, as baking is a science, and minor mistakes can impact the final product.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake ahead of time enhances its flavor as it sits and allows the Jell-O to fully set. You can prepare the cake a day or two in advance, ensuring that it has ample time to chill in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You have plenty of options! For the cake, try different cake mixes available, or use alternatives if you want a gluten-free version. Instead of cream cheese, you can opt for mascarpone or ricotta for a change, and for those with dairy restrictions, dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream can work well.

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