Craving a nostalgic treat that’s both refreshing and delightful? My strawberry crunch poke cake recipe is a playful twist on the beloved strawberry shortcake ice cream bars of childhood. This bright and beautiful poke cake captures the essence of those classic flavors in every bite. With its light and fluffy texture, pretty pink stripes, and a cookie crumble topping, this dessert is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this strawberry crunch poke cake using a clever cake mix shortcut, strawberry jello, Cool Whip, vanilla sandwich cookies, and strawberry syrup. The result is a moist and flavorful masterpiece that’s reminiscent of a tres leches cake, with sweet strawberry flavor stripes running through it. Indulge in the perfect blend of fruity goodness, whipped topping fluffiness, and a satisfying cookie crunch in each forkful of this delightful creation.
Ingredients
Creating a delightful strawberry crunch poke cake requires gathering a few key ingredients that harmonize perfectly to bring out the unique flavors and textures of this dessert.
For the Cake
- 1 box White Cake Mix
- Water, vegetable oil, and eggs (as per cake mix instructions)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Confectioners Sugar
- 1 packet Strawberry Gelatin
- 1 cup boiling Water
- 18 Golden Oreos, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted Butter
- Fresh Strawberries (optional garnish)
Equipment Needed
To prepare this delicious strawberry crunch poke cake, you will need the following equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
- Refrigerator
Having these tools ready will help you create a perfect strawberry crunch poke cake with ease.
Preparation Steps
Making the Cake
To start making the cake, I bake a white cake in a 9×13 baking dish and let it cool completely. Using a bamboo skewer, I poke holes all over the cake, about ½ to 1 inch apart.
Preparing the Frosting
For the frosting, I pour the strawberry gelatin powder into a bowl, whisk in boiling water until dissolved, and then gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream. I pour this mixture over the cake, ensuring to fill the holes and avoid the edges.
Creating the Strawberry Crunch Topping
To create the crunchy topping, I crush Golden Oreos in a food processor and mix them with strawberry syrup until crumbled. I sprinkle this mixture over the cake, gently spreading it to reach all edges, and serve with fresh strawberry halves on top for a delightful finish.
Assembly Instructions
Layering and Soaking the Cake
After letting the cake cool for 20 minutes, I proceed to poke multiple holes into it using the end of a stirring spoon, ensuring not to go all the way through. In a medium bowl, I then combine the strawberry gelatin powder with boiling water until fully dissolved. Slowly adding in the remaining heavy cream while whisking continuously creates a rich pink liquid. Carefully pouring this strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake, I make sure to fill the holes generously, avoiding the cake’s edges. Once any excess liquid is spread into the holes, I cover the cake well and refrigerate it for a minimum of 24 hours or overnight.
Adding the Frosting
When ready to serve the cake, I remove it from the refrigerator, uncover it, and spread the whipped topping evenly across the top. This step adds a creamy and delightful finish to the cake, complementing the fruity flavors from the strawberry gelatin.
Topping with Strawberry Crunch
To prepare the strawberry crunch topping, I take vanilla sandwich cookies and pulse them in a food processor until coarsely crushed. Adding strawberry syrup and pulsing a few more times mixes the cookies into a crumbly pink and white combination. Sprinkling this topping over the whipped cream layer, I ensure it reaches all edges before slicing the cake into individual servings. To enhance the presentation, I garnish each slice with fresh strawberries and an optional dollop of whipped topping.
Baking and Cooling
First, preheat your oven to 350°F as stated on the cake mix package instructions.
Next, prepare a 9×13 baking dish by generously spraying it with non-stick spray, ensuring all sides are covered. Set the dish aside for later use.
After preheating the oven, proceed to mix and bake the cake batter in the prepared 9×13 glass baking dish. Follow the instructions on the cake mix package closely to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. You can place it on a wire rack to speed up the cooling process.
It’s essential to ensure that the cake is thoroughly cooled before moving on to the next step of the recipe. Cooling the cake properly will help it maintain its structure when soaked with the strawberry gelatin mixture later on.
Taking the time to bake and cool the cake correctly sets the foundation for the delicious layers of flavors and textures that will come together in this strawberry crunch poke cake recipe.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delectable strawberry crunch poke cake, there are a few tips to ensure a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate the enjoyment of this dessert:
- Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Before serving, top each slice of the poke cake with a fresh strawberry. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall strawberry flavor profile of the dessert.
- Whipped Topping Swirls: Create elegant whipped cream swirls on top of each slice using a piping bag and a star tip. This simple touch adds a visually appealing element to the presentation of the cake.
- Optional Oreo Toppings: For a crunchy texture contrast, consider adding some crushed Golden Oreos on top of the whipped cream just before serving. This extra element of crunch will surprise and delight your guests.
- Serving with Fresh Berries: In addition to the fresh strawberry garnish, consider serving the cake with a variety of fresh berries on the side, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. This adds a refreshing and colorful accompaniment to the dessert.
- Chilled and Refreshing: To enhance the experience, ensure the poke cake is adequately chilled before serving. The cool temperature of the cake pairs perfectly with the creamy texture and fruity flavors, making it a refreshing treat on a warm day.
By following these serving suggestions, you can elevate the presentation and taste of your strawberry crunch poke cake, turning it into a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Storage Instructions
After preparing and serving the delicious strawberry crunch poke cake, it’s essential to store any leftover portions properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Follow these simple storage instructions to ensure that your cake stays delightful for as long as possible:
- Cover: If you have any remaining slices of the cake, cover the baking dish or individual slices with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This step helps prevent the cake from drying out and absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Refrigerate: Place the covered cake in the refrigerator promptly. It’s best to store the cake in the fridge to preserve its texture and flavors. The cold temperature will also help the frosting and toppings stay intact.
- Air-tight Container: For extended storage or if you’ve transferred the cake to a different container, make sure it is air-tight. A sealed container will shield the cake from moisture and maintain its freshness.
- Labeling: If you’re storing the cake for more than a day, consider labeling the container with the date. This practice helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you consume it within a reasonable timeframe.
- Shelf Life: The strawberry crunch poke cake can typically last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the cake may start to dry out and lose its optimal taste and texture.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy the strawberry crunch poke cake over several days without compromising its quality. Remember to check the cake before serving each slice to ensure it still looks and smells fresh.
Conclusion
Creating a strawberry crunch poke cake is a delightful way to indulge in a nostalgic treat with a modern twist. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the light and fluffy cake to the crunchy cookie crumble topping. With the right ingredients and careful assembly, you can enjoy a delicious dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Remember to follow the steps closely, from soaking the cake in strawberry gelatin to adding the creamy frosting and crunchy topping. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to create a stunning dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks visually appealing. So, why not give this strawberry crunch poke cake recipe a try and elevate your dessert game to a whole new level?