Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake: A Delightfully Sweet and Nostalgic Dessert

Looking for a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with delicious flavors? This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is the perfect choice. With its layers of moist white cake soaked in strawberry gelatin, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and finished with a crunchy, strawberry-flavored Oreo topping, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet it delivers an impressive result that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 18-20 Golden Oreos, coarsely crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder (just the dry powder)
• Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as instructed on the package (about 22-25 minutes) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
3. Once cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the cake.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Gelatin

1. In a small pitcher, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and boiling water until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Add the cold water and mix well.
2. Carefully pour the liquid gelatin mixture over the entire cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with a paddle attachment until smooth and fluffy (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Set aside.
2. In the same mixing bowl, switch to a whisk attachment and whip the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth. Spread this frosting evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the coarsely crushed Golden Oreos, melted butter, and dry strawberry gelatin powder until well combined and the Oreos are fully coated.
2. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture evenly over the frosted cake, pressing it down gently to adhere to the frosting. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Serve and Store

1. Serve immediately or refrigerate the cake to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Store any leftovers covered in the fridge. Note that the topping may soften slightly as the cake sits.

Recipe Notes

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 4+ hours
• Total Time: 5+ hours
• Servings: 12-15 slices
• Calories: 350-450 kcal per slice

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with its combination of soft cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping. It’s a fun, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any time you want to treat yourself and others to something special. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a standout on any dessert table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, this cake is a must-make. Enjoy every sweet, crunchy bite!

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