Dreamy Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet summer memories flood back with this delightful strawberry crunch poke cake that combines nostalgic flavors and playful textures.

Layers of moist cake receive a delicate network of strawberry-infused holes, creating surprising bursts of fruity goodness.

Creamy frosting nestles between each layer, promising a decadent experience with every single bite.

Crunchy graham cracker topping adds an unexpected twist that keeps people guessing about the secret ingredient.

Bright red strawberries scattered across the surface make this dessert a visual masterpiece that screams celebration.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making you the star baker among friends and family.

Dive in and let each forkful transport you to a world of pure deliciousness.

How To Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and give a 9×13-inch baking pan a quick spray with cooking oil or butter rub.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• White cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Whisk everything into a silky smooth blend with zero lumpy surprises.

Step 3: Bake The Base

Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Send it into the oven for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out completely clean.

Step 4: Create Magical Holes

Once the cake emerges, let it rest for 10 minutes. Take a wooden spoon handle and punch holes across the warm cake’s surface.

Step 5: Infuse With Strawberry Magic

Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water. Gently pour this vibrant liquid over the cake, letting it seep into every little hole.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Slide the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to transform and intensify the strawberry flavor.

Step 7: Craft Crunchy Topping

Pulse golden oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they become a fine, crumbly mixture.

Step 8: Smooth On Creamy Layer

Spread whipped topping across the chilled cake, creating a cloud-like surface.

Step 9: Sprinkle Delightful Crumbs

Generously scatter the oreo-strawberry crumb mixture over the whipped topping, covering every inch.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Drizzle strawberry syrup across the top and dot with fresh sliced strawberries.

Step 11: Final Chill

Return the cake to the refrigerator for 30 more minutes to let flavors mingle and topping set perfectly.

Tips To Help With Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Perfectly Poke Holes: Create consistent, evenly spaced holes across the cake surface to maximize gelatin absorption and ensure each bite is infused with strawberry flavor.
• Prevent Lumpy Batter: Whisk cake mix ingredients thoroughly and vigorously to eliminate clumps, guaranteeing a smooth, silky cake texture that bakes evenly.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing gelatin to completely set and strawberry essence to penetrate deeply into the cake layers.
• Crumb Consistency Matters: Pulse oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries until they form a fine, uniform crumb that sprinkles smoothly and provides perfect texture contrast.

New Ways To Enjoy Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Poke Cake: Replace white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Poke Cake: Swap eggs with applesauce, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and select a dairy-free whipped topping alternative to create a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Strawberry Fusion Cake: Substitute white cake mix with chocolate cake mix and use chocolate pudding instead of strawberry gelatin for a rich, decadent chocolate-strawberry flavor combination.
• Low-Sugar Berry Poke Cake: Use sugar-free gelatin, replace regular whipped topping with a sugar-free alternative, and incorporate fresh berries for natural sweetness while reducing overall sugar content.

Top Pairings For Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Pair with Strawberry Prosecco Spritzer: Crisp, bubbly cocktail that mirrors the cake's fruity strawberry essence, enhancing the dessert's sweet profile and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold scoop that balances the cake's rich texture, adds smooth coolness, and highlights the strawberry's bright flavor.
• Match with Fresh Mint Tea: Light, herbal beverage that cuts through the sweetness, cleanses the palate, and provides a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the decadent cake.
• Serve alongside Mascarpone Whipped Cream: Luxurious, silky topping that intensifies the cake's creamy elements, adds depth to the strawberry notes, and creates a more indulgent dessert experience.

Storing Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Correctly

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep cake chilled to maintain its texture and prevent gelatin from breaking down.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Remove from freezer and let sit in refrigerator overnight. Unwrap carefully to prevent condensation from making the topping soggy.
• Gently warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent whipped topping from melting or cake from becoming dry.

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake FAQs

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

Golden oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries create a delightful crunch and intense strawberry flavor that elevates the traditional poke cake.

• Is this recipe good for special occasions?

Absolutely! The beautiful strawberry color, elegant layering, and impressive presentation make it perfect for birthdays, summer parties, and potlucks.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use regular vanilla cake mix instead of white cake mix, and swap whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner bakers?

This poke cake is beginner-friendly! The steps are straightforward, and the technique of poking holes and adding gelatin is simple to master, even for those with minimal baking experience.

Why Everyone Loves Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Burst with Strawberry Flavor: Dive into a delightful dessert that packs a punch of sweet, tangy strawberry goodness in every single bite.
• Craft with Minimal Effort: Create a showstopping cake that looks impressive but requires simple steps and basic ingredients anyone can master.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Wow guests with a stunning dessert that combines classic cake, fruity gelatin, and crunchy cookie crumbles for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• No-Fuss Crowd-Rouser: Transform a basic cake mix into a spectacular dessert that brings excitement to potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings with minimal kitchen skills.

What Goes Into Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for the strawberry dessert.
• Eggs: Help bind the cake ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.

• Strawberry Gelatin Packages: Adds vibrant strawberry flavor and creates a moist, jelly-like layer throughout the cake.
• Boiling Water: Dissolves the gelatin powder completely.
• Cold Water: Helps cool and set the gelatin mixture.

• Whipped Topping: Creates a creamy, light layer that complements the strawberry flavor.
• Golden Oreo Cookies, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Provide a crunchy, textured crumb topping with intense strawberry flavor.
• Strawberry Syrup: Adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that enhances the overall presentation.

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible strawberry crunch poke cake delivers a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. Creamy layers mingled with sweet berries and crunchy topping promise a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

cake base:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

strawberry layer:

• 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

topping:

• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
• 1 cup crushed golden oreo cookies
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1/4 cup strawberry syrup
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well-blended, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake.
5. Dissolve the strawberry gelatin packages in boiling water, then stir in cold water. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes created.
6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set completely and infuse the cake with strawberry flavor.
7. In a food processor, pulse the golden oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries until they form a fine, crumbly texture.
8. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, creating a smooth surface.
9. Sprinkle the oreo-strawberry crumb mixture generously over the whipped topping, covering the entire cake.
10. Drizzle strawberry syrup across the top and garnish with fresh sliced strawberries.
11. Chill the cake for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.

Notes

• Ensure cake mix is at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent texture.
• Create perfectly even holes by using the handle of a wooden spoon in a systematic grid pattern.
• Prevent gelatin from forming lumps by whisking thoroughly and pouring slowly over warm cake surface.
• Experiment with alternative cookie options like graham crackers or shortbread for different crunch textures.
• Use sugar-free gelatin and low-fat whipped topping for a lighter, diet-friendly version of the dessert.
• Enhance strawberry flavor by adding a splash of strawberry extract to the cake batter or gelatin mixture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, select a gluten-free cake mix and verify all ingredient compatibility.
• Keep cake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg