This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a fun and fruity dessert that’s packed with strawberry flavor! It’s moist, creamy, and topped with a crunchy layer that adds extra excitement in every bite.
Every time I make this cake, it disappears faster than I can say “strawberry.” It’s perfect for any celebration or just a sunny afternoon treat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White cake mix: This is the base for your cake. You can also use yellow cake mix for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a homemade touch, simple recipes for white cake from scratch are just a few ingredients away.
Strawberry gelatin: While the Jell-O brand is popular, any brand of strawberry gelatin will work. If you want a healthier option, try using fruit puree instead, though it might not set quite the same way as gelatin does.
Fresh strawberries: Fresh berries add a beautiful burst of flavor. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used; just thaw and chop them before adding.
Cream cheese: For a lighter topping, you might consider substituting mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will work well, but may alter the flavor a bit—keeping it creamy and delicious nonetheless.
Heavy whipping cream: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a half-and-half mixture of whole milk and whipped cream. It won’t be as rich but will still give you a lovely topping.
How Do You Ensure the Gelatin Sets Perfectly in the Cake?
Getting the gelatin to seep properly into the cake is important for flavor and moisture. Make sure to poke the holes while the cake is still warm. This helps the gelatin fill in nicely.
- Use the back of a spoon or fork to poke holes all over the cake, but don’t go too deep—just enough to let the liquid in.
- Pour the gelatin mixture slowly over the cake so it seeps into the holes evenly.
- Chill the cake for 2-3 hours after adding the gelatin. This allows it to set properly.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients needed as per package: eggs, oil, water)
For The Strawberry Filling:
- 1 can (3.4 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
For The Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Crunch:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies or graham cracker crumbs
For Garnish:
- Whole strawberries (2-3), washed and halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 20 minutes to prepare the cake, plus 2-3 hours for chilling to let the gelatin set. This means you can have your delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake ready in about 3 hours and 20 minutes, but most of that time is just waiting for it to set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
First, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the white cake mix package. While that’s warming up, get a 9×13 inch baking pan ready by greasing and flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Bake the Cake:
Next, make the white cake batter according to the package directions. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake it until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean, which should be about the time suggested on the box.
3. Poke the Holes:
Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Still warm, take the back of a spoon or a fork and poke holes all over the surface. Make sure to poke enough holes so the gelatin can seep in but don’t go too deep!
4. Make the Strawberry Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the strawberry gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it until it’s fully dissolved. Then, add in 1 cup of cold water and your chopped strawberries. Stir gently until everything is combined.
5. Pour the Filling Over Cake:
Take that delicious strawberry mixture and pour it evenly over the holes in your cake. This will allow the strawberry flavor to soak into the cake, making it wonderfully moist and flavorful.
6. Chill the Cake:
Now, cover the cake and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2-3 hours until the gelatin is fully set. This step is crucial for that perfect texture!
7. Prepare the Topping:
While the cake is chilling, you can make the topping. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy.
8. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream along with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should be thick enough to hold its shape.
9. Combine Toppings:
Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to mix well but without deflating the whipped cream—this keeps it light and fluffy!
10. Spread the Topping:
After your cake has set, spread the creamy topping over the entire surface of the cake evenly. It’s time for some delicious fluffiness!
11. Add the Crunch:
Now, sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafer cookies or graham cracker crumbs across the top to add a satisfying crunch. This is the best part!
12. Garnish and Chill Again:
To finish it off, garnish the cake with whole or halved strawberries on top. These add a lovely touch of freshness. Then chill the cake for at least another hour before serving.
13. Serve & Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, cut the cake into squares and serve cold. Each bite will be a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While a white cake mix is traditional, you can easily substitute it with a yellow cake mix for a richer flavor. Just follow the instructions on the box, and you’re good to go!
How Can I Substitute the Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before chopping and adding them to the gelatin mix.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresher longer, you can wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month.
Can I Prepare This Cake in Advance?
Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead and let it chill overnight after adding the gelatin. Just add the cream cheese topping and garnish right before serving to keep everything fresh and fluffy.
