This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a fun twist on a classic dessert! Soft cake soaked in sweet strawberry sauce is topped with whipped cream and crunchy bits for an extra treat.
Trust me, every slice is a delicious party! I love how the strawberries shine through, and the crunch gives it a delightful texture. Perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A box of white or yellow cake mix is the base for this dessert. If you want to make it from scratch, that’s totally possible! Just use your favorite vanilla cake recipe. Gluten-free mixes are also available if needed.
Strawberry Gelatin: This adds the fruity flavor. If you’re not a fan of gelatin, you can use a homemade strawberry syrup instead for soaking, just ensure it’s a little thick to soak into the cake.
Strawberry Pie Filling: While canned is super easy, you can make your own with fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch for a fresher taste. It’ll give a vibrant flavor!
Whipped Topping: I used a thawed frozen whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream is even tastier and feels more special. Use heavy cream—just whip it until soft peaks form.
Crushed Cookies: Vanilla wafer cookies add a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, use crushed graham crackers or even crushed nuts for a different flavor!
How Should You Poke Holes in the Cake?
Poking holes in the cake is a crucial step for letting the gelatin soak in. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the cake cool slightly, but it’s best to do this while it’s still warm. This helps the holes absorb the liquid better.
- Use a wooden skewer, the handle of a wooden spoon, or a large fork to poke evenly spaced holes all over the surface.
- Try to go about halfway down into the cake for maximum soakage!
Taking your time with this step ensures the strawberry flavor really infuses into the cake, making it extra delicious!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (and the ingredients needed for mix: usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
For the Cream Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (or you can use homemade whipped cream)
- 1 cup chopped strawberries (optional for extra fruitiness)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies or yellow cake crumbs
- Whole strawberries for garnish
- Additional whipped topping for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus approximately 2 hours to chill (1 hour for the gelatin to set and another hour after layering). It’s surprisingly easy and transforms into a beautiful, tasty cake perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter as directed and then pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which is usually about 25-30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
While the cake is baking, in a bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until it’s all dissolved, then set it aside to cool slightly (but don’t let it set).
3. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. While it’s still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake, about every inch apart. This will allow the gelatin to soak into the cake.
4. Add the Gelatin:
Pour the cooled strawberry gelatin evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes you just poked. Then, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the gelatin set deeply into the cake.
5. Make the Cream Topping:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined, creating a light and airy cream mixture.
6. Assemble the Cake:
Spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture evenly over the chilled cake, making sure it covers the entire surface. Next, gently spread the strawberry pie filling over the cream layer. If you want, mix some chopped fresh strawberries into the pie filling before spreading for extra fruity flavor!
7. Add the Crunch:
Now, it’s time to sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafer cookies or cake crumbs over the top for that delightful crunch!
8. Garnish and Chill:
Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped topping and a whole fresh strawberry when serving. Finally, chill the cake for at least another hour in the fridge before enjoying it. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve this scrumptious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake at your next gathering, and watch everyone go back for seconds! Enjoy the moist, creamy, fruity, and crunchy delight!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry adds a delightful flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even tropical fruit gelatin for a different twist on this cake.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that the crunch topping may get a bit soft over time.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the standard white or yellow mix. The other ingredients should work just fine as is, making for a delicious gluten-free treat.
Can I Add Fresh Strawberries to the Cake Batter?
Definitely! You can fold in some chopped fresh strawberries into the cake batter before baking. This will add extra flavor and make the cake even more delicious!
