Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of flavor and color to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or a simple weeknight treat, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of sweet strawberry milk, creamy Cool Whip, and crunchy Oreo topping creates a unique texture that will keep everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake can be whipped up in no time.
• Deliciously Flavorful – The blend of strawberry milk and gelatin makes each bite bursting with fruity goodness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a picnic or a holiday gathering, this cake fits all celebrations.
• Customizable Toppings – Feel free to add your favorite fruits or toppings for a personal touch.
• A Crowd-Pleaser – With its bright colors and sweet flavors, this dessert is sure to attract compliments.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 glass baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Bamboo skewer
• Rolling pin
• Plastic bag

Why These Tools Matter

• 9×13 glass baking dish – This size ensures even baking and easy serving of your cake.
• Small saucepan – Ideal for heating the evaporated milk and dissolving the gelatin smoothly.
• Whisk – Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly, especially the milk mixture.
• Bamboo skewer – Perfect for poking holes in the cake so it can absorb the delicious strawberry mixture.

Ingredients

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a pretty cake filled with a sweet strawberry milk and gelatin mixture, then topped with crushed Oreos and fresh strawberries!

• 1 White sheet cake (baked in 9×13 dish)
• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 12 oz. can evaporated milk
• ½ cup whole milk
• 3 oz. package strawberry jello, divided
• 8 oz. container of Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping (thawed (plus more for garnish, see notes))
• 25 Golden Oreos (about 1 package)
• ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
• Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F or as directed on the cake mix package instructions.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Mix and bake your white sheet cake in the 9×13 glass baking dish according to the instructions on the package. Once baked, let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Milk Mixture

In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Heat the evaporated milk until warm.
2. Whisk in half of the strawberry gelatin powder until dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Combine Milks

Once cooled, add the sweetened condensed milk and whole milk into the evaporated milk mixture. Whisk well until fully combined.

Step 5: Poke Holes in Cake

Use a bamboo skewer to poke small holes all over the cooled cake evenly.

Step 6: Soak Cake with Strawberry Mixture

Spoon the strawberry milk mixture over the cake evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow soaking.

Step 7: Spread Cool Whip

After soaking, gently spread Cool Whip over the top of the cake.

Step 8: Crush Golden Oreos

Place golden Oreos in a plastic bag:
1. Use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs.
2. Transfer crumbs into a medium bowl.

Step 9: Mix Oreo Crust

Pour melted butter over crushed cookies and sprinkle with remaining half package of strawberry gelatin powder. Stir until combined.

Step 10: Top with Cookie Mixture

Sprinkle the cookie mixture over the Cool Whip layer on top of the cake. Press down gently to form an even surface.

Step 11: Serve

Slice into individual servings. Serve each piece with a dollop of Cool Whip or whipped cream along with a fresh strawberry half if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Serving Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive celebration, you can enhance the presentation and enjoyment of this tasty dessert.

Individual Servings

• Use small dessert cups to create individual servings, making it easy for guests to enjoy their portion without needing to slice the cake.

Garnished Slices

• Top each slice with a dollop of extra Cool Whip and a fresh strawberry half for a visually appealing touch.

Layered Dessert Parfaits

• Layer pieces of the poke cake with whipped topping and crushed Oreos in clear glass cups for an elegant dessert parfait.

Picnic Style

• Serve the cake in squares on disposable plates at outdoor gatherings, making it convenient for guests to grab and enjoy.

Family Style Serving

• Place the entire cake on a decorative platter, allowing guests to serve themselves while enjoying the communal aspect of dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Perfecting your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake can elevate its taste and presentation. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the strawberry milk mixture. This prevents sogginess.
• Poking Technique: Use a bamboo skewer or fork to poke holes evenly across the cake for better absorption of the milk mixture.
• Chill Time: Allow adequate chilling time (at least 1 hour) after soaking. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries as a garnish to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
• Cookie Crumb Texture: Crush Oreos finely but not into dust for a nice texture on top. This will provide a satisfying crunch.
• Whipped Topping Alternatives: If you prefer, use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for an extra touch of freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the strawberry flavors perfectly.
3. Chocolate Mousse: The rich chocolate flavor contrasts well with the fruity poke cake, creating an indulgent pairing.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially cream cheese or mascarpone, provides a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
5. Homemade Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cuts through sweetness while enhancing flavors with its tartness.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that pairs nicely with dessert richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are key points to keep in mind.

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial. If you skip this step, the milk mixture won’t soak in properly, leading to a dry cake.
• Overmixing the Milk Mixture: When combining the milks and gelatin, avoid overmixing. This can create bubbles that prevent the mixture from soaking into the cake.
• Not Poking Enough Holes: Ensure you poke enough holes in the cake for even distribution of the strawberry milk. Insufficient holes may lead to uneven flavor and texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients like Cool Whip are at room temperature before spreading. Cold toppings do not spread evenly and may tear the cake.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Fresh strawberries and additional Cool Whip add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip these; they enhance both taste and presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• You can freeze slices of this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It will maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheat, place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert made with a white cake soaked in a sweet strawberry milk mixture, topped with crushed cookies and whipped topping.

How long does it take to make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

The total time includes about 20 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, plus at least an hour of chilling time for the best flavor absorption.

Can I use other flavors instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored jello or fruits to customize your poke cake according to your preferences.

How should I serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Serve cold from the refrigerator with extra Cool Whip and fresh fruit on top for an inviting presentation.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more, making it taste even better!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion and easy to customize based on seasonal fruits or personal tastes. Give it a try and impress your friends and family!