Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe
Love easy desserts? This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe uses vanilla cake, strawberry Jell-O, whipped frosting, and buttery cookie crumbs.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Fork or wooden skewer (for poking holes)
- Food processor or zip-top bag (for crushing cookies)
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box usually eggs, oil, and water
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 box 3 oz strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
For the Frosting
- 1 container 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 20 golden sandwich cookies like Golden Oreos
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin powder dry, not prepared
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. You want it warm, not hot.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick skewer, poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy here—this is where the magic happens. Space the holes about an inch apart.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Gelatin
- In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and boiling water until fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the gelatin can set.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunch Topping
- Crush the cookies into coarse crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the dry strawberry gelatin powder. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Finish the Cake
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosting. Press lightly so it sticks. Refrigerate for at least another hour before serving.