Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that will brighten any gathering. With its light, fluffy cake soaked in a luscious strawberry milk mixture, it’s perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The combination of creamy Cool Whip and crunchy Oreos adds texture and richness, making it an unforgettable indulgence. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delicious creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Flavorful Layers: The sweet strawberry milk soak enhances the cake’s flavor, creating a moist and delicious dessert.
• Versatile Presentation: Perfect for any occasion, this cake can be dressed up with fresh strawberries or enjoyed as is.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With 12 servings, it’s ideal for parties or family gatherings where you want to impress guests.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You can whip up this treat using basic kitchen tools you likely already own.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• 9×13 glass baking dish: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cake.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for heating ingredients without the risk of burning them.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of the milk mixture and gelatin without lumps.
• Bamboo skewer: Perfect for poking holes in the cake to allow for soaking.

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!

For the Cake Base

• 1 White sheet cake (baked in 9×13 dish)

For the Milk Mixture

• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 12 oz. can evaporated milk
• ½ cup whole milk
• 3 oz. package strawberry jello, divided

For Topping

• 8 oz. container of Cool Whip or frozen whipped topping (thawed, plus more for garnish)
• 25 Golden Oreos (about 1 package)
• ¼ cup salted butter (melted)

Optional Garnish

• Fresh strawberries for garnish

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F or follow the instructions on your cake mix package. Prepare your white sheet cake in a 9×13 glass baking dish according to the package directions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Milk Mixture

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

Step 3: Combine Milk Ingredients

Once cooled:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled evaporated milk mixture with sweetened condensed milk and whole milk.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Poke Holes in Cake

Using a bamboo skewer:
1. Poke small holes throughout the cooled white sheet cake.
2. Ensure holes are evenly spaced so that the milk mixture soaks into the cake uniformly.

Step 5: Soak the Cake

Spoon the prepared strawberry milk mixture over the entire surface of the cake:
1. Make sure it is evenly distributed across all holes.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow soaking.

Step 6: Add Cool Whip Topping

Once soaked:
1. Gently spread Cool Whip over the top of your chilled cake using a spatula.

Step 7: Crush Golden Oreos

In a plastic bag:
1. Place Golden Oreos and crush them into crumbs using a rolling pin until fine.

Step 8: Combine Cookie Crumbs

In a medium bowl:
1. Transfer crushed cookies.
2. Pour melted butter over cookie crumbs and sprinkle with remaining half package of strawberry gelatin powder.
3. Stir until combined.

Step 9: Top with Cookie Mixture

Sprinkle the cookie mixture evenly over the Cool Whip layer on top of your cake:
1. Press down gently to create a smooth surface.

Step 10: Serve

Slice into individual servings:
1. Serve with an additional dollop of Cool Whip or whipped cream if desired.
2. Garnish each slice with half a fresh strawberry if preferred.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and sweet flavors make it a hit at parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Individual Servings

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for an elegant touch.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top for extra creaminess.

Garnished with Fresh Strawberries

• Place a fresh strawberry half on each slice for added flavor and color.
• Drizzle with strawberry syrup for a sweeter presentation.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream to complement the cake’s flavors.
• Consider using a scoop of whipped topping instead of ice cream for a lighter option.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Create individual dessert cups by layering cake pieces, strawberry milk mixture, and Cool Whip.
• Top with crushed Oreos and fresh strawberries for an eye-catching treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Perfecting your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake will make it even more enjoyable. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and high-quality dairy will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Let the cake soak properly: Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for at least one hour; overnight is even better!
• Crush Oreos finely: Ensure cookie crumbs are small enough to create an even layer on top, helping them stick better.
• Chill before serving: Serving the cake chilled enhances its refreshing taste, especially in warmer weather.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to try other jello flavors, like raspberry or cherry, to switch things up!

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

While Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic pairing that offers creamy richness against the cake’s texture.
3. Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that elevates every bite of cake.
4. Lemonade: Refreshing drink that cuts through the sweetness and provides a tangy contrast.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with sweetness while adding savory notes.
6. Chocolate Fondue: For chocolate lovers, dipping fruit or cake pieces into warm chocolate brings indulgence to another level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using warm milk mixture: Ensure the evaporated milk mixture cools completely before pouring over the cake. This helps prevent sogginess.
• Not poking enough holes: Poke ample holes in the cake to allow the strawberry milk mixture to soak in thoroughly; otherwise, you might end up with dry spots.
• Overmixing the ingredients: When combining the milks, mix just until combined to maintain a light texture in your cake.
• Skipping refrigeration time: Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial for proper soaking and flavor enhancement.
• Not crushing Oreos finely enough: Aim for small crumbs when crushing Oreos. Larger pieces may not adhere well to the Cool Whip topping.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator without losing its deliciousness.
• item Keep it covered with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• item You can freeze portions of the cake for up to 3 months.
• item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• item Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake special?

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake stands out due to its unique combination of moist cake soaked in strawberry milk and topped with crunchy cookies and fresh strawberries, making it visually appealing and delicious.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different flavors of pudding or jello, use different types of cookies, or even include layers of fruit between the cake and whipped topping.

How do I ensure my cake is moist?

To keep your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake moist, make sure to properly poke holes throughout and let it absorb the strawberry milk mixture thoroughly.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jello?

Yes! Fresh strawberries can be diced and layered on top for added freshness and flavor, although using jello will enhance color and sweetness.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is not only delightful but also versatile enough for various occasions. With its refreshing flavors and customizable options, it’s perfect for any gathering. Try it out and impress your friends and family!

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