Dive into the sweet and refreshing flavors of our Delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake. This delightful dessert features a moist vanilla cake infused with strawberry gelatin, topped with a creamy layer of whipped topping and a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumble. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun family treat, this cake brings the joy of strawberries and cream to every bite, ensuring a crowd-pleasing experience.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 12
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (425g) vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 box (85g) strawberry-flavored gelatin mix
- 240ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 240ml (1 cup) cold water
For the Topping:
- 480ml (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
- 50g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 100g (1 cup) freeze-dried strawberries
- 150g (1 cup) Golden Oreo cookies
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
Method of Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water and mix well.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is set.
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- In a food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries and Golden Oreo cookies until they form coarse crumbs.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix in the melted butter until well combined.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the whipped topping layer.
- Slice and serve the cake chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before pouring the gelatin to prevent it from melting the cake.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use strawberry extract in the whipped topping.
- Make the crunch topping just before serving to keep it crisp and crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I use a different flavor of gelatin? A: Yes, you can experiment with different gelatin flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- Q: How should I store leftover cake? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream? A: Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream for convenience.
Elevate your dessert game with our Delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake. Bursting with fruity flavor and a delightful crunchy topping, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the refreshing combination of strawberries, cream, and a buttery crunch with every bite!