Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Posted on September 13, 2025

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and textures. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or a sweet ending to any meal. The combination of a moist white cake infused with strawberry milk and topped with crunchy Oreos creates a unique experience that’s sure to impress your guests. With fresh strawberries as a garnish, this cake is not just tasty but visually stunning too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
Flavorful Layers: Each bite offers a delightful mix of creamy sweetness from the strawberry milk and the crunch from the Oreos.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this cake can be made ahead of time and served chilled.
Garnish Delight: Fresh strawberries add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its beautiful appearance and delicious flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit at any event.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

9×13 glass baking dish
Small saucepan
Whisk
Bamboo skewer
Plastic bag (for crushing cookies)
Rolling pin
Medium bowl

Why These Tools Matter

9×13 glass baking dish: Ensures even baking and allows you to serve directly from it.
Small saucepan: Perfect for heating liquids without burning them.
Bamboo skewer: Ideal for poking holes in the cake without damaging it.
Plastic bag: Keeps your work area clean while crushing Oreos easily.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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 the oven to 350°F or as directed on the cake mix package instructions. Prepare your white cake batter and bake it in a 9×13 glass baking dish according to the instructions provided in your mix. Allow the cake to cool completely once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Milk Mixture

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the evaporated milk. Whisk in half of the strawberry gelatin powder until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once cooled, combine the evaporated milk mixture with sweetened condensed milk and whole milk. Whisk until fully blended.

Step 4: Poke Holes in Cake

Using a bamboo skewer, poke small holes evenly across the surface of the cooled cake.

Step 5: Soak the Cake

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

Step 6: Add Cool Whip Topping

After chilling, gently spread Cool Whip over the top layer of the cake evenly.

Step 7: Crush Oreos

Place golden Oreos in a plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin.

Step 8: Combine Oreo Crumbs with Butter

Transfer crushed cookies to a medium bowl. Pour melted butter over cookie crumbs and sprinkle with remaining half package of strawberry gelatin powder; stir until well combined.

Step 9: Top the Cake

Sprinkle the Oreo mixture over Cool Whip on top of the cake. Press down gently to create an even layer.

Step 10: Serve Your Cake

Slice into individual servings and serve each slice with a dollop of Cool Whip or whipped cream along with half of a fresh strawberry as garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Serving Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful experience that enhances its appeal. This cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Here are some creative ways to serve it:

Individual Servings

Slice and Plate: Cut the cake into squares and place each piece on a decorative plate for an elegant presentation.
Cake Jars: Layer pieces of cake and whipped topping in mason jars for a fun and portable dessert option.

Garnish Ideas

Fresh Strawberries: Top each serving with a fresh strawberry half for added color and flavor.
Mint Leaves: Add a sprig of mint on top for a refreshing touch.

Accompaniments

Whipped Cream: Offer extra whipped cream on the side for those who love a creamy texture.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the cake for an indulgent twist.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

To achieve the best version of Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, consider these helpful tips:

Bold Baking Time: Ensure you bake the cake until it’s fully cooked by using a toothpick. It should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Bold Cooling Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes; this will help prevent excess liquid from seeping out.
Bold Soaking Time: Let the cake soak in the milk mixture for at least one hour; overnight soaking will yield even better results.
Bold Cookie Texture: When crushing Oreos, aim for fine crumbs to ensure they adhere well and create an even topping.
Bold Refrigeration: Keep leftovers refrigerated; this helps maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

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

Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the strawberry flavors perfectly.
Bold Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
Bold Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Bold Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites add a rich texture that pairs well with fruity desserts.
Bold Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add elegance and a touch of indulgence to your dessert table.
Bold Yogurt Parfaits: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit provide a healthier option alongside this decadent cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Not Cooling the Cake Completely: If the cake is still warm, the milk mixture won’t soak in properly. Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes.
Overmixing Ingredients: Mixing too vigorously can incorporate excess air, resulting in a dense cake. Gently combine wet ingredients to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Skipping Refrigeration Time: Not letting the cake soak in the milk mixture long enough will result in dry spots. Aim for at least one hour in the fridge for optimal flavor infusion.
Using Stale Cookies: Fresh Golden Oreos provide the best flavor and texture. Always check the expiration date before using them for your crumb topping.
Ignoring Garnish Options: Skipping fresh strawberries can make your cake look less appealing. Use them as a garnish for added color and freshness.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake in an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining its freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to label it with the date.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use medium power and heat slices for 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Unique?

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake stands out due to its moist texture from soaking in flavored milk, combined with a delightful crunchy topping of cookies.

Can I Customize the Flavor of My Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Absolutely! You can swap strawberry jello for other flavors like raspberry or cherry, providing you with endless customization options.

How Do I Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Slice it into squares and serve chilled with extra Cool Whip or whipped cream on top, along with fresh strawberries for decoration.

Is Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Suitable for Special Diets?

While this recipe contains dairy and gluten, you can explore alternative dairy-free whipped toppings and gluten-free cookies to adapt it to various dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor! Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy serving a delicious dessert that everyone will love!