Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Posted on October 26, 2025

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is an eye-catching dessert that combines a moist cake with a sweet strawberry milk infusion, topped with a delightful crunch of crushed Oreos and fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it stand out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this cake can be whipped up in no time.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of strawberry milk and Cool Whip creates a luscious flavor that everyone will love.
Versatile Presentation: Perfect for serving at parties or family dinners, it can be garnished in various ways to suit the occasion.
Make Ahead Friendly: This cake is ideal for preparing in advance as it needs time to soak up the strawberry mixture in the fridge.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will adore the fun colors and flavors, making it a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

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: Allows for even baking and makes serving easy.
Small saucepan: Perfect for heating the evaporated milk without burning it.
Bamboo skewer: Ideal for poking holes in the cake evenly to absorb the 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!

For the Cake

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)
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 follow the instructions on your cake mix package. Prepare and bake your white sheet cake in a 9×13 glass baking dish until done. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Milk Mixture

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

Step 3: Combine Flavors

To the cooled evaporated milk mixture:
1. Add sweetened condensed milk and whole milk.
2. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 4: Poke Holes in Cake

Using a bamboo skewer:
1. Poke small, evenly spaced holes all over the cooled cake.

Step 5: Soak Cake with Strawberry Milk Mixture

Spoon the strawberry milk mixture over the cake:
1. Ensure even coverage.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour to soak.

Step 6: Add Cool Whip Topping

Gently spread Cool Whip over the top of the chilled cake.

Step 7: Prepare Cookie Crunch Topping

In a plastic bag:
1. Place golden Oreos and crush them using a rolling pin until they become fine crumbs.

In a medium bowl:
1. Transfer crushed cookies.
2. Pour melted butter over cookie crumbs.
3. Sprinkle remaining half of strawberry gelatin powder on top.
4. Stir well to combine.

Step 8: Final Layering

Sprinkle the cookie mixture evenly over the Cool Whip layer on top of the cake:
1. Press down lightly as needed to create a smooth top.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Slice into individual servings:
1. Serve each piece with an additional dollop of Cool Whip and garnish with fresh strawberry halves if desired.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Serving Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is all about presentation and enhancing its delightful flavors. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dessert that will impress your guests and make every bite memorable.

Individual Dessert Cups

Layer cake pieces with whipped topping and strawberries in clear cups for a visually appealing treat. This makes for easy serving at parties.

With Fresh Fruit

Serve slices of the cake alongside a variety of fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.

Family Style

Place the whole cake on a decorative cake stand and let guests serve themselves. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at any gathering.

Ice Cream Pairing

Offer scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side for those who love an extra creamy texture with their cake.

Garnished Slices

Top each slice with additional fresh strawberries and a dollop of Cool Whip for an elegant touch that enhances its flavor.

Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce

Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over each piece for a decadent twist that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your milks and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter for the cake.
Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes. This prevents the milk mixture from seeping out too quickly.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, refrigerate the cake for several hours or overnight after soaking. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Be Generous with Toppings: Don’t hold back on Cool Whip and crushed cookies. A generous layer adds texture and enhances the overall taste experience.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute different flavored gelatin or toppings to give your cake a unique twist each time you make it!
Store Properly: Keep leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days!

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

When serving Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great suggestions:

Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light, refreshing side that balances richness.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These delightful bites provide an elegant touch while echoing the strawberry theme of the cake.
Whipped Cream Dip
Serve with pretzels or graham crackers for dipping; this offers both crunch and creaminess alongside your cake.
Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to dessert, balancing flavors at your table.
Mini Pastries
Light pastries such as eclairs or cream puffs can complement the sweetness while adding variety to your dessert spread.
Lemonade or Iced Tea
Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea pair well with dessert, providing a light finish between bites.
Granola Bars
Homemade granola bars can add both healthiness and crunch, making them a great addition for guests looking for lighter options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, even small errors can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Boldly skipping cooling time: Always allow the cake to cool completely before adding the milk mixture. Skipping this step can lead to a soggy cake.
Boldly neglecting measurements: Be precise with your ingredient measurements, especially the milk and gelatin. Incorrect ratios can alter the texture and flavor of your cake.
Boldly rushing the soaking process: Ensure you let the cake soak in the strawberry milk mixture for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for flavor absorption.
Boldly overmixing Cool Whip: When spreading Cool Whip on top, be gentle. Overmixing or stirring too vigorously can deflate it, resulting in a less fluffy topping.
Boldly ignoring storage instructions: Store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Failing to do so can lead to a dry cake.

Refrigerator Storage

Keep your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake in an airtight container.
It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Always separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

The cake freezes well for up to 2 months.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake special?

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake stands out due to its moist texture and vibrant flavor from the strawberry milk infusion. It’s both visually appealing and delicious!

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

The total time is approximately 110 minutes, including baking, cooling, and soaking time.

Can I customize my Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute other flavors of gelatin or use different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate cookies.

Is Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake suitable for gatherings?

Yes! This cake serves well at parties, picnics, or family gatherings due to its easy slicing and sharing nature.

How should I serve Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake?

Serve chilled with extra Cool Whip and fresh strawberries on top for an added touch of freshness!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines sweetness with fun textures. Its versatility allows for various customization options, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this beautiful treat!