If a dessert could smile, it would look like this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake — bright, sweet, and nostalgic. Inspired by those iconic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars we used to chase down the ice cream truck for, this easy homemade recipe is the ultimate throwback treat, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
The Dessert That Brings Back Every Sunny Afternoon
Growing up, summer meant sticky fingers, sunburnt noses, and the jingling chime of the neighborhood ice cream truck turning the corner. I remember racing barefoot across the lawn with a dollar bill clutched in my hand, heart set on one thing: the strawberry shortcake bar.
That creamy vanilla ice cream core, that bright strawberry shell, and — best of all — that magical cookie crunch on the outside. Pure happiness.
Fast forward a few decades, and I wanted to recreate that joy. Not just for myself, but for my kids — and okay, maybe a few nostalgic adults, too. That’s how this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake was born. It’s creamy, dreamy, and crunchy in all the right places. And it never fails to light up a room.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Aside from being downright delicious (seriously, people will fight over the last slice), this poke cake checks all the dessert-lover boxes:
- It’s crazy easy to make. Boxed cake mix, pudding, whipped topping — you’re halfway there already.
- Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, and BBQs. It travels well and feeds a crowd.
- That CRUNCH. It’s not just a topping, it’s a throwback to childhood with every bite.
- Bright, beautiful, and guaranteed to get compliments.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake always delivers.
The Ingredients – Sweet, Simple, and Crowd-Pleasing
This isn’t a cake that requires a culinary degree or rare ingredients. In fact, the magic lies in how basic ingredients come together to create something that tastes bakery-level fancy.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box — typically oil, eggs, water)
- 1 box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) – 3 oz
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix – 3.4 oz
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container whipped topping (Cool Whip) – 8 oz
- 1 package Golden Oreos (about 20 cookies)
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries (optional but gives a great punch of flavor and color)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Substitutions:
- No white cake mix? Yellow or vanilla cake mix work just fine.
- Want a natural twist? Swap Jell-O for a homemade strawberry puree with gelatin.
- Cool Whip can be replaced with freshly whipped cream (just stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar).
- Golden Oreos = classic crunch, but Nilla Wafers or shortbread cookies work too.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
This easy dessert recipe comes together in three main stages: baking the cake, creating the filling, and adding the crunch.
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare your white cake according to the box instructions. I typically use a 9×13-inch glass dish for this, but any deep baking dish works. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes once baked — but not completely! It should still be warm for the poke-and-pour step.
Step 2: Poke & Pour That Strawberry Gelatin
While your cake is still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke holes evenly across the top — be generous here! These are what soak up the flavor and give the cake its signature “poke” texture.
Mix the strawberry gelatin with 1 cup boiling water, then stir in ½ cup cold water. Pour this bright red mixture slowly and evenly over the cake, letting it seep into every hole. Pop it in the fridge to cool and set for at least 1 hour.
Pro Tip: The more holes you poke, the more flavorful and moist the cake becomes. Just don’t poke all the way to the bottom of the dish — aim for about two-thirds deep
Step 3: Layer On the Pudding & Whipped Topping
After the gelatin has set, prepare the vanilla pudding by whisking it with 2 cups cold milk until thick — about 2 minutes. Spread it evenly over the chilled cake.
Next, gently spread a layer of Cool Whip on top. This becomes the smooth, creamy canvas for the final (and best) part: the strawberry crunch topping.
Optional Tip: Want even more flavor? You can stir a spoonful of strawberry jam into the pudding or the whipped topping.
Step 4: Add That Irresistible Strawberry Crunch Topping
Now for the showstopper.
In a food processor (or a zip-top bag + rolling pin situation), crush:
- 20 Golden Oreos
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries (optional but highly recommended)
Mix in 2 tablespoons melted butter to bind it just slightly, then sprinkle generously over the whipped topping layer.
Alt Text for Image: Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake topped with whipped cream and golden Oreo-strawberry crumble, served chilled in a glass dish
Step 5: Chill, Slice, and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better) to let everything set and chill. Then slice it up and serve with a big smile — trust me, they’ll ask for seconds.
Texture Tips and Sweet Twists to Try
The contrast in this strawberry poke cake is everything — soft cake, creamy pudding, airy whipped topping, crunchy topping. Here are a few ways to dial things up:
- More crunch? Double the topping and add it just before serving so it stays crisp.
- Berry overload? Add chopped fresh strawberries between the pudding and whipped topping layers.
- Lemon twist? Use lemon pudding instead of vanilla for a tangy kick.
- Icebox cake vibes? Make it a no-bake cake version using layers of crushed cookies, strawberry mousse, and whipped topping.
This cake adapts to any mood — and every version is absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Like This? You’ll Love This Too
If you’re into nostalgic, comfort-food-style desserts like this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, you’ll love our Top 5 Reasons to Love These Irresistible Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. They’re savory, sweet, and perfect for any backyard gathering or game day feast.
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