If you love fresh strawberries and easy desserts, you’re in for a treat! My Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake combines the sweet taste of strawberries with a fluffy vanilla cake. This simple yet delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion. Plus, with just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the tastiness and make your next dessert memorable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Refreshing: This cake is bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this poke cake is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red strawberries on top add a lovely touch, making this cake visually appealing for any occasion.
- Texture Contrast: The creamy topping and crunchy cookie layer create a delightful contrast that makes every bite enjoyable.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, gather these ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus required ingredients)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed butter cookies (such as Nilla Wafers)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
These ingredients mix together to create a cake that is both tasty and fun. The vanilla cake serves as a base, soaking up the strawberry gelatin. Fresh strawberries add a bright flavor. Sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream make a rich topping. Crushed cookies give a nice crunch. Each bite is a layer of joy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or spray.
- Mix the vanilla cake as the box says.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
Poking the Cake
- After the cake cools, grab a wooden spoon handle.
- Poke holes in the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Make sure you do not poke all the way down.
Infusing the Cake with Gelatin
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of boiling water with the strawberry gelatin.
- Stir well until all lumps are gone.
- Pour the gelatin over the cake, filling the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the gelatin.
Preparing the Cream Topping
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract.
- Whip until soft peaks form, then stop.
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Assembling the Cake
- Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the cake.
- Sprinkle the crushed cookies on top of the cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for color.
Chilling and Serving
- Place the cake back in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice the cake into squares.
- Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- To keep your cake moist, do not overbake it.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake fully in the pan.
- When poking holes, use a wooden spoon handle.
- Space the holes about one inch apart.
- Avoid poking all the way to the bottom.
Gelatin Tips
- To avoid clumps, mix the gelatin with boiling water.
- Stir well until the gelatin dissolves fully.
- Pour the gelatin over the cake slowly.
- Ensure it seeps into every hole.
- Let the cake chill for at least one hour.
Cream Topping Tips
- Use cold heavy cream to whip it well.
- Beat until soft peaks form for the best texture.
- When adding sweetened condensed milk, fold gently.
- Use a spatula to keep the air in the cream.
- This helps make the topping light and fluffy.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries. They will enhance the overall taste of the cake.
- Chill the Cake: Allow the cake to chill for a couple of hours after adding the gelatin. This helps the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly.
- Whip the Cream Properly: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold before whipping the cream. This helps achieve stiff peaks for a better topping.
- Cookie Crunch Variations: Experiment with different types of cookies for the crunch topping, such as graham crackers or Oreos, to give a unique twist to your cake.
Variations
Alternative Flavors
You can change the flavors in your poke cake. Try using different fruit gelatin flavors. Raspberry or orange can give a new twist. You can also switch the cake mix. Using chocolate or lemon cake mix brings fun flavors. Each option adds a unique taste to your dessert.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free cake mixes. Many brands offer great choices that bake well. For those who want dairy-free, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the cake creamy and delicious without dairy.
Additional Toppings
Toppings can make your cake even better. You can add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch. Fresh fruit can also brighten up the dish. Consider using a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. It adds richness and makes the cake look fancy.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This method helps prevent the cake from drying out. To maintain its delightful texture, avoid cutting into the cake until you're ready to serve. This keeps the layers intact and the whipped cream topping fresh.
Freezing the Cake
If you want to save portions of the cake, freezing works well. First, slice the cake into individual squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy, take a slice out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can serve it cold, or let it sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying.
Shelf Life
The cake stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye on it for any changes. Signs that the cake has spoiled include a sour smell or a change in color. If the whipped cream topping starts to separate or looks dull, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses; they guide you well in the kitchen!
FAQs
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is a dessert that has holes poked into it. You pour a sweet liquid over the cake. This makes the cake moist and adds flavor. The holes help the cake soak up the mix well. Poke cakes are fun and easy to make. They are often topped with whipped cream and fruit.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool. After poking the holes, pour the gelatin and chill it. You can prepare this cake up to two days in advance. Just make sure to add the whipped cream topping right before serving.
What can I substitute for fresh strawberries?
If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen or canned ones. For frozen strawberries, thaw them and drain any extra juice. Canned strawberries can work too, but look for those without added sugar. Both options will still taste great in this cake.
How many servings does this cake yield?
This cake yields about 12 servings. You can slice it into squares. Each piece is packed with flavor. If you need more servings, you can double the recipe and use a larger pan.
Can I use other types of cream for the topping?
Yes, you can use other creams. If you can’t find heavy cream, try using whipped topping. You can also use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk. Just make sure it’s smooth so it spreads easily on the cake.
This blog post lays out a fun and tasty way to make a strawberry poke cake. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. With options for variations and storage, you can customize and preserve this dessert easily. This cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Now, it’s time to put your skills to the test and enjoy every bite of your creation!
