STRAWBERRY CRUNCH POKE CAKE
From The Domestic Rebel – tastes just like the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars we all loved as a kid!
If I had a summer party trick… it would definitely be this Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake recipe — it’s a crowd favorite every. single. time!!! Picture a fluffy white cake soaked in sweet strawberry gelatin, topped with dreamy whipped cream cheese frosting, and crowned with a buttery Golden Oreo strawberry crunch topping that’s pure heaven.
The best part? This easy strawberry poke cake with gelatin looks totally bakery-worthy but takes hardly any effort — because let’s be real… I’m not exactly Betty Crocker material!! It’s perfect for summer parties, backyard BBQs, birthdays, or any time you’re craving that heavenly strawberry shortcake ice cream cake dessert flavor!!
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix + ingredients listed on the box
1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
For the Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
18–20 Golden Oreos, coarsely crushed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder (dry)
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional but gorgeous)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 light metal baking pan. Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (about 22–25 minutes). Cool completely.
Poke holes all over with a fork — more holes mean more strawberry flavor soaking into your summer strawberry dessert.
Step 2: Strawberry Soak
In a pitcher, whisk together the first box of strawberry gelatin with boiling water until dissolved. Stir in the cold water, then pour evenly over the cake, letting it seep into every hole. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. In the same mixer bowl (swap to whisk attachment), whip heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold cream cheese into whipped cream until smooth. Spread evenly over chilled cake.
Step 4: The Crunch Topping
Combine crushed Golden Oreos, melted butter, and the second box of dry strawberry gelatin powder until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle generously over the frosting, pressing lightly to stick.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh strawberries if desired (recommended). Slice, serve, and enjoy immediately — or refrigerate for a softer topping. Either way, this Golden Oreo strawberry crunch topping will have everyone going back for seconds!!
Pro Tip: This strawberry crunch poke cake recipe gets even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for any spring or summer get-together!!!
