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Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Irresistibly Indulgent Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines a tender yellow cake base with vibrant strawberry gelatin poured into perfectly poked holes. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, fluffy whipped topping, and fresh diced strawberries, this poke cake offers a refreshing, fruity finish ideal for parties or casual indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box Yellow cake mix
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Water

For the Strawberry Gelatin Layer:

  • 1 box Strawberry gelatin
  • Hot water (amount as per gelatin box instructions, approximately 1 cup)
  • 1 cup Fresh strawberries, diced

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

  • 1 cup Cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or prepare a baking pan as desired to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 large eggs, and 1 cup of water. Use a hand mixer on low speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Make the Poke Holes: Once cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about one inch apart. These holes will allow the gelatin to soak in deeply.
  6. Prepare and Pour Strawberry Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in hot water according to the box instructions, typically about 1 cup. Pour the dissolved gelatin evenly over the cake so it fills the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set the gelatin.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  8. Top the Cake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the set gelatin layer on the cooled cake.
  9. Add Final Toppings: Spread 1 cup of whipped topping over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle the 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries on top to add freshness and color.
  10. Chill Before Serving: Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.

Notes

  • Use a fork to poke the holes evenly across the cake to ensure the gelatin seeps deeply for maximum flavor.
  • For best results, chill the cake thoroughly after adding the gelatin layer to allow it to set properly.
  • Fresh strawberries on top add a bright, natural sweetness and contrast to the creamy layers.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance flavors.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry poke cake, easy dessert, poke cake recipe, yellow cake, strawberry gelatin, cream cheese topping, whipped topping dessert

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/irresistibly-indulgent-strawberry-crunch-poke-cake-recipe-2/