Looking for a quick and tasty dessert? This Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is both delightful and simple! With layers of moist cake and fresh strawberries, it's perfect for any occasion. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the easy steps and share tips for making it just right. Whether you're an expert baker or a beginner, you’ll impress everyone with this sweet treat! Let's dive in and get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Fruity: The combination of fresh strawberries and strawberry jello creates an incredibly fruity flavor that is perfect for any dessert lover.
- Fun Texture: The crunchy topping made from graham crackers and coconut flakes adds a delightful texture contrast to the moist cake.
- Easy to Make: This poke cake is simple to prepare, making it a great option for both novice bakers and experienced chefs.
- Perfect for Gatherings: With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, this cake is sure to impress at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 cup strawberry jello powder
To start, you need a box of vanilla cake mix. This is your cake base. Next, gather fresh strawberries. You'll want to dice them into small pieces. The strawberries add a fresh taste. Lastly, grab a cup of strawberry jello powder. This will give your cake a sweet, fruity flavor.
Toppings and Crunch Mixture
- 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the topping, you can choose either whipped cream or Cool Whip. Both options create a creamy layer. Then, you need a cup of crushed graham crackers. This will add a crunchy texture to your cake. Grab half a cup of unsweetened coconut flakes as well. These give a nice flavor and extra crunch. Finally, you need a quarter cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the topping mix.
Optional Garnishes
- Additional whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
To make your cake look pretty, you can add more whipped cream on top. This makes it even creamier. You can also slice fresh strawberries for decoration. They add color and make the cake inviting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat your oven to the temperature on the cake mix box.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it is done.
Poking the Cake
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes after baking.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Space them about an inch apart.
Jello Mixture and Application
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of strawberry jello powder with 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir until the jello powder is fully dissolved.
- Pour the jello mixture over the poked holes in the cake. Let it soak in.
- Allow the cake to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours until set.
Crunch Topping and Assembly
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, coconut flakes, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- After the cake is chilled and the jello is set, spread whipped cream or cool whip evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the graham cracker and coconut mixture on top until it is fully covered.
Final Touches
- Decorate the top with dollops of whipped cream.
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful garnish.
- Cut the cake into squares to serve.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Cake
- Ensure Accurate Oven Temperature: Always check your oven with a thermometer. An oven that runs hot or cold can ruin your cake. A precise temperature keeps your cake fluffy and moist.
- Use Fresh Strawberries for Best Flavor: Fresh strawberries add bright taste and texture. Avoid frozen strawberries as they can make the cake soggy. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best results.
Jello Setting Tips
- Allow Enough Cooling Time: After baking, let the cake cool for a full ten minutes. This helps the jello soak in without making your cake too warm. A warm cake can cause the jello to melt and lose its shape.
- Cover Properly During Refrigeration: While chilling your cake, cover it well. Use plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. This prevents your cake from absorbing other fridge odors.
Variations for Customization
- Alternative Fruits or Jello Flavors: You can swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or peaches. Different jello flavors, like orange or cherry, can also work well. Be creative and mix flavors to suit your taste!
- Using Different Types of Cream: Instead of whipped cream, try using mascarpone or a flavored yogurt. This can change the texture and taste of your cake, giving it a unique twist.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries enhances the flavor and adds a lovely texture to your cake. Make sure they are ripe for the best sweetness!
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Ensure your cake is completely cooled before adding the jello and whipped cream. This prevents melting and keeps the layers intact.
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to customize the crunch topping by adding nuts or swapping coconut flakes for shredded chocolate for a twist!
- Chill Longer for Best Results: If you have time, chill the cake longer than 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the jello is perfectly set.
Variations
Different Cake Bases
You can swap the vanilla cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. The chocolate adds a rich twist to the classic poke cake. It pairs well with strawberries and jello. You can also try a lemon cake mix. The bright, zesty flavor will give your cake a fresh taste. Both options keep the same steps.
Alternative Crunch Toppings
If you want a different crunch, nuts or cereal work great. Chopped almonds or walnuts add a lovely texture. You can also use your favorite cereal for a fun crunch. If you prefer, skip the coconut flakes. This will change the flavor and make it less sweet.
Seasonal Variations
You don’t have to stick to strawberries. You can add blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist. Mixing fruits gives the cake a new look and taste. For holidays, you might want to add festive themes. Try using red and green fruits for Christmas. In fall, consider adding pumpkin spice to the cake mix for a cozy flavor.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To store leftover Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake, place it in the fridge. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other smells.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save the cake longer, you can freeze it. First, cut the cake into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. This helps keep the cake moist. When you are ready to eat it, take a piece out. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Shelf Life
The cake lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, it may start to spoil. Look for signs like an off smell or mold. If you see these signs, it's best to throw the cake away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety.
FAQs
How do I make the cake from scratch instead of using a mix?
To make a cake from scratch, use these key ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in the flour and milk until smooth. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before poking holes.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them first and drain excess water. This helps keep your cake from getting soggy. Frozen strawberries work well in jello and retain flavor. They can make your cake just as tasty as fresh berries.
How long does the cake need to set?
The cake should chill for at least 2 hours after adding jello. This time helps the jello soak into the cake. Chilling makes the cake moist and flavorful. It also allows the whipped cream to firm up.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead. Just follow all the steps and refrigerate it. It will taste great the next day. Just add fresh whipped cream and strawberries before serving for the best look.
What can I substitute for whipped cream?
If you don’t have whipped cream, you can use cool whip. Other options include yogurt or cream cheese. Each will give a different taste but can work well. Try using flavored yogurt for a fun twist.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious strawberry cake with simple steps. You learned about the main ingredients, like vanilla cake mix and fresh strawberries. I shared tips for perfecting your cake and ideas for variations, like using chocolate or lemon mixes.
Remember, you can customize it with different fruits and toppings. With these instructions, you’ll impress everyone. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat!
