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Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Course Dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 12

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 box 15.25 ounces white cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
  • 1 box 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O

For the frosting:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 block 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar about 75 grams
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the topping:

  • 24 vanilla sandwich cookies such as Golden Oreos
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (1/2 stick)
  • 1 box 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O
  • Fresh strawberries halved lengthwise, for serving

Instructions

For the cake:

  • Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13"x9" baking pan with cooking spray and prepare the cake according to the package directions.
  • Step 2: Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Allow it to cool.
  • Step 3: Using a bamboo skewer or chopstick, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them 1/2" to 1" apart.
  • Step 4: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Add the Jell-O powder and whisk until dissolved. Remove from heat, whisk in 1/2 cup of cold water, and pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the holes in the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

For the frosting:

  • Step 1: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  • Step 2: In another large bowl, use the handheld mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream until just combined. Spread the frosting over the top of the cake, reserving some for topping if desired.

For the topping:

  • Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the cookies to pea-sized crumbs, then transfer them to a medium bowl. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs, sprinkle with Jell-O powder, and stir to combine.
  • Step 2: Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the frosting, then lightly press down on the crumbs to adhere.
  • Step 3: Dollop or pipe the reserved frosting over the crumbs if using, and top with halved strawberries.
  • There you have it! A delightful strawberry crunch poke cake ready to be enjoyed.