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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar Poke Cake

ByMelissa Jo Posted on
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A slice of strawberry shortcake with whipped topping and sliced strawberries is on a plate in front of a baking dish of the same dessert. A box of Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bars is in the background on a checkered tray.

If you grew up bare foot chasing the Good Humor ice cream truck for those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this cake is about to become your new obsession. I named her, Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar Poke Cake. Every bite has that nostalgic strawberry crunch flavor we all remember, but somehow it’s even better. The strawberry cake stays unbelievably moist thanks to melted strawberry ice cream poured into every hole (similar to how I achieved my Dubai Chocolate cake but different flavor ice cream), while fresh strawberries, fluffy Cool Whip (the trick to making it taste like an ice cream bar), and a buttery strawberry crunch topping take it completely over the top.

I’ve tried every cake hack on the internet over the years, and honestly? Nothing beats simply following the directions on the back of the box. The cake stays lighter, softer, and more moist than when you start swapping ingredients. This recipe proves that sometimes simple really is best. I make some seriously delicious cakes and I don’t consider myself a baker. Here are some more of my Viral Easy yet wildly delicious Cake recipes: Tiramisu Cake (better than authentic), Cannoli cake, and my Pina colada poke cake.

The result is a cold, creamy, strawberry-packed dessert that’s perfect for summer parties, birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a dessert everyone will be talking about.

A package of Golden Oreo cookies, a bag of Crunchies freeze-dried strawberries, and a stick of butter sit on a black-and-white checkered cutting board on a wooden countertop.
A white bowl filled with sliced strawberries sits on a checkered, multicolored surface. The strawberries are bright red and appear fresh and juicy.
A thick, creamy mixture is being poured into a glass measuring cup on a checkered tray. In the background, there is a container of GreenWise Strawberry & Cream ice cream on a kitchen counter.
A close-up of a baked dessert in a white dish, topped with sliced fresh strawberries and a drizzle of glaze or icing. The surface appears golden brown with a shiny, creamy coating.
A person with red nail polish uses a knife to scrape cream filling from a golden sandwich cookie. Other cookies are nearby on a checkered surface, and one cookie is broken in half.
A person with red painted nails holds an open plastic ziplock bag filled with crushed red and tan-colored snacks or crumbs on a checkered surface.
A baking dish filled with strawberry shortcake dessert topped with crumbled red and golden crumbs and fresh strawberries sits on a kitchen counter, with a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream box in the background.
A dessert topped with crumbled strawberry shortcake bars and fresh strawberries sits on a counter, with a box of Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bars in the background in a bright kitchen.
A smiling woman in a pink top holds a box of Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars in a kitchen, with a strawberry shortcake dessert in a dish and a plated slice in front of her. A vase of flowers is nearby.
A woman in a pink top enjoys a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar in a bright kitchen, with a box of Good Humor bars and a matching strawberry dessert topped with crumbles in front of her.
A hand lifts a large slice of pink strawberry cake topped with whipped cream, strawberry crumbles, and fresh strawberries from a bundt pan in a bright kitchen.
A rectangular strawberry cake topped with white frosting and red crumbly bits, garnished with fresh strawberries. A large slice is missing, and the dessert sits on a kitchen counter near a checkered pitcher.

🤔 Common Questions

Why use melted ice cream instead of pudding in a poke cake?

The melted strawberry ice cream adds incredible flavor while creating a rich, moist cake. It also helps recreate the nostalgic flavor of a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better after chilling for several hours. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

You can, but Cool Whip gives this cake its classic ice cream bar flavor and texture.

What makes the strawberry crunch topping?

The crunch topping is made from Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter mixed together until crumbly.

Tips Before Making This Cake

Follow The Box Directions

I’ve tested plenty of cake hacks, and for this recipe the best results come from preparing the cake exactly according to the package directions. It creates the softest, most tender cake.

Use The Back Of A Wooden Spoon

Skip the fork. The back of a wooden spoon creates larger holes that allow the melted strawberry ice cream to soak deep into the cake.

Let The Ice Cream Melt First

Place the strawberry ice cream on the counter while the cake bakes so it’s ready to pour immediately after the cake comes out of the oven.

Scoop Pooled Ice Cream Into The Holes

If melted ice cream starts pooling on top, simply use a spoon to guide it back into the holes.

Cool Whip Is The Secret

If you want that true strawberry shortcake ice cream bar flavor, use Cool Whip. It creates that classic creamy ice cream cake taste.

Let The Cool Whip Thaw

Allow the Cool Whip to soften before spreading. This makes it much easier to create a smooth layer without tearing the cake.

A slice of strawberry shortcake with whipped topping and sliced strawberries is on a plate in front of a baking dish of the same dessert. A box of Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bars is in the background on a checkered tray.

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar Poke Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar Poke Cake tastes just like the classic strawberry crunch ice cream bars from childhood—but even better. A moist strawberry cake is soaked with melted strawberry ice cream, topped with sweet strawberries, fluffy Cool Whip, and finished with a buttery strawberry crunch topping made from Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people

Ingredients
  

Cake

Topping

Garnish

  • 4-6 fresh strawberries

Instructions
 

Step 1: Bake the Cake

  • Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions. Bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

  • While the cake bakes, combine the sliced strawberries with 1 ½ tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside to macerate while the cake finishes baking.

Step 3: Melt the Ice Cream

  • Allow the strawberry ice cream to sit at room temperature while the cake bakes until completely melted.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

  • A few minutes after removing the cake from the oven, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about ¾ of the way through.

Step 5: Add the Ice Cream

  • Slowly pour the melted strawberry ice cream over the warm cake, making sure it goes into the holes. If any ice cream pools on top, use a spoon to guide it into the holes.

Step 6: Add the Strawberries

  • Spread the sugared strawberries evenly over the cake.

Step 7: Chill

  • Place the cake in the refrigerator or freezer for about 1 hour until cooled completely.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

  • Spread about ¾ of the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

  • Twist apart the Golden Oreos and scrape out the filling. Place the cookies in a large zip-top bag along with the freeze-dried strawberries.
  • Crush until fine crumbs form.
  • Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10: Finish the Cake

  • Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture evenly over the Cool Whip layer.
  • Slice the remaining strawberries, keeping the tops attached if desired, and fan them out for garnish. Place them on top of the cake.

Step 11: Serve

  • Chill until ready to serve and enjoy! Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator!
Keyword Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar Poke Cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For a firmer, ice-cream-cake texture, store in the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.


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