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.

🤔 Common Questions

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.

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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.

Melissa Jo

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar Poke Cake

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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.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 people

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  

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Cake

• 1 box Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix plus ingredients called for on box
• 1 pound fresh strawberries sliced (Divided: Set 4 Aside for Garnish)
• 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups strawberry ice cream melted

Topping

• 16 oz Cool Whip Slightly thawed
• 14 Golden Oreos
• 1 bag freeze-dried strawberries about 1 cup
• 4 tablespoons salted butter melted

Garnish

• 4-6 fresh strawberries

Method

 

Step 1: Bake the Cake

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

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

1. 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

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

Step 4: Poke the Cake

1. 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

1. 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

1. Spread the sugared strawberries evenly over the cake.

Step 7: Chill

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

Step 8: Frost the Cake

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

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. 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.
2. Crush until fine crumbs form.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10: Finish the Cake

1. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture evenly over the Cool Whip layer.
2. 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

1. Chill until ready to serve and enjoy! Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator!

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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.