Strawberry Crunch Cake: Easy Recipe with Classic Crunchies

Strawberry crunch cake is the perfect combination of moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and a nostalgic strawberry crunch topping that’ll take you straight back to those beloved ice cream bars from childhood. With its vibrant pink hues, delightful crunch, and layers of luscious strawberry flavor, this cake is not only delicious but also a showstopper for any occasion.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this strawberry crunch cake delivers on both taste and presentation. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, with a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Let’s dive into how to create this beautiful and flavorful cake!

What is Strawberry Crunch Cake?

Strawberry crunch cake is a layered cake inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. It features moist cake layers, usually vanilla or strawberry-flavored, filled and frosted with creamy icing, and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that combines vanilla and strawberry flavors. The “crunch” comes from a mixture of crushed cookies and freeze-dried strawberries, giving each bite a satisfying texture and a burst of fruity flavor.

Why is it called strawberry crunch cake? Well, the answer is in that delightful topping! Much like the saying, “The proof is in the pudding,” with this cake, the crunch is in the topping—and it’s what makes this dessert truly special. If you’re ready to wow your family and friends, this cake is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavor: Brings back memories of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.
• Perfect Balance: Combines fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy topping.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A beautiful cake that impresses at parties and gatherings.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable: You can switch up the cake flavors or add fresh fruit.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Quick Overview

This strawberry crunch cake is as delightful to make as it is to eat. You’ll create moist cake layers, whip up a creamy frosting, and top it all off with a buttery, crunchy topping that everyone will love.

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
White Cake Mix	1 box	Prepare as per package directions
Strawberry Jell-O Mix	1 package	For flavoring and color
Vanilla Pudding Mix	1 package	Optional, for added moisture
Eggs	3 large	Lightly beaten
Vegetable Oil	1/2 cup
Water	1 cup
Cream Cheese	8 oz	Softened, for frosting
Butter	1/2 cup	Softened, for frosting
Powdered Sugar	3 cups	Sifted, for frosting
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp
Golden Oreo Cookies	20 cookies	Crushed, for crunch topping
Freeze-Dried Strawberries	1 cup	Crushed, for crunch topping
Melted Butter	1/4 cup	For crunch topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, strawberry Jell-O mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes after dividing the mixture equally among the cake pans. Let cakes cool completely.
4. To make the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until they are smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
5. Make the Crunch Topping by combining melted butter, freeze-dried strawberries, and crushed Golden Oreo cookies.
6. Assemble the Cake: Frost the first cake layer, add the second layer, and frost the entire cake. Gently press the crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry crunch cake is a vibrant and delightful dessert that pairs well with a variety of sides, drinks, and complementary dishes. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, here are some perfect pairings to make your strawberry crunch cake even more special.

Classic and Indulgent Pairings

For a traditional and satisfying dessert experience, try serving your strawberry crunch cake with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s crunchy topping perfectly.
• Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries: A dollop of whipped cream with fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing and light touch.
• Donut Cake: Include this fun and colorful cake to create a charming dessert table with a mix of flavors and textures.

Light and Refreshing Sides

Balance the sweetness of the cake with fresh and light options:

• Berry Salad: A simple mix of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries offers a fresh and tangy contrast.
• Mexican Chicken Salad: The zesty flavors and crisp veggies in this salad provide a fresh balance to the rich, sweet cake.

Savory Dishes to Balance the Sweetness

If you’re planning a full meal, these savory options provide a nice contrast to the sweet dessert:

• Turkey Sliders: These mini sandwiches bring a savory bite that pairs well with a fruity, light dessert.
• Grilled Chicken Wrap: The light and flavorful wrap is a great choice for a balanced meal.

Beverage Pairings

Complete your dessert experience with the perfect drink:

• Homemade Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade enhances the strawberry flavors of the cake.
• Protein Milkshake: This creamy and refreshing shake is a fun choice, especially for summer parties.

Desserts to Complete the Meal

For a full dessert spread, mix and match it with other treats:

• Churro Cheesecake: This dessert adds a warm, cinnamon twist to your sweet selection.
• Mini Fruit Tarts: These bite-sized tarts with creamy filling and fresh fruit offer a lovely contrast to the crunch cake.

Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Crunch Cake

• Make use of room temperature Ingredients: This promotes more equal mixing of the batter. Don’t Overmix: For a light and fluffy cake, only mix the ingredients together.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined for a light and fluffy cake.
• Chill Before Serving: This helps the crunch topping set firmly.
• Add Fresh Fruit: For extra flavor, fold in chopped strawberries to the cake batter.
• Store Correctly: To preserve the cake’s crisp and freshness, keep it in the refrigerator.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Serving Tip: Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight.

FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Cake

How to make strawberry crunch cake?

To make strawberry crunch cake, bake layers of strawberry-flavored cake, frost with cream cheese or vanilla frosting, and top with a crunchy blend of crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.

What are the strawberry shortcake crunchies made of?

The crunchies are typically made from crushed Golden Oreo cookies mixed with freeze-dried strawberries and melted butter, creating a sweet and crispy topping.

What kind of icing goes on a strawberry crunch cake?

The best icing for strawberry crunch cake is either a creamy vanilla or tangy cream cheese frosting. Both provide a rich, smooth base for the crunchy topping.

What adds crunch to a cake?

The crunch in strawberry crunch cake comes from a mixture of crushed cookies (like Golden Oreos) and freeze-dried strawberries, combined with melted butter and pressed onto the cake.

What is the flavor of Louisiana Crunch cake?

Louisiana Crunch Cake is a buttery, vanilla-flavored cake with a slightly sweet and crunchy exterior, often featuring a sugar glaze and a hint of coconut flavor.

Strawberry crunch cake is a delightful dessert that blends classic flavors with a fun, crunchy twist. Perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite cake!

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