Oh, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re a fan of vibrant, fruity flavors, this Strawberry Crunch Cake is going to be your new go-to dessert. Imagine layers of rich, moist cake, topped with creamy frosting, and finished off with that irresistible, crunchy strawberry topping that’s sweet, salty, and totally addictive. Seriously, this cake is like a strawberry shortcake had a beautiful baby with an ice cream cone—and it’s a total game-changer.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Whether you’re serving it at a party, surprising your family, or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Crunch Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making memories. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is the perfect crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a random sweet craving. You can customize the topping or the flavor, but the classic strawberry crunch is always a hit.
Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are everyday pantry staples. No need for fancy, hard-to-find items, and you get a gorgeous, tasty cake every time.
Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and the results are wow. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create something that looks (and tastes) amazing.
Customizable: You can switch up the flavor of the cake or frosting to make it your own. Go for a chocolate cake, use a different fruit flavor, or experiment with different toppings.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those desserts that everyone will ask for the recipe. With the layers, crunch, and rich flavor, this cake always wins over any crowd.
Ingredients in Strawberry Crunch Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this strawberry-filled masterpiece:
Strawberry Cake Mix: The base of this cake is super moist, and using a strawberry cake mix gives it that vibrant, sweet flavor we all love.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and make the cake light and fluffy.
Oil: Adds moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and tender.
Water: Just enough to bring the batter together and give the cake the perfect consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla deepens the flavor of the cake and the frosting.
Butter: For the frosting! Adds richness and creaminess, making it smooth and dreamy.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection while keeping it light and airy.
Cream Cheese: The secret to that tangy yet creamy frosting that pairs so well with the strawberry flavor.
Whipped Topping: A fluffy, smooth addition to make the frosting light and luscious.
Strawberry Jello: The magical ingredient for the crunchy topping. It gives the cake that beautiful pink color and a burst of strawberry flavor.
Golden Oreos: This will be the base of your crunchy topping. Crushed up, they create that perfect crunchy texture.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this decadent cake:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and gives your cake a perfect texture.
Prepare the Cake: In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth and combined. Pour the batter into two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined.
Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos and strawberry Jello mix. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the Jello powder. This is the magic crunch that’ll make this cake unforgettable.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake. Place the second cake on top and cover the entire cake with frosting.
Top with Crunch: Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture over the top of the frosted cake. Press down lightly so it sticks.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice it up and enjoy! The cake is best served chilled, but trust me, it’ll be irresistible no matter what.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 380
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake
This cake is a showstopper, so it’s perfect for all kinds of occasions. Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
Fresh Strawberries: Add fresh, sliced strawberries on top of the cake for a fresh burst of sweetness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich frosting.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.
With a Cup of Tea: Pair this cake with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
As a Gift: Want to make someone’s day? Gift them this cake! It looks gorgeous, tastes amazing, and is sure to be a hit.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Bake the cake a day or two ahead of time, and frost it when you’re ready to serve. The crunch topping can be stored in an airtight container.
Use Fresh Strawberries: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh strawberries or make a quick homemade strawberry sauce to drizzle on top.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake actually gets better with time as the flavors meld.
Spice Up the Crunch: Feel free to experiment with other flavored Jello, like raspberry or orange, for a fun twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cake flavor instead of strawberry?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the strawberry cake mix for any flavor you like—chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon would work great.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist, and the flavors will continue to develop.
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can bake the cake and store it (unfrosted) for up to 2 days. Frost it just before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the baked cake layers (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Q5: Can I make this without cream cheese?
A5: Yes, you can replace the cream cheese with more whipped topping if you prefer a lighter frosting.
Q6: How do I get the crunch topping to stick?
A6: Make sure your cake is fully frosted before adding the crunch, and press gently so the topping sticks.
Q7: Can I use a different cookie for the crunch?
A7: Golden Oreos give the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cookies like Nilla Wafers for a different twist.
Q8: Is there an alternative for the whipped topping?
A8: Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer, but it may alter the texture of the frosting.
Q9: How do I serve the cake for a party?
A9: Slice it into smaller pieces for a fun, shareable treat. You can also add some fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra pop of color.
Q10: Can I make the crunch topping in advance?
A10: Yes, you can prepare the crunch topping a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Cake is a total crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its sweet, tangy layers and that irresistible crunchy topping, it’s bound to become a favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake will never disappoint. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Cake is a nostalgic treat inspired by the classic Good Humor strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. With a moist strawberry cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to delight everyone!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1 box (13.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
-
1 cup water
-
1/3 cup vegetable oil
-
3 large eggs
For the Frosting:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
4 cups powdered sugar
-
2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, room temperature
For the Crunch Topping:
-
12 Golden Oreos (separated, cream middles removed)
-
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Make the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Let cool completely before frosting. -
Make the Frosting:
Beat 1 cup of softened butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and lightened in color. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt, beating until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Slowly beat in 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and continue to beat on high for 1 minute, adding more heavy cream if needed for desired consistency. -
Make the Topping:
In a Ziploc bag, crush 12 Golden Oreos (without the cream filling) and 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries until you achieve pea-sized crumbs. Add in 4 tablespoons melted butter and toss to combine. -
Assemble the Cake:
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the frosting.
-
Serve:
Slice, serve, and enjoy this delicious strawberry crunch creation!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg