Strawberry crunch cake recipe is a delightful dessert that combines light strawberry-flavored cake with creamy frosting and a crunchy topping. The taste is a wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors that come together in a unique way.
This strawberry crunch cake recipe stands out because of the crunchy layer made from crushed Golden Oreos mixed with strawberry gelatin and melted butter, adding texture and extra flavor.
While there isn’t a well-known history behind this strawberry crunch cake recipe, it has become popular for its fresh, fruity taste and appealing look.
I’ll now guide you through making this delicious strawberry crunch cake recipe step by step.
What Does Strawberry Crunch Taste Like?
Strawberry crunch cake recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that make it truly special. The cake itself is moist and tender with a subtle, natural strawberry flavor from the gelatin powder, giving it a light fruity sweetness.
The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, rich, and slightly tangy layer that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.
Topping it all off, the crushed Golden Oreos mixed with melted butter create a buttery, crunchy texture with a hint of strawberry flavor.
Together, these elements make strawberry crunch cake recipe each bite a delightful combination of soft, creamy, fruity, and crunchy goodness.
How To Prepare Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield:14 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inch)
- Cooling rack
- Knife and cutting board (for strawberries)
- Food processor or zip-top bag with rolling pin (for crushing Oreos)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups granulated white sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (just the dry powder)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 egg whites
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 18–20 Golden Oreo cookies, crushed (not too fine, leave some texture)
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (dry)
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter, Sugar & Gelatin:
In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, sugar, and the dry strawberry gelatin powder using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs & Mix:
Add the egg whites and the whole egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Dry Ingredients & Milk:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time, then mix in the salt, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
7. Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos and dry strawberry gelatin powder. Drizzle in the melted butter and toss everything together until the crumbs are well-coated and crumbly.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Special Notes
❖ Fresh Strawberries: While freeze-dried strawberries work wonderfully in the crunch topping, fresh strawberries can be added for extra flavor. Feel free to garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices for a vibrant look.
❖ Substitutions: If you prefer a healthier version, you can swap out the cream cheese frosting with a lighter whipped cream frosting or even a vegan version.
Nutritional Information Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 calories |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Protein | 7 grams |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Expert Tips For Successful Cake Baking
1. Always use the correct measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. Too much or too little can affect the texture and flavor.
2. Ensure ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. They blend more easily and help create a smooth batter.
3. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can make the cake dense.
4. Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking from the start.
5. Grease your cake pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the cake is done. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when inserted into the center.
7. Let your cake cool completely before adding frosting. If it’s too warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
Best Serving Ideas
The strawberry crunch cake recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature to let the flavors shine through. Slice it with a sharp knife to keep the layers intact.
Pair it with a light cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat, or serve as a show-stopping dessert after dinner. Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries to add a burst of freshness.
For added indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the creamy frosting and crunchy topping perfectly.
Enjoy this strawberry crunch cake recipe within a couple of days for the best texture and flavor.
How To Make With More Delicious
To make strawberry crunch cake recipe even more delicious, try these tips:
1. Enhance the Strawberry Flavor: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum flavor. You can also add a bit of strawberry extract to the cake batter for an extra boost.
2. Add Layers of Flavor: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for added sweetness and moisture.
3. Boost the Crunch: Increase the amount of crushed cornflakes in the topping for an even crunchier texture. You can also mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added flavor and texture.
4. Experiment with Frosting: While the traditional recipe doesn’t call for frosting, you can add a layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream between the layers for extra indulgence.
5. Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce: Serve each slice with a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
Storage & Make Ahead
This strawberry crunch cake recipe stores wonderfully for a few days. I usually keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve its freshness and prevent the crunch topping from softening.
If I want to make strawberry crunch cake recipe ahead of time, I’ll prepare the cake and frosting a day or two before serving, then assemble it and add the crunch topping the day of.
This way, the strawberry crunch cake recipe stays fresh, and the topping remains crispy. It’s always a time-saver and ensures a delicious dessert when I need it!
More Strawberry Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Strawberry Coconut Cake – Tropical Flavor
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe – Summer Delight
Boxed Strawberry Cake Recipe || Bake It Quick
Homemade Strawberry Cake with Jello Recipe
Strawberry Cookies Cake Mix || Bake and Enjoy
Homemade Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe
Conclusion
This strawberry crunch cake recipe is truly a must-make recipe you won’t regret it! I made it myself, and every single person who tasted it absolutely loved it.
The strawberry crunch cake recipe combination of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping is simply irresistible. I’m sure once you try it, you’ll be inspired to bake it again and again.
Now it’s your turn to enjoy this delicious strawberry crunch cake recipe treat with your loved ones. Trust me, once you make it, everyone will be asking for seconds and you’ll love every bite too!
(FAQs) Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
How do I store leftover strawberry crunch cake?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze strawberry crunch cake?
Yes, you can freeze strawberry crunch cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
What can I use instead of strawberries?
You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
Can I use a cake mix for strawberry crunch cake?
Yes, you can use a cake mix as a shortcut. Simply follow the instructions on the box and add the crunchy topping as directed.
How do I make the crunchy topping?
The crunchy topping is made with a mixture of crushed cookies, such as shortbread or graham crackers, combined with melted butter and sugar.
Can I make strawberry crunch cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make strawberry crunch cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 round cake pans (8 or 9-inch)
- Cooling rack
- Knife and cutting board (for strawberries)
- Food processor or zip-top bag with rolling pin (for crushing Oreos)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups granulated white sugar
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3 oz package strawberry-flavored gelatin (just the dry powder)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 egg whites
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 18 –20 Golden Oreo cookies crushed (not too fine, leave some texture)
- 1 3 oz box strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (dry)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream Butter, Sugar & Gelatin:
- In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, sugar, and the dry strawberry gelatin powder using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.
Add Eggs & Mix:
- Add the egg whites and the whole egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dry Ingredients & Milk:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time, then mix in the salt, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos and dry strawberry gelatin powder. Drizzle in the melted butter and toss everything together until the crumbs are well-coated and crumbly.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
Special Notes
❖ Fresh Strawberries: While freeze-dried strawberries work wonderfully in the crunch topping, fresh strawberries can be added for extra flavor. Feel free to garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices for a vibrant look. ❖ Substitutions: If you prefer a healthier version, you can swap out the cream cheese frosting with a lighter whipped cream frosting or even a vegan version.Nutritional Information Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 calories |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Protein | 7 grams |
| Sodium | 250mg |