Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipes
Savor the tempting blend of juicy strawberries and crispy goodness in these strawberry crunch cake recipes. With layers of moist cake, ripe strawberries, and a crunchy topping, these recipes put a delightful spin on traditional cake flavors, leaving you eager for another slice.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13 baking pan
- Whisk or spatula
- Small saucepan (optional, for melting butter)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix or 2 cups homemade strawberry cake flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup strawberry Jello instant
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries chopped
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz package cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream optional, for consistency
Instructions
For the Cake:
- ➤ Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper.
- ➤ Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- ➤ Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the Crunch Topping:
- ➤ Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, strawberry Jello powder, and chopped freeze-dried strawberries. Stir well until everything is fully coated and mixed together.
- ➤ Set Aside: Set the crunch mixture aside while you prepare the frosting.
For the Frosting:
- ➤ Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- ➤ Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over the entire cake.
- ➤ Top with Crunch: Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the frosting layer, pressing it down gently to make sure it sticks.
- ➤ Serve: Slice into squares and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
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.