Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could have all the nostalgia of a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar wrapped into an irresistible, show-stopping dessert, then this Strawberry Crunch Cake is your delicious dream come true. Picture three tender strawberry cake layers sandwiched together with silky vanilla buttercream, then completely coated in a crunchy, buttery strawberry crumble that’s every bit as fun to eat as it is stunning to look at. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a summer party, or just because, this Strawberry Crunch Cake will light up the room and have everyone coming back for a second slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the gorgeous layers fool you: most of these ingredients are pantry classics, and each one brings something essential—whether it’s flavor, moisture, or that signature strawberry crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to ensure cake perfection:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of a fluffy cake crumb—you want it measured carefully, so fluff it then spoon and level for accuracy.
• Baking powder: Gives your cake a beautiful lift and helps each layer stay light and airy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the strawberry notes.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth; a good-quality vanilla is worth the splurge.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist—swap for more butter only if you prefer a denser cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, holding your layers together.
• Sugar: Sweetens every bite and caramelizes for perfect crumb color.
• Strawberry gelatin: The magic that makes this cake scream strawberry—plus, it tints your cake layers that iconic pink.
• Milk: Ensures a soft, silky batter—whole milk or 2% both work well.
• Butter (for frosting): Room temperature unsalted butter whips up impossibly creamy for sensational buttercream.
• Powdered sugar: Sift for the smoothest, lump-free frosting—don’t skip this!
• Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Brings your frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Golden Oreos: The secret to that crunchy topping—we crush these for the best texture.
• Strawberry jello (for crunch): Delivers delicious berry flavor and a gorgeous blush-pink hue to the topping.
• Butter (for crunch): Gives your strawberry crunch bits their signature richness and golden color.
• Fresh strawberries (optional): The finishing touch for a fresh pop of color and juice.
• Whipped cream (optional): Swirl it on top for that classic bakery look.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by getting everything ready—preheat your oven to 350°F and butter, flour, and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. This step is a baker’s insurance policy: it guarantees your cakes slide out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick blend distributes the leavening agent evenly and sets up your cakes for fluffy success.

Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients

Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat the oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and slightly pale. Mix in the sugar and strawberry gelatin, which instantly perfumes the batter and colors it the prettiest pink.

Step 4: Combine and Alternate

Add the flour mixture in four parts, and the milk in three, alternating between the two. This technique ensures your batter stays silky without being overmixed—always start and end with flour for structure.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly (about 483 grams per pan if you’re detail-oriented) and smooth the tops. Bake for roughly 30 minutes—begin checking at 20—until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool 10–15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Cream your room temperature butter and salt for several minutes until fluffy. Sift in powdered sugar in stages to avoid lumps, then beat in vanilla and just enough cream or milk until the frosting is dreamy and spreadable. Set a little aside to test on the cake—you want it smooth but not runny.

Step 7: Create the Strawberry Crunch

Preheat your oven to 350°F again. Pulse Golden Oreos in a food processor (or crush in a zip-top bag) until crumbly but not powdery. Stir in the strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter, then spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes and let cool—it should be crisp, pink, and fragrant.

Step 8: Assemble the Strawberry Crunch Cake

If your cake layers have domed, gently level them with a serrated knife. Place one layer on a serving platter, spread with buttercream, then stack the second and third layers, adding frosting between each. Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) over the whole cake and chill to set. Finish by slathering on the final layer of frosting, then press the strawberry crunch generously onto the sides and top. Garnish with whipped cream swirls and fresh strawberries for that classic finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake

Garnishes

This cake almost begs to be dressed up—pile on rosettes of whipped cream around the edge and anchor them with juicy, halved fresh strawberries. A final dusting of strawberry crunch on top adds glitz and ties the whole look together.

Side Dishes

Since Strawberry Crunch Cake is rich and sweet, serve it with something fresh and simple on the side. A fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or even a handful of blueberries balances the flavors and brightens the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the layer cake! Cut the finished cake into small cubes for strawberry crunch cake parfaits layered in jars, or serve tiny squares on platters as easy-to-eat party bites. You can even transform it into a whimsical birthday sheet cake or decorate with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Strawberry Crunch Cake tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, or if you’ve decorated with fresh fruit or whipped cream, pop it in the refrigerator where it will stay moist and delicious for about four days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual cake slices securely in two layers of plastic wrap and then in foil, or pop whole layers (before frosting) in freezer bags. The unfrosted cake keeps beautifully for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature (for layers) or overnight in the fridge (for slices), and add fresh cream or crunch right before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake, but if you enjoy a just-baked texture, let slices come to room temperature before eating. The strawberry crunch will stay crisp, and the flavors meld even more as the cake rests.

FAQs

Can I use a box cake mix as a shortcut?

Absolutely! You can swap the cake portion for your favorite strawberry or vanilla cake mix, but add the strawberry jello to keep that intense strawberry flavor and cheerful pink color that makes Strawberry Crunch Cake so special.

Is there a gluten-free version of Strawberry Crunch Cake?

Yes, just use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the cake layers and substitute gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies for the Golden Oreos in the crunch—everyone gets to join the fun!

Will the strawberry crunch get soggy in the fridge?

If you keep the cake well covered and avoid overly damp conditions, your strawberry crunch will stay delightfully crisp for a couple of days. For the crunchiest topping, you can always apply the strawberry crunch right before serving.

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Definitely! Bake, cool, and wrap the layers in plastic, then store at room temperature for two days or freeze. When you’re ready to assemble your Strawberry Crunch Cake, just unwrap and bring to room temp—it’s a huge time saver for busy days.

What other fruit can I use besides strawberries?

Raspberries or blueberries work well for a twist, and you can swap in matching gelatin and fresh berries for a custom crunch cake that’s just as fun and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a cake that’s as joyful and nostalgic as it is scrumptious, give this Strawberry Crunch Cake a try. Every bite is a burst of tender cake, creamy frosting, and that irresistible crunch—don’t be surprised when you’re asked to make it again and again!

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