“`html

There’s something irresistibly delightful about a Strawberry Crunch Cake that just calls for celebration. This luscious dessert combines moist, tender strawberry-flavored cake with a pillowy, fluffy frosting and a satisfyingly crisp topping made from crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Every bite offers a harmonious symphony of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that’s perfect for impressing friends, brightening up a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself. The Strawberry Crunch Cake is a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, guaranteed to become one of your favorites in no time.

Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake truly lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible charm. From the strawberry cake mix that provides a vibrant base to the Golden Oreos that add crunch and nostalgia, every component is essential for bringing this memorable dessert together.

Strawberry cake mix: This forms the wonderfully fruity and moist foundation for the entire cake.
Water: Keeps the cake batter tender and easy to pour.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise perfectly.
Unsalted butter (softened): The creamy base for the smooth, luscious frosting.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet strawberry notes and deepens the frosting’s flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens the overall taste.
Powdered sugar: Essential for that sweet, fluffy frosting texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Lightens and softens the frosting, making it spreadable but firm.
Golden Oreos (cream removed): Crushed to add an irresistible crunchy texture and buttery note.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Intensify the strawberry flavor with a punch of tartness and crunch.
Melted unsalted butter: Binds the crunchy topping ingredients, making them stick beautifully to the cake.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure your cake releases easily. Follow the directions on the strawberry cake mix box, combining water, vegetable oil, and eggs with the mix for a batter bursting with berry goodness. Pour this into your dish, bake until fluffy and cooked through, and then allow it to cool completely so that the frosting will glide on smoothly without melting.

Step 2: Whip Up the Frosting

This frosting is the dreamy, soft layer that elevates the Strawberry Crunch Cake to new heights. Using a mixer, cream the softened butter on medium speed until it’s light and airy—this usually takes about two minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt for depth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time, scraping down the bowl to keep things evenly fluffy. Finally, beat in heavy cream a little at a time, adjusting until you reach a perfect spreadable but sturdy consistency that holds those crunchy toppings in place.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Here’s the fun part that brings crunch and a burst of texture: place the Golden Oreos (with the cream filling discarded) and freeze-dried strawberries into a resealable bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them gently until you see pea-sized crumbs. Mixing the crunchier Golden Oreos with tangy, brittle freeze-dried strawberries creates that signature crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth frosting. Add melted butter, seal the bag, and toss everything together so the crumbs are evenly coated and ready to sprinkle.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spread the luscious frosting evenly over the cooled cake with a spatula, creating a smooth canvas for your topping. Then, evenly sprinkle your crunchy Oreo-strawberry mixture on top, pressing lightly so it sticks to the frosting. This assembly is what transforms a simple cake into the boldly textured and flavor-packed Strawberry Crunch Cake we all crave.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once assembled, slice your cake into generous pieces and prepare for all the compliments headed your way. This cake shines best when shared, inviting everyone to experience the delightful blend of soft cake, creamy frosting, and that unforgettable crisp topping.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake

Garnishes

To make each slice extra special, consider adding a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. A small dollop of whipped cream alongside the cake can also enhance the creaminess and looks gorgeous on the plate. These simple touches bring fresh brightness and an elegant finish to your delightful Strawberry Crunch Cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with classic accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee. If you’re serving it during a brunch, consider fresh fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet to contrast the cake’s sweet richness. The balance of textures and temperatures will make each bite an exciting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the typical rectangle! You can serve this cake in bite-sized squares on a dessert platter for parties or shape parts of the frosting and crunch mix into cupcakes for an irresistible presentation. Another idea is layering pieces in a trifle dish, layering cake, frosting, and the crunch topping to create a stunning visual that teases the taste buds before the first forkful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Strawberry Crunch Cake stays fresh and delicious stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover the cake well so the topping stays crisp and the frosting doesn’t absorb any fridge odors. This way, you can enjoy that lovely combination of flavors anytime without losing the texture that makes this cake so special.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save leftovers for later, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze up to three months, then thaw it overnight in the fridge. The crunch topping might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors will remain just as delightful.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it a bit warmer, bring a slice to room temperature and let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crunchy and the frosting looking its best.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

While fresh strawberries add lovely moisture and juiciness, freeze-dried strawberries are key for that distinct crunch in the topping. If you want to substitute, consider using fresh strawberries within the cake or as a garnish and still keep the freeze-dried ones for the topping texture.

Is it possible to make this cake from scratch without a cake mix?

Absolutely! You can make a strawberry-flavored cake from scratch by adding strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder to a simple vanilla cake batter. However, using the store-bought mix keeps the process speedy and consistent in flavor.

What if I don’t have Golden Oreos? Can I use a different cookie?

Golden Oreos bring a buttery sweetness and light crunch that balances beautifully with the strawberries. If you don’t have them, vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies can work well as alternatives.

How do I get my frosting to be the perfect consistency?

Starting with room temperature butter is crucial for a smooth frosting. Add powdered sugar gradually and beat well. The heavy cream helps loosen the frosting, so add it one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a fluffy yet sturdy texture that’s easy to spread.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure your cookies for the topping are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert adaptable for many diets.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Crunch Cake is truly a dessert that brings joy with every bite. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgic crunch, creamy sweetness, and vibrant strawberry flavor that never fails to put a smile on faces. I encourage you to dive in and try making this cake—it’s as rewarding as it is delicious, and you might just find yourself coming back to it as a go-to for special occasions or whenever you crave something utterly scrumptious.

“`

Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful Strawberry Crunch Cake featuring a moist strawberry-flavored cake topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and a crunchy topping made from crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. This cake offers a perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Instructions

Make the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions using 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Make the frosting: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and lightened in color. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed to fully incorporate. Slowly add 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream while increasing the mixer speed to high and beat for 1 more minute until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Make the topping: Place 12 Golden Oreo cookies (without cream filling) and 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries into a large Ziploc bag. Crush the contents with a rolling pin until you achieve pea-sized crumbs.
Combine topping: Pour 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter into the bag with the crushed Oreos and strawberries, reseal, and toss to coat the crumbs evenly.
Assemble the cake: Spread the prepared vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Add the crunch layer: Sprinkle the Oreo and strawberry crumb mixture evenly over the frosting layer.
Serve: Slice the cake into desired portions and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated tangy flavor and crunchy texture; regular dried strawberries will not provide the same effect.
You can substitute Golden Oreos with any vanilla sandwich cookies as per preference.
Adjust heavy cream in frosting to achieve your preferred consistency.
This cake is best stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American