Strawberry Crunch Cake

This amazing recipe for strawberry crunch cake is inspired by Good Humor strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. This made-from-scratch cake is layered with a delicious classic vanilla buttercream as the filling and icing, and covered with an easy crunchy coating made with crushed Golden Oreos and strawberry Jell-O. The cake is topped off with whipped cream swirls and fresh whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

This cake is perfect for any occasion, especially for summer parties, birthdays, or Valentines Day. I promise this cake won’t disappoint so let’s bake this delicious strawberry crunch cake together! Also try my Strawberry Cream Cake.

Jump to:

• Why Make Strawberry Crunch Cake?
• Ingredients for the Cake
• Method of Making the Cake
• To Make the Crunch and Decorate the Cake
• Tips for Making Layer Cakes
• Serving Ideas
• Storage and Make Ahead
• 📖 Recipe

Why Make Strawberry Crunch Cake?

Strawberry crunch cake is a delicious dessert that many people enjoy for its sweet and tangy flavor, as well as its crunchy texture. Here are some reasons why you might want to make this cake:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser: If you’re looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck or dinner party, strawberry crunch cake is a great choice. It’s a classic dessert that is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
• It’s easy to make: Despite its impressive appearance, strawberry crunch cake is easy to make. The cake layers can be made from a box mix (for a shortcut) or from scratch (if you have time!), and the filling and crumbly topping are simple to put together.
• It’s versatile: While strawberry crunch cake is delicious on its own, it can also be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different fruit fillings, such as raspberry or blueberry, or add in other ingredients like chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
• It’s perfect for spring and summer: With its fresh strawberry flavor and light texture, strawberry crunch cake is the perfect dessert for warmer weather. It’s a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring or to enjoy a sweet treat on a hot summer day.
• This cake is also great for Valentine’s Day or other romantic occasions, as the vibrant pink color and the fresh strawberries on top make for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your loved ones.

Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with your family, it’s a dessert that everyone will love!

Ingredients for the Cake

1. All-purpose flour: It provides the structure and bulk to the cake. Flour contains gluten proteins that, when mixed with liquid and heat, create a network that gives the cake its texture and shape.
2. Baking powder: It acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake to rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas when combined with liquid and heat. This results in a light and fluffy texture.
3. Salt: It enhances the flavor of the cake and helps to balance the sweetness. Salt is a crucial ingredient in baking as it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
4. Vanilla: It adds flavor and aroma to the cake. Vanilla extract is commonly used to enhance the overall taste of baked goods.
5. Vegetable oil (or butter): It provides moisture to the cake and helps to keep it tender. Oil or butter also contributes to the richness and flavor of the cake.
6. Eggs: They act as a binding agent, helping to hold the cake together. Eggs also add moisture, richness, and structure to the cake.
7. Sugar: It sweetens the cake and contributes to its texture. Sugar also plays a role in browning the cake during baking, adding a desirable golden color.
8. Strawberry gelatin: It imparts a strawberry flavor and adds moisture to the cake. Gelatin helps to create a soft and tender texture.
9. Milk: It provides moisture and helps to create a moist and tender cake. Milk also contributes to the overall flavor and richness of the cake.

These ingredients work together to create a delicious and moist strawberry crunch cake with a balanced flavor and a light, fluffy texture.

Method of Making the Cake

For complete instructions, please see recipe card below.

In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and well combined.

Add the sugar and strawberry gelatin to the mixer bowl. Mix again until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the mixer, adding it in four increments. Mix each addition until just combined before adding more.

In a separate bowl, measure out the milk. Add it to the mixer in three increments, alternating between the milk and flour mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined after each addition.

To bake the cakes, divide the batter equally among the three prepared pans. If you’re using a scale, aim for approximately 483 grams of batter per pan to ensure even layers.

Ensure that the cakes are thoroughly cooled before proceeding with frosting. Cooling them completely will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cakes.

To Make the Crunch and Decorate the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Crush Golden Oreos into small crumbles using a food processor or by pounding them in a plastic bag with a mallet or rolling pin.

In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled Oreos with strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter, gently mixing them together.

Spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then bake for 8 minutes at 350°F. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the mixture to cool.

Decorate top and sides of cake with completely cooled strawberry crunch. Add whipped cream and fresh strawberries to top of the cake.

Enjoy!

Tips for Making Layer Cakes

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the flour, sugar, and butter.

• Measure your ingredients carefully, either by weight or using measuring cups and spoons.

• Use cake pans that are the same size and shape for even baking.

• Line the bottom of your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Grease the sides of the cake pans and dust them with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

• Don’t overfill the cake pans with batter – they should be no more than two-thirds full.

• Bake the cake layers in the center of the oven for even baking.

• Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting and assembling the cake.

• Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers if needed and place a dollop of frosting between each layer to hold them in place.

Serving Ideas

Strawberry crunch cake can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Some fresh sliced strawberries
• A few dollops of fresh whipped cream.

A warm cup of coffee or tea (or iced)or a tall glass of cold milk (any variety!) can also be a great complement to the cake.

Storage and Make Ahead

For the cake:

Once the cake layers have cooled completely, you can store them to use later or assemble the cake right away. To store the cake layers, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can place them in a freezer-safe bag and seal it tightly. Store the cake layers at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

If you want to make the cake layers ahead of time, you can bake and cool them in advance. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, allow the cake layers to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting the cake.

For the Buttercream:

If you have leftover buttercream or want to make it ahead of time, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using it, allow the buttercream to come to room temperature and give it a good stir or re-whip it with an electric mixer to restore its smooth consistency.

📖 Recipe