Fluffy Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories bloom with every slice of this strawberry crunch cake recipe that combines delicate layers of soft cake with a surprising textural twist.

Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, the dessert brings together creamy frosting and a delightful crisp topping that dances on your palate.

Homemade cakes often feel intimidating, but this recipe breaks down each step into simple, approachable instructions.

The crunch factor elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a delectable treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Luscious strawberries nestled between tender cake layers promise a dessert that will impress at any gathering.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible strawberry sensation that turns an everyday dessert into a memorable culinary experience.

Strawberry Crunch Cake Ingredients at a Glance

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the base for the strawberry cake layers.
• Eggs: Helps bind the cake ingredients together and adds structure.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Milk: Enhances the cake's texture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Strawberry Gelatin Mix: Adds strawberry flavor and vibrant color to the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cheesecake layer.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to the cheesecake.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize and thicken the cheesecake mixture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and provides structure.

• Vanilla Sandwich Cookies: Forms the crunchy base for the cake topping.
• Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs together.
• Strawberry Gelatin: Adds color and flavor to the cookie crumbs.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides a vibrant red hue to the strawberry crumbs.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide for Making This Crunchy Dessert

Step 1: Craft Crumbly Cookie Topping

Grab vanilla sandwich cookies and crush them into rough chunks.

Separate the crumbs into two separate containers.

In one bowl, mix crumbs with strawberry gelatin powder.

Drizzle melted butter over both bowls.

Add red food coloring to the gelatin-mixed crumbs for vibrant color.

Spread crumbs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Allow crumbs to cool completely while preparing remaining cake components.

Step 2: Bake Luscious Strawberry Cake Layers

Warm the oven and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Strawberry gelatin mix

Blend ingredients until silky smooth.

Divide batter equally between prepared pans.

Bake for 24-28 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.

Transfer cakes to wire rack and cool completely.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheesecake Foundation

Lower oven temperature to 325°F.

Whisk together sugar and cornstarch.

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Gradually incorporate eggs and sugar mixture.

Pour batter into parchment-lined springform pan.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Turn off oven and let cheesecake rest inside for additional 20 minutes.

Cool thoroughly.

Freeze for one hour to simplify assembly.

Step 4: Whip Dreamy Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter until light and airy.

Incorporate vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

Mix until perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Build Spectacular Cake Structure

Position first strawberry cake layer on serving plate.

Spread thin frosting layer.

Gently place cheesecake layer on top.

Frost cheesecake surface.

Add second cake layer.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating smooth finish.

Step 6: Sprinkle Crunchy Cookie Topping

Break cooled cookie crumbs into smaller pieces.

Press crumbs generously onto cake sides and top.

Ensure complete coverage for maximum crunch and visual appeal.

Tips to Get That Crunchy Topping Just Right

• Mix plain and strawberry-tinted cookie crumbs for a vibrant, textured topping that adds visual appeal and delightful crunch to your cake.
• Use strawberry gelatin mix in both cake batter and crumbs to intensify the strawberry flavor and create a more robust, concentrated taste throughout the dessert.
• Freeze the cheesecake layer for one hour before assembly to ensure clean, precise cutting and easier handling during cake construction.
• Keep cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily and creates a professional-looking finish.
• Press cookie crumbs generously onto cake sides and top, ensuring complete coverage and maximum textural contrast between soft cake and crispy topping.

How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Crunch Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully wrap the entire cake in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each cake slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Unwrap and thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to maintain moisture. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften and reach optimal serving temperature.

What Pairs Nicely With Crunch Cake

• Pair Strawberry Bliss with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Moscato or Riesling with light, sweet notes that complement the cake's fruity strawberry flavor and enhance its delicate cheesecake undertones.
• Serve Refreshing Summer Cocktail: Mix a strawberry-infused prosecco spritzer with fresh mint leaves, creating a bubbly, vibrant drink that matches the cake's playful texture and bright strawberry profile.
• Create Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Scoop premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside each cake slice, allowing its smooth, rich coldness to balance the cake's sweet crunchiness and provide a classic dessert pairing.
• Match with Sparkling Berry Mocktail: Blend fresh strawberries, sparkling water, and a touch of elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic option that mirrors the cake's fruity essence and adds a sophisticated, refreshing touch.

Crunch Cake Variations to Mix Things Up

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the vanilla sandwich cookies with gluten-free graham crackers and use a gluten-free cake mix. Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to maintain the cake's texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and replace butter with coconut oil. Select a vegan cake mix or create a homemade plant-based cake batter using non-dairy milk.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener in the cheesecake layer, and create a lighter frosting using Greek yogurt and reduced powdered sugar. Choose sugar-free gelatin mix for added flavor without extra calories.
• Berry Swap Variation: Exchange strawberry gelatin with raspberry or mixed berry gelatin for a different fruity profile. Incorporate fresh blueberries or raspberries between cake layers for extra moisture and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• How difficult is this strawberry crunch cake to make?

This cake requires intermediate baking skills. You’ll need to create multiple components like cookie crumbs, cake layers, cheesecake layer, and frosting. While not overly complex, it does involve several steps and precise baking techniques.

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crumb topping?

Vanilla sandwich cookies work best, but you can substitute with golden Oreos or graham crackers. Just ensure the cookie has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the strawberry taste.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll need two 9-inch cake pans, a springform pan for the cheesecake layer, an electric mixer, and basic baking tools like parchment paper and a wire cooling rack. A cake turntable can help with frosting, but it’s not mandatory.

• What makes the strawberry flavor intense in this cake?

The strawberry gelatin mix is the secret ingredient. It’s added to both the cake batter and cookie crumbs, creating a concentrated strawberry flavor throughout the dessert.

What Makes Strawberry Crunch Cake So Fun

• Craft a showstopping dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors, perfect for bakers who love challenging and impressive recipes.
• Impress friends and family with a multi-layered cake that looks professionally made, featuring a stunning strawberry-cookie crunch exterior that screams gourmet.
• Enjoy an incredible sensory experience with soft cake layers, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy cookie topping that dance together in every single bite.
• Swap out strawberry gelatin for other flavors or adjust cookie types to create your unique version of this spectacular dessert.

Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Dreamy strawberry crunch cake blends luscious layers of sweet berries with crisp, buttery streusel for an irresistible dessert. Rich textures and fresh flavors dance together, promising pure delight that will satisfy every sweet craving you encounter.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 16.5 ounces (467 grams) Strawberry Supreme cake mix
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 12 cup (118 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
• 3 ounces (85 grams) strawberry gelatin mix
• 5 to 6 drops red food color gel

Crunch Topping:

• 36 vanilla sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Frosting and Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 12 cup (118 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 12 cup (118 milliliters) heavy cream
• 14 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 34 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 14 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

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Instructions

1. Craft the textural cookie coating by pulverizing vanilla sandwich cookies into uneven fragments. Separate crumbs into dual containers: one plain, another blended with strawberry gelatin. Incorporate melted butter and infuse strawberry crumbs with crimson food coloring. Distribute crumbs across parchment-lined baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 10 minutes. Allow cooling while preparing subsequent components.
2. Generate strawberry cake foundations by greasing two 9-inch circular pans. Amalgamate cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, and strawberry gelatin until uniformly integrated. Distribute batter evenly between pans. Roast for 24-28 minutes until wooden probe emerges immaculately. Permit cakes to cool completely on wire mesh.
3. Construct cheesecake stratum at reduced 325°F temperature. Whisk sugar with cornstarch. Blend cream cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla until silken. Gradually incorporate eggs and sugar mixture. Transfer batter into parchment-lined springform pan. Bake 40 minutes. Deactivate oven, allowing gentle setting for additional 20 minutes. Chill thoroughly, then freeze one hour for simplified assembly.
4. Formulate luxurious frosting by whipping cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter until aerated. Integrate vanilla and powdered sugar, creating smooth, delicate cream.
5. Construct cake architecture by positioning first strawberry layer on serving plate. Apply thin frosting layer, delicately introducing cheesecake stratum. Frost cheesecake surface, crowning with secondary cake layer. Enrobe entire confection with remaining frosting.
6. Embellish with crunchy topping by fragmenting cooled cookie crumbs. Enthusiastically press crumbs onto cake’s exterior, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum textural experience.

Notes

• Customize cookie crumbs by using gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies for a celiac-friendly version of the cake.
• Toast cookie crumbs slightly longer for extra crispy texture, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Swap regular food coloring with natural alternatives like beet powder for a more organic red tint in strawberry crumbs.
• Chill cake layers before frosting to minimize crumb breakage and create smoother frosting application.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg