Strawberry Crunch Cake: A Nostalgic Dessert

March 6, 2026

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This tasty Strawberry Crunch Cake is straightforward to make and enjoyable to eat! The tender crumb contrasts properly with the crunchy topping, and who doesn’t love actual strawberry taste? Make this cake immediately to welcome spring or rejoice a special day!

This nostalgic dessert jogs my memory of the times the ice cream man would come into our neighborhood. I swear I might hear that horn from a mile away! After I did, I’d run downstairs begging mother for 1 / 4 so I might purchase a type of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. I liked the strawberry and vanilla ice cream, however the most effective half was that candy, crunchy strawberry coating.
As we speak, I convey you that favourite childhood deal with within the type of a cake created from scratch!

Although it could appear to be there are fairly a number of steps, this cake is straightforward to make and doesn’t require any particular pans or adorning abilities. Plus, if you happen to’ve already made my Strawberry Crunch Topping, it’s even simpler to throw collectively!

Substances for Do-it-yourself Strawberry Crunch Cake

Whereas the ingredient checklist is a bit lengthy, I often have nearly every part as a part of my pantry staples. I often solely must seize the particular substances particular to this cake, like Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
Right here’s what it’s good to make this scrumptious cake:

Ingredients to make a Strawberry Crunch Cake from scratch.

Strawberry Cake

White vinegar
Entire milk
All-purpose flour
Strawberry Jell-O (powder solely)
Baking powder
Kosher salt
Unsalted butter, room temperature
Granulated white sugar
Giant eggs
Pure vanilla extract

Vanilla Frosting

Unsalted butter, room temperature
Powdered sugar, sifted
Pure vanilla extract
Milk

Strawberry Crunch Topping

It’s also possible to discover this recipe in my Strawberry Crunch Topping weblog publish.

Freeze-dried strawberries
Golden Oreos, crushed with filling
Strawberry Jell-O powder
Unsalted butter, melted
Salt
Contemporary strawberries for garnish, if desired

I included a extra detailed ingredient checklist with measurements within the printable recipe card on the backside of the publish, so ensure you scroll down and test it out!

Process steps for making a Strawberry Crunch Cake from scratch.

Learn how to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, I combine the vinegar with the milk, then stir and let it sit for about quarter-hour. This bitter milk combination is a home made substitution for buttermilk!

Subsequent, I preheat the oven to 350 levels F and put together a 13×9-inch cake pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Then, in a medium bowl, I whisk collectively the flour, strawberry gelatin powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

In a separate mixing bowl, or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, I cream the butter till it’s smooth and clean, about 2-3 minutes. Then I step by step add the sugar and beat till it’s mild and fluffy, about one other 3 minutes. Subsequent, I add the eggs, one after the other, then lastly add the vanilla extract. Remember to scrape down the edges of the bowl as mandatory.

With the mixer on low velocity, I add the flour combination to the moist substances in three components, alternating with the bitter milk/buttermilk. I start and finish with the flour combination and beat simply till mixed. Lastly, I pour the cake batter into my ready pan.

I bake this strawberry cake for about 40 minutes or till a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clear or with a number of moist crumbs. Then I let it cool fully within the pan earlier than frosting it (about 1-1 ½ hours).

Vanilla Frosting

Whereas the cake cools, I make this straightforward vanilla frosting. In a clear mixing bowl, I cream the butter till mild and fluffy, then step by step add the powdered sugar till effectively combined.

Then I beat within the vanilla and milk, mixing on medium-high velocity till the frosting is mild and fluffy. When the cake is prepared, I unfold the frosting over the cooled strawberry cake.

Strawberry Crunch Topping

Utilizing a meals processor, I mix the freeze-dried strawberries and Golden Oreos and pulse till coarse crumbs kind. You could possibly use a blender as effectively.

Subsequent, I add the strawberry Jell-O powder and pulse briefly to combine it in.

Lastly, I soften the butter and pour it into the meals processor, pulsing simply till the cookie combination holds collectively when pressed. Then I unfold all of it out on a plate and place it within the fridge for quarter-hour.

As soon as the cake is cooled and frosted, I add a pleasant layer of this strawberry crunch tothe high of the cake simply earlier than serving. For an additional particular presentation, serve with sliced recent strawberries and whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Process photos showing how to frost and decorate a strawberry crunch topping cake.

Recipe Notes

You should use 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk as a substitute of the bitter milk detailed within the recipe.
Should you don’t have a meals processor to make the crumbs, you should use a strong blender, or just place the Oreos and strawberries in a plastic bag, like a Ziploc bag, then use a rolling pan to crush them into coarse crumbs.

FAQs

How do I retailer leftover Cake with Strawberry Crunch Topping?

I like this 9×13 cake pan that comes with a lid, as a result of you’ll be able to simply cowl your cake and retailer it. However if you happen to don’t have a pan with a fitted lid, cowl it tightly with aluminum foil or switch slices of cake to an hermetic container. Retailer the cake at room temperature for 2-3 days or for as much as per week within the fridge.

Can I freeze this Strawberry Crunch Cake?

Technically, sure, however the topping might lose its crunch when thawed. I like to recommend freezing the cake, both in its baking pan, tightly lined with plastic wrap and foil, or wrapped in the identical when faraway from the pan. Then, whenever you’re able to serve it, thaw it in a single day on the countertop and add the topping then.

Can I exploit a field combine to make this cake?

Sure, a boxed strawberry cake combine is a straightforward shortcut if you happen to’re pressed for time. I wish to physician up my cake combine through the use of milk as a substitute of water, melted butter as a substitute of oil, and including an additional egg. In any other case, observe the instructions on the field.
You may even use a canister of vanilla frosting to even prevent extra time and work!

Strawberry Desserts You’ll Love

When it’s strawberry season, I wish to bake all of the strawberry treats! Attempt considered one of these recipes subsequent time you’ve bought that strawberry craving:

A pink strawberry flavored cake on a plate with a strawberry in front of a cake pan.

Simple Cake Recipes

Should you want a fast and straightforward cake recipe, strive considered one of these:

With a young crumb and a crunchy glazed crust on the surface, this unbelievable lemon-lime 7Up Pound Cake is bound to impress your visitors! Whip up this straightforward dessert to take pleasure in tonight, or serve it at your subsequent get together.
If you need one thing candy however not overly sugary, do this spiced Applesauce Cake! Get pleasure from this fluffy, ethereal cake spiced with the nice and cozy spices of cinnamon and nutmeg and made moist with the addition of applesauce. Frost if desired, nevertheless it’s completely scrumptious simply as it’s!
Should you’re on the lookout for a espresso cake recipe that’s versatile sufficient for each a lazy weekend breakfast and a particular occasion brunch, then it’s a must to do this Blueberry Crumb Cake! This Blueberry Crumb Cake is a straightforward breakfast cake with a smooth, tender crumb, recent, juicy blueberries, and a candy crumb topping. You’ll be heading again for seconds very quickly and it’ll additionally make a scrumptious dessert!
This Buttermilk Chocolate Cake is completely moist, has a young crumb, and includes a wealthy chocolate taste. The addition of buttermilk makes the cake a lot moister than a typical chocolate cake. This cake is extremely straightforward to make, utilizing simply 2 mixing bowls and a whisk, so let’s get baking!

Should you made this scrumptious Strawberry Crunch Cake, I’d love to listen to the way it turned out for you. Go away me a remark or recipe assessment under, and are available again quickly for extra scrumptious dessert recipes you’ll love!

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Created by: Lynne Feifer