Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A slice of Strawberry Crunch Cake on a plate with layers of creamy, crunchy, and moist cake.

Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe: A Sweet & Crunchy Delight


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 1 (9x13-inch cake) or two 9-inch round cakes 1x

Description

This Strawberry Crunch Cake is a deliciously soft and fluffy cake with a creamy layer and a buttery, crispy strawberry crunch topping. Made with simple ingredients like vanilla cake, whipped cream, and freeze-dried strawberries, this dessert is perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this easy-to-make cake is sure to impress. Plus, with customizable flavors like chocolate or vanilla, you can make it uniquely yours.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 box vanilla or strawberry cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk (or water as per cake mix instructions)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Crunch Topping:

  • 20 vanilla sandwich cookies (Golden Oreos or shortbread cookies, crushed)
  • ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into small pieces)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling & Topping:

  • 1 cup strawberry preserves or jam
  • 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two round cake pans.
  2. Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  3. Bake according to package instructions, about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool completely before adding toppings.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunch Topping

  1. In a food processor or ziplock bag, crush the vanilla sandwich cookies into small crumbs.
  2. Add the freeze-dried strawberries and crush until combined.
  3. Pour in the melted butter and mix well to create a crunchy, crumbly topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
  2. Add whipped topping in a smooth layer over the preserves.
  3. Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly across the entire cake.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

  1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
  2. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
  3. Slice, serve, and enjoy the perfect combination of soft, creamy, and crunchy!

Notes

  • For Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter for a stronger strawberry taste.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Swap milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free whipped topping.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free cookies for the topping.
  • Storage:
    • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Cuisine: American / Dessert

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Fat: ~15g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Protein: ~3g