Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe: A Crispy, Sweet Treat That Everyone Will Love

Strawberry Crunch Cake is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a sweet, crunchy, and creamy slice of nostalgia. Inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this cake layers moist strawberry or vanilla cake with rich frosting and finishes with a buttery, golden strawberry crumble that adds the perfect crunch in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, summer BBQ, or just craving something fun and fruity, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Its bold pink color, vibrant strawberry flavor, and irresistible topping make it a standout on any dessert table.

In this post, we’ll guide you through how to make a bakery-style Strawberry Crunch Cake at home, share expert tips to keep that signature crunch crispy, and answer your most-asked questions about storage, texture, and what makes this cake so popular.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this deliciously nostalgic cake from scratch:

For the Cake:

• 1 box white or strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional for added texture)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a few drops of red or pink food coloring for a more vibrant look

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 20 Golden Oreos, crushed
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry Jell-O powder
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

👩‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake mix according to the package instructions, adding the strawberry Jell-O for an extra punch of flavor. Pour the batter evenly into two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. Bake as directed, then let the cakes cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the cream. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and food coloring if using. Beat until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

In a medium bowl, combine crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry Jell-O powder). Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly coated. Set aside to cool and crisp up.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Step 5: Add the Crunch Topping

Press the strawberry crunch mixture onto the sides and top of the cake using your hands or a spatula. For best results, apply the topping immediately after frosting so it sticks well.

Optional: Garnish and Chill

Top with fresh strawberries, whipped cream swirls, or white chocolate shavings for an extra-pretty finish. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to help everything set before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before mixing—this ensures a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Cake Before Applying Crunch: If your frosting feels too soft, pop the cake in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps the strawberry crunch topping stick better without sliding off.
• Customize the Crunch: Swap Golden Oreos for vanilla wafer cookies, or mix in a handful of chopped nuts for a fun twist.
• Make it a Sheet Cake: Short on time? Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan, frost the top, and sprinkle on the crunch topping—same great flavor, less work.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

• How to Store: Store Strawberry Crunch Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping may soften over time, so if you want to keep it crunchy, store it separately and add it before serving.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and assembling.
• Best Served: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the frosting and crunch topping a day ahead. Store the frosting in the fridge and re-whip before using; keep the crunch topping in an airtight container at room temperature.

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Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe: A Crispy, Sweet Treat That Everyone Will Love

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• Author: promeatrecipes.com
• Total Time: PT1H3M
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Make the best Strawberry Crunch Cake with layers of moist cake, creamy frosting, and a crispy strawberry topping. Easy, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 1 box white or strawberry cake mix

• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O

• Ingredients as listed on the cake mix box

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Red or pink food coloring (optional)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 20 Golden Oreos, crushed

• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries or 1 packet strawberry Jell-O powder

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

• Bake the Cake:
  Prepare the cake mix with Jell-O as directed. Bake in two 8-inch pans at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.

• Make the Frosting:
  Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Whip until fluffy.

• Make the Crunch Topping:
  Mix crushed Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries (or Jell-O powder), and melted butter until crumbly.

• Assemble the Cake:
  Layer cake with frosting. Cover the top and sides. Press crunch topping onto cake.

 

• Chill & Serve:
  Chill for 1 hour to set. Bring to room temperature before slicing.

Notes

• Flavor Variations: While this recipe uses a strawberry cake mix, you can easily switch it up with vanilla, chocolate, or even lemon cake mix for a different twist. The strawberry crunch topping complements any flavor!

• Make it from Scratch: If you prefer homemade cake, substitute the box mix with a from-scratch vanilla or strawberry cake recipe. Just be sure to follow the same baking instructions.

• Crunch Topping Substitutes: If you’re out of Golden Oreos, you can use vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies as a base for the crunch. For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, freeze-dried strawberries are a great option.

• Frosting Tip: If you prefer a lighter frosting, whipped cream or cream cheese frosting are excellent alternatives to buttercream. These options will give the cake a tangy, creamy finish that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.

• No Jell-O?: If you can’t find strawberry Jell-O, try using strawberry flavored gelatin or strawberry extract to add the flavor. A small splash of strawberry juice will also work in a pinch.

 

• Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of fresh strawberry sauce, or whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: PT20M
• Cook Time: PT30M
• Category: Desserts
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 39g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Strawberry Crunch Cake, Strawberry cake, Crunch cake , Strawberry dessert

Strawberry Crunch Cake FAQs

How long can strawberry cake sit out?

Strawberry Crunch Cake can safely sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, especially if it contains cream cheese or buttercream frosting, it’s best to refrigerate it to keep the ingredients fresh and safe to eat.

How long is strawberry crunch good for?

The strawberry crunch topping stays crisp and delicious for about 2–3 days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Once applied to a frosted cake, it may begin to soften after 24 hours, so for the crunchiest texture, add it right before serving.

What will stay crunchy in a cake?

Ingredients like Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, toasted coconut, or crushed nuts maintain their crunch best in a cake—especially when added just before serving. Avoid using cereals or fresh fruit in the topping if you want to preserve that crispy texture.

Why is strawberry cake popular?

Strawberry cake is beloved for its sweet, fruity flavor and vibrant color. It often evokes memories of classic desserts and summer treats like strawberry shortcake and ice cream bars. The combination of nostalgia, eye-catching presentation, and rich flavor makes it a favorite for birthdays, picnics, and special occasions.