The Best Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe – Moist & Flavorful
This Strawberry Crunch Cake is a moist, fluffy strawberry cake layered with creamy frosting and topped with a delicious strawberry crunch topping. Made with real strawberries and a buttery vanilla crumble, this cake tastes just like the nostalgic Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars! Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a sweet and fruity dessert.
Equipment
- 2 (8-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup strawberry purée fresh or frozen, blended
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp strawberry gelatin Jell-O
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder optional
- For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreos crushed
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in strawberry purée and sour cream until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Stir in strawberry gelatin for extra color and flavor.
- Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
- Mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder (if using) for an extra strawberry flavor.
- Step 4: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- In a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries into crumbs.
- Mix in melted butter until the crumbs hold together slightly. Set aside.
- Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate and spread a layer of frosting.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for best results.
Notes
For extra moisture, replace half of the butter with vegetable oil.
If you want more strawberry flavor, add an extra tablespoon of strawberry gelatin or mix in strawberry extract.
Golden Oreos can be substituted with vanilla wafers for the crunch topping.
Freeze-dried strawberries give the best crunch topping, but you can also use crushed strawberry cereal.
If you want more strawberry flavor, add an extra tablespoon of strawberry gelatin or mix in strawberry extract.
Golden Oreos can be substituted with vanilla wafers for the crunch topping.
Freeze-dried strawberries give the best crunch topping, but you can also use crushed strawberry cereal.