Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for strawberries, you’re about to fall head over heels with this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe. It’s a heavenly combination of moist, fluffy cake layers infused with strawberry flavor, enveloped in rich, creamy buttercream, and finished with a delightful golden Oreo crunch that adds a satisfying texture you just can’t resist. Whether it’s a birthday, special occasion, or just a craving for something spectacular, this cake is your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cake bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays its part—flour for structure, strawberry gelatin for flavor, and golden Oreos for that signature crunch on top.

• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor balance in both cake and frosting.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon + 1.5 tablespoons): Adds warm, inviting aroma and depth.
• Vegetable oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
• Eggs (4): Bind everything together and add richness.
• Sugar (1 3/4 cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
• Strawberry gelatin (1 package – 85 g): Delivers that unmistakable strawberry punch.
• Milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and softness to the batter.
• Butter, room temperature (1.5 cups + 4 tablespoons melted): Essential for a creamy frosting and the crunchy topping.
• Powdered sugar (1.5 pounds): Creates the smooth, sweet base for the buttercream.
• Heavy cream or milk (6 tablespoons, plus extra if needed): Adjusts frosting texture to silky smooth.
• Golden Oreos (24 cookies): Crushed to create the star strawberry crunch layer.
• Strawberry Jell-O (1 box): Mixed with Oreo crumbs for that irresistible texture and flavor punch.
• Fresh strawberries (8): For a stunning, fresh decoration on top.
• Whipped cream: To add light, airy swirls as a finishing touch.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure your layers pop out cleanly after baking. This prep makes all the difference in getting those perfect, even cake rounds.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these dry components aside ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, which helps your cake rise evenly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Into your mixing bowl, add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat these together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and homogenous—this helps create a tender texture by evenly distributing fats and moisture.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Strawberry Gelatin

Sprinkle in the sugar and the strawberry gelatin powder directly into the wet mixture. Mixing these until combined infuses the batter with that bright strawberry flavor and the right amount of sweetness that makes this cake unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately

Now the magic step: add the flour mixture in four parts, alternating with the milk in three parts. Start and end with the flour. Mixing after each addition until just combined keeps the batter tender and prevents overworking the gluten.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the center rack for around 30 minutes. Your cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the edges slightly pull away from the pan. Resist opening the oven before 20 minutes to keep that rise!

Step 7: Cool the Layers

Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 to 15 minutes. Then gently loosen the edges with a knife and invert them onto a wire rack to cool fully before frosting. This avoids melting the buttercream and keeps your layers intact.

Step 8: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

Using a mixer, beat room-temperature butter and salt until fluffy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar in batches, starting slow to avoid a sugar cloud! Add vanilla extract, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, beating until the frosting is silky and spreadable.

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F again. Crush the golden Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip bag and rolling pin. Mix these crumbs with strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter. Spread the mix on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes for a crunchy, flavorful topping. Let cool completely before using.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Place the first cake layer on your serving plate or a rotating cake stand, spread an even layer of buttercream, then repeat with the second layer. Top with the third layer and apply a thin crumb coat to seal in loose crumbs. Chill for 15–20 minutes to set the crumb coat before final frosting.

Step 11: Finish and Decorate

Spread the remaining buttercream smoothly over the cake. Press the cooled strawberry crunch gently onto the sides and top for a stunning textured finish. Finally, artfully arrange fresh strawberries and swirls of whipped cream around the top for a presentation that’s as delightful as the taste.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and delicate whipped cream rosettes not only enhance the strawberry flavor but also add a lovely visual freshness. If you’re feeling extra festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes everything look like a sweet little garden.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk. For a more adult twist, serve alongside a crisp sparkling rosé to complement the fruity sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into dainty squares and presenting them on vintage dessert plates for a tea party vibe. Or, serve individual mini versions by layering cake rounds with frosting in glass jars topped with the strawberry crunch for an adorable, portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, keep your Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect to enjoy over several days without losing quality.

Freezing

You can freeze the layers before frosting by wrapping each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and decorating. The finished cake itself also freezes well, but be sure to wrap it thoroughly.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use different types of Oreos for the strawberry crunch?

Golden Oreos work best because their subtle vanilla flavor complements the strawberry without overpowering it. However, you can experiment with other varieties, but it may change the overall taste and color.

Is there a substitute if I can’t find strawberry gelatin?

If strawberry gelatin is unavailable, you can try using another strawberry-flavored powder or reduce it slightly and add fresh strawberry puree for a natural twist. Just keep in mind the texture and sweetness might vary a bit.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine!

How do I get the cake layers so even and flat?

Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly into pans and consider using a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim domed tops after baking for perfectly flat layers, ensuring easy stacking and a professional look.

Can I prepare this cake in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the cake layers ahead of time, make the crunch topping a day before, and store the frosting separately. Assemble and decorate the day of your event for the freshest presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is the perfect blend of classic comfort and playful texture that will steal your heart at first bite. It’s joyful to make, a crowd-pleaser to serve, and fantastic to enjoy with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll find this cake quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

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