Strawberry Crunch Cake – The Best 2 Layers Crunchy Dessert Delight

If you love strawberry shortcake bars, then you’ll fall in love with this Strawberry Crunch Cake! This delicious dessert features moist strawberry and vanilla cake layers, a creamy frosting, and a crispy, buttery strawberry crunch topping that adds the perfect texture.

Inspired by the classic Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar, this cake is a fun and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and fruity. Plus, it’s easy to make using either a homemade or boxed cake mix—so you can customize it to your liking!

If you love strawberry desserts, you might also enjoy this Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe for a fruity and creamy alternative.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry Crunch Cake is a sweet, fruity, and crunchy dessert that combines a soft strawberry cake, creamy frosting, and a buttery crumble topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make it from scratch or with a cake mix.

1. Cake Base: Cake Mix vs. Homemade

You can choose between a convenient cake mix or a homemade strawberry cake for the base.

Using Cake Mix (Easy Option)

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) – For extra strawberry flavor.
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk or water

Homemade Strawberry Cake (From Scratch)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup strawberry purée or mashed fresh strawberries
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

2. Best Frosting for Strawberry Crunch Cake

A rich and creamy frosting balances the flavors of the cake and crunch topping. Here are the best options:

• Vanilla Buttercream – Classic choice, made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – Tangy and sweet, made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry purée.
• Whipped Cream Frosting – A lighter option, made with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

3. Making the Strawberry Crunch Topping

The signature crunch topping gives the cake its famous texture and flavor.

Ingredients for the Crunch Topping:

• 15 Golden Oreos (or vanilla wafers), crushed
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry Jell-O powder
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
2. Mix with freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin powder.
3. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and well-coated.

Sprinkle this strawberry crunch topping over the frosted cake for a sweet, buttery, and slightly crispy texture.

For another easy, homemade dessert, try this Oreo Inside Cookie Recipe for a chocolatey treat with a surprise filling.

How to Make the Cake Layers

The foundation of Strawberry Crunch Cake is its soft, moist cake layers. Whether you’re making a two-layer cake or a sheet cake, follow these steps for the perfect strawberry and vanilla cakes.

1. Baking the Strawberry Cake Layer

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix (or see homemade version below)
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk or water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry purée (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk cake mix and strawberry gelatin powder together.
3. Add eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into the cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool completely before layering with frosting.

Homemade Strawberry Cake Alternative:

• Replace cake mix with 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 cup sugar.
• Increase strawberry purée to 1 cup for natural flavor.

2. Baking the Vanilla Cake Layer

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk or water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a second 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until smooth, then pour into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Let cool completely before assembling.

Tips for the Perfect Cake Layers:

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
• Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Trim the tops if needed to create even layers.

Now your strawberry and vanilla cake layers are ready to be stacked and transformed into a delicious Strawberry Crunch Cake!

For a classic vanilla option, try this Single Cookie Recipe if you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a full batch.

Step-by-Step Frosting Instructions

A smooth, evenly spread frosting is key to a beautiful and delicious Strawberry Crunch Cake. Follow these steps for the best results.

1. Choosing the Best Frosting

The right frosting enhances the cake’s flavor and holds the crunch topping in place. Here are the top options:

• Vanilla Buttercream – Classic choice, rich and creamy.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – Tangy and complements the strawberry cake.
• Whipped Cream Frosting – Light and fluffy, great for a less sweet option.

Vanilla Buttercream Recipe:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
3. Add vanilla and heavy cream, whipping until fluffy.

2. Spreading Frosting Evenly

1. Place the first cake layer on a cake stand and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Stack the second layer carefully and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to seal in crumbs.
3. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before applying the final thick layer of frosting.
4. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting for a clean finish.

3. Frosting Tricks for a Professional Look

• Chill the cake layers before frosting to reduce crumbs.
• Use a turntable for smooth and even frosting.
• Run a spatula under hot water for a flawless finish.

Now your cake is perfectly frosted and ready for the crunchy topping!

For a buttery, flaky dessert alternative, try this Gipfeli Recipe for a Swiss-style croissant pastry.

How to Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

The strawberry crunch topping adds a sweet, buttery, and crispy texture that makes this cake irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 15 Golden Oreos (or vanilla wafers), crushed
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (or 1 small box strawberry Jell-O powder)
• 4 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
2. Mix with melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Sprinkle generously over the frosted cake, pressing slightly to help it stick.

This topping adds the signature strawberry crunch flavor and texture that makes this cake so special.

For another crunchy dessert option, try this Rice Krispie Treat Recipe for a simple, no-bake sweet treat.

Assembling the Strawberry Crunch Cake

Now that your cake layers, frosting, and crunch topping are ready, it’s time to put everything together for the perfect Strawberry Crunch Cake. Follow these steps to ensure a beautifully layered, delicious cake.

1. Layering the Cake

1. Place the first cake layer (strawberry or vanilla) on a cake stand or serving plate.
2. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
3. Add the second cake layer, gently pressing it down to ensure stability.
4. If making a three-layer cake, repeat the process with another cake and frosting layer.

2. Applying the Frosting

1. Cover the entire cake with a thin “crumb coat” (a light layer of frosting to seal crumbs).
2. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the crumb coat set.
3. Apply the final thick layer of frosting, smoothing it evenly around the sides and top.
4. Use a spatula or bench scraper for a clean finish.

3. Adding the Crunch Topping

1. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosted cake.
2. Press lightly to ensure it sticks to the sides and top.
3. If needed, apply an extra layer of frosting to the sides to help the crunch adhere better.
4. For extra decoration, add fresh strawberries or a drizzle of white chocolate on top.

Final Touches & Serving

• Let the cake chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

Now your Strawberry Crunch Cake is beautifully assembled and ready to enjoy—a perfect mix of soft cake, creamy frosting, and crispy crunch topping!

Tasty Variations and Add-Ins

Take your Strawberry Crunch Cake to the next level with these delicious variations and add-ins. Whether you love a creamy filling, a chocolatey twist, or fresh fruit toppings, these ideas will make your cake even more irresistible!

1. Cheesecake Filling (Rich & Creamy)

Add a smooth and tangy cheesecake layer between the cake layers for extra indulgence.

Ingredients for Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add vanilla and heavy cream, whipping until thick and fluffy.
3. Spread evenly between cake layers before assembling.

This cheesecake-stuffed Strawberry Crunch Cake creates a rich and creamy contrast to the light cake layers.

2. Chocolate Drizzle (Decadent & Fancy)

Add a chocolate drizzle for a beautiful and flavorful touch.

How to Make a Chocolate Drizzle:

• Melt ½ cup white or milk chocolate chips with 1 tbsp heavy cream in the microwave.
• Stir until smooth and drizzle over the cake using a spoon or piping bag.

For another fruit-based dessert, try this Peach Pie Recipe for a delicious homemade fruit pie.

3. Fresh Strawberry Garnish (Bright & Fruity)

Fresh strawberries enhance the natural fruitiness of the cake while adding a decorative touch.

Ways to Garnish with Strawberries:

• Slice strawberries and arrange them around the top edge.
• Fan out a whole strawberry in the center for a professional look.
• Dip strawberries in chocolate for an extra elegant finish.

Bonus Variations

• Lemon Strawberry Crunch Cake – Add lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting for a citrusy flavor.
• Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes – Use the same recipe but divide it into cupcake liners for individual treats.
• Extra Crunch Layer – Mix a little crunch topping into the frosting layers for even more texture.

For another layered cake recipe, check out this Lemon Dump Cake Recipe for a citrusy, tangy dessert.

How to Store and Keep It Fresh

Proper storage helps maintain the moisture, flavor, and crunch of your Strawberry Crunch Cake. Here’s how to keep it fresh, whether making it ahead or storing leftovers.

1. Refrigeration (Best for Short-Term Storage)

• Store in an airtight container or cake carrier to prevent it from drying out.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

2. Freezing Tips (Best for Long-Term Storage)

• Freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. They can last up to 3 months.
• Freeze the fully assembled cake by placing it in the freezer for 1 hour, then wrapping it in plastic wrap. Store for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Making It Ahead

• Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature.
• Prepare the crunch topping and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Assemble and frost the cake the day before serving to save time and allow the flavors to blend.

By following these storage and make-ahead tips, your Strawberry Crunch Cake will stay fresh, moist, and delicious for any occasion!

FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Cake

Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Jell-O or Freeze-Dried Strawberries?

Yes! Fresh strawberries add a natural, fruity flavor.

• For the cake: Use strawberry purée (blended fresh strawberries) instead of Jell-O.
• For the crunch topping: Chop fresh strawberries, but keep in mind that they add moisture and won’t stay as crunchy.

How Do I Make It Gluten-Free?

• Use a gluten-free cake mix or substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
• Replace Golden Oreos with gluten-free vanilla cookies for the crunch topping.

What Are the Best Frosting Alternatives?

• Whipped Cream Frosting – Light and airy, made with heavy cream and powdered sugar.
• Strawberry Buttercream – Mix strawberry purée into classic buttercream.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – Adds a slight tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cake is a perfect blend of soft cake, creamy frosting, and a crispy strawberry crunch topping. Whether you choose to make it with cake mix or from scratch, this dessert is easy to customize and ideal for any occasion.

Now that you have all the secrets to making the best Strawberry Crunch Cake, it’s time to bake, assemble, and enjoy this delicious treat. Give it a try and impress your family and friends!