Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that will bring vibrant flavors and irresistible textures to your table, this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of fluffy strawberry-infused cake, luscious buttercream frosting, and a unique crunchy topping that adds an exciting twist. Every bite bursts with sweet strawberry notes balanced perfectly by the smooth and crunchy contrasts, making it a favorite for family gatherings or special celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a critical role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful pink hue that makes this cake so charming.

• All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides the sturdy base and structure for the cake layers.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cake batter and frosting.
• Vegetable oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and support the cake’s rise.
• Sugar (1 3/4 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps with moisture retention.
• Strawberry gelatin (1 package – 85 g): Infuses the cake with a natural strawberry flavor and blush color.
• Milk (1 1/2 cups): Softens the batter and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Butter (1.5 cups, room temperature): Essential for the rich and fluffy buttercream frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1.5 pounds): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting to a smooth finish.
• Heavy cream (6 tablespoons) or milk: Adjusts the frosting to creamy perfection.
• Golden Oreos (24): Crushed to create the signature strawberry crunch topping.
• Strawberry Jell-O (1 box): Adds extra strawberry flavor and color to the crunch topping.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Binds the Oreo crumble for that perfect crunch.
• Fresh strawberries (8): For a fresh, vibrant decoration that makes the cake pop.
• Whipped cream: To add light, creamy accents when serving.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line their bottoms with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your layers come out perfectly clean and intact, which is crucial for assembling a beautiful cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix will give your cake structure and help it rise just right. Setting this aside now saves you time when combining everything later.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer, beat the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This forms the rich base for your cake, ensuring it’s moist and tender.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Strawberry Gelatin

Beat in the sugar and strawberry gelatin to the wet mixture. The gelatin is what packs the cake with that signature strawberry punch and a lovely rosy tint that makes this cake irresistibly inviting.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour Mix and Milk

Add the dry flour mixture in four portions alternated with three portions of milk, starting and ending with flour. This careful layering helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can make cakes tough.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake Layers

Distribute the batter evenly into the three prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven early to keep the layers rising beautifully.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, loosen the edges and turn each cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cool layers are essential for smooth frosting application.

Step 8: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixer bowl, beat room temperature butter and salt until fluffy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in 3-4 portions, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and then cream to reach a silky, spreadable consistency that will complement the cake layers perfectly.

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

Preheat oven to 350°F. Crush Golden Oreos into fine crumbs and combine with strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter. Bake the mixture on a lined sheet for 8 minutes, then let cool completely. This crunchy topping brings an unexpected textural delight to the cake.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

If needed, level your cake layers for even stacking. Spread frosting over the first layer, then repeat for second and third layers. Apply a thin crumb coat over the whole cake and chill for 15-20 minutes to set the base layer smoothly.

Step 11: Final Frosting and Decorating

Spread a final thick layer of buttercream all around the cake. Gently press the cooled strawberry crunch onto the sides and top for that gorgeous texture contrast. Finish by arranging fresh strawberries and whipped cream swirls atop your creation for the perfect picture-ready finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and whipped cream are classics that never fail with this cake. Their lightness and freshness perfectly balance the richness of the buttercream and cake layers, making each bite a harmonious experience.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own, but consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote. These sides add even more layers of flavor without overwhelming the delicate strawberry essence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of strawberry sauce and a sprig of mint for a café-style feel. Or arrange mini versions as cupcakes topped with the same strawberry crunch for a party platter that’s both stunning and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Crunch Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the crunch from becoming soggy. It stays delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying over several days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling. For best texture, make the crunch topping fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring refrigerated slices to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to maximize flavor and softness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries in the cake batter instead of strawberry gelatin?

Fresh strawberries are lovely, but the gelatin provides not just flavor but also color and structure that fresh fruit alone can’t. You can add puree if desired, but expect a different texture and hue.

What if I don’t have Golden Oreos? Can I use regular Oreos instead?

Regular Oreos can work, but they’ll add a chocolate flavor that will change the crunch topping’s taste. Golden Oreos offer a more neutral, complementary base for the strawberry Jell-O flavor.

How do I get the cake layers perfectly even?

Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to carefully trim any domed tops after baking. This ensures neat, stable layers for stacking and frosting.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure your other ingredients, like gelatin and Oreos, are also gluten-free.

Can I prepare the cake a day ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake and frost the cake, then refrigerate it overnight so flavors meld beautifully. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and festive spirit. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake promises smiles all around. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family.

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