Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry Crunch Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together layers of soft, moist cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy strawberry topping inspired by the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. This cake is not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious, making it the star of any celebration. Whether you’re preparing for a birthday, a summer gathering, or just craving something sweet, this cake will satisfy every sweet tooth.

Want a fun twist? You could try a Cotton Candy Cake for another nostalgic favorite, but today, we’re all about strawberries!

Why Everyone Loves Strawberry Crunch Cake

• Unique Texture: The combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping is unmatched.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant pink topping makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Inspired by the beloved strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.
• Customizable: Perfect with different cake bases and toppings to suit any preference.

Looking for another visually stunning dessert? Don’t miss the Red Velvet Pound Cake for rich color and deep flavor.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup strawberry puree or strawberry extract

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 2 cups graham crackers (crushed)
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin powder
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter

Step-by-Step: How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until evenly blended. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and strawberry puree.
4. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

Need more cake inspiration? Check out the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake for a buttery, caramel-rich alternative.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the texture is smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream to achieve a fluffy consistency.

Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. Crush graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until crumbly.
2. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until combined.

Looking for other ways to use strawberries? Try the Watermelon Cake for another fruity delight.

Assemble the Cake

1. Apply a generous layer of frosting between the two cake layers.
2. Cover the top and sides of the cake with an even coat of frosting.
3. Press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake, ensuring even coverage.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve, and watch it disappear!

Creative Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Cake

Swap the vanilla cake base for chocolate and add cocoa powder to the frosting for a rich twist.

2. Lemon Strawberry Crunch Cake

Add lemon zest and juice to the cake batter and frosting for a tangy, refreshing flavor.

3. Mini Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Use the recipe to create individual cupcakes, perfect for parties.

For more party-perfect ideas, explore the decadent Dulce De Leche Cake.

FAQs About Strawberry Crunch Cake

1. What makes Strawberry Crunch Cake so special?

The unique combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

2. Can I make Strawberry Crunch Cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers in advance and assemble the cake on the day of serving for maximum freshness.

3. What can I use instead of golden Graham crackers?

Shortbread cookies are excellent substitutes for the crunch topping.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and cookies for the cake and topping.

Key Takeaways

• Strawberry Crunch Cake is a nostalgic and versatile dessert that combines rich flavors with a satisfying crunch.
• Customizable with different cake bases and toppings for various occasions.
• Easy to make ahead and perfect for celebrations.

Related Recipes

Explore more amazing cake recipes:

• Butter Pecan Pound Cake
• Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

For more delicious ideas, check out these unique cake flavors!

For more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking.