Name: Strawberry Crunch Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour.; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder.; ½ teaspoon salt.; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 2 cups granulated sugar.; 4 large eggs.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; ½ cup milk.; ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries, blended).; 1-2 drops pink food coloring (optional).; 10 Golden Oreos, crushed.; 5 Strawberry Oreos, crushed.; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.; ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed.; 8 oz cream cheese, softened.; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened.; 4 cups powdered sugar.; ¼ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries, blended).; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 1-2 drops pink food coloring (optional).

Strawberry Crunch Cake is the ultimate dessert for strawberry lovers! With moist layers of strawberry cake, smooth strawberry cream icing, and a deliciously crunchy topping made from Golden and Strawberry Oreos, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The strawberry puree adds fresh, fruity flavor to both the cake and the icing, while the pink food coloring adds a fun pop of color. The Oreo-strawberry crunch topping gives the cake a unique texture that balances perfectly with the soft, creamy layers of the cake. Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries for an extra touch of elegance.

Strawberry Crunch Cake With Strawberry Cream Icing is a stunning and delicious cake that combines the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries with the satisfying crunch of Oreos. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a visually striking and indulgent dessert. The layers of moist strawberry cake are made with fresh strawberry puree, and the strawberry cream icing is rich and smooth with just the right amount of sweetness. The crunchy topping, made from crushed Golden Oreos, Strawberry Oreos, and freeze-dried strawberries, adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and icing.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups, for the base of the cake batter.
Baking powder: 2 ½ teaspoons, to help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup (for cake) + ½ cup (for icing) + 3 tbsp (for topping), for richness and flavor in the cake, icing, and topping.
Granulated sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness in the cake.
Eggs: 4 large, for structure and richness in the cake.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (for cake) + 1 teaspoon (for icing), to enhance the flavor.
Milk: ½ cup, for moisture in the cake batter.
Strawberry puree: ½ cup (for cake) + ¼ cup (for icing), for fresh strawberry flavor and color.
Pink food coloring (optional): 1-2 drops, for an extra pop of color in the cake and icing.
Golden Oreos: 10, crushed, for the crunchy topping.
Strawberry Oreos: 5, crushed, to add extra strawberry flavor to the topping.
Freeze-dried strawberries: ¼ cup, crushed, for extra crunch and strawberry flavor in the topping.
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the base of the strawberry cream icing.
Powdered sugar: 4 cups, for sweetness in the icing.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake tins by greasing and flouring them.
Step 2:: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4:: Mix in the vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and pink food coloring (if using).
Step 5:: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
Step 6:: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7:: For the strawberry crunch topping, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, Strawberry Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the mixture is evenly coated in butter. Set aside.
Step 8:: For the strawberry cream icing, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring (if using).
Step 9:: To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of strawberry cream icing on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
Step 10:: Press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

For best results, chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the icing to set.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Helpful Notes

For a more intense strawberry flavor, add extra strawberry puree or use strawberry extract in place of some of the vanilla extract.
Freeze-dried strawberries add an extra crunchy texture to the topping, but you can skip them if unavailable.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Sarah recommends adding a dash of lemon juice to the icing for a tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

Delicious Strawberry Cake for Any Occasion

Strawberry Crunch Cake is the ultimate celebration cake, combining layers of moist strawberry cake with creamy strawberry icing and a crunchy strawberry topping. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant color, rich flavor, and satisfying texture.

Perfect for Summer or Special Occasions

This cake is a showstopper at any gathering, thanks to its beautiful pink layers and delicious strawberry flavor. The crunchy topping adds a fun and unexpected texture, making every bite a delightful mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy goodness. Serve this cake for summer celebrations or anytime you want to indulge in something special!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Yes, frozen strawberries work great for the puree. Just make sure to thaw them first before blending.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake layers and icing ahead of time. Store the cake layers in the fridge or freezer and assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

How do I store the leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage.

Summary

Strawberry Crunch Cake With Strawberry Cream Icing is a decadent dessert featuring layers of moist strawberry cake, rich strawberry cream icing, and a crunchy topping made from Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with its beautiful pink color and the sweet, crunchy topping. Perfect for any celebration or special occasion, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress!