Description
This Strawberry Crunch Cake is a delightful homemade version of the nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Featuring moist vanilla cake layers, a creamy frosting, and a buttery, crunchy topping made with Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries, this cake is the perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crispy textures. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or casual indulgence, this show-stopping dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
or the Cake:
- 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 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Crunch Topping:
- 20 Golden Oreos, crushed
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the strawberries release their juices (about 5 minutes).
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until dissolved, then stir into the strawberry mixture.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Make the Crunch Topping
- In a bowl, combine crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter.
- Mix until evenly coated, then set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top.
- Add the cooled strawberry filling, spreading it evenly.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Press the strawberry crunch topping around the sides and top of the cake.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the flavors.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped at room temperature.
- Alternative Crunch: Substitute Golden Oreos with graham crackers for a different texture.
- Lighter Option: Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a fluffier finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: strawberry crunch cake, homemade strawberry cake, strawberry shortcake, dessert recipe, bakery-style cake, Golden Oreo cake