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A homemade strawberry crunch cake with vanilla layers, creamy frosting, strawberry filling, and a golden Oreo crumble topping on a white cake stand.

Strawberry Crunch Cake You Need to Try Right Now


  • Author: Sofia
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the strawberries release their juices (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until dissolved, then stir into the strawberry mixture.
  3. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Make the Crunch Topping

  1. In a bowl, combine crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter.
  2. Mix until evenly coated, then set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top.
  2. Add the cooled strawberry filling, spreading it evenly.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  4. Press the strawberry crunch topping around the sides and top of the cake.
  5. 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