Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic cakes with a fruity twist and a delightful crunch, then this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite baking adventure. Imagine moist, tender layers infused with real strawberry flavor sitting beneath a cloud of luscious buttercream, all wrapped in a crispy, sweet strawberry crunch that brings every bite to life. This cake perfectly balances rich textures with fresh, vibrant flavor, making it an irresistible showstopper for any celebration or cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe shines because of its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a special role. From the fluffy cake layers to the crunchy topping and smooth frosting, every component contributes to the overall texture, flavor, and eye-catching appearance.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cake and frosting alike.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist with a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, enrich the texture, and contribute to rise.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and enhances the strawberry notes.
• Strawberry gelatin: Gives that unmistakable fruity punch and a subtle pink tint.
• Milk: Balances the batter and keeps it smooth and creamy.
• Butter (room temperature): The star of our buttercream, adding richness and fluffiness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for a silky finish.
• Heavy cream: Lightens the buttercream to a dreamy spreadable consistency.
• Golden Oreos: Crushed for the perfect crunchy contrast with a subtle sweetness.
• Strawberry Jell-O powder: Mixed into the crunch topping for even more strawberry flavor.
• Butter (melted): Binds the crunchy topping beautifully while baking crisp.
• Fresh strawberries: For a fresh, inviting decoration that echoes the cake’s flavor.
• Whipped cream: Adds light, creamy swirls for extra indulgence.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to make removing the cakes later a breeze. Taking this step ensures your layers come out perfectly intact and ready for frosting.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these early helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, which ensures every bite rises uniformly and tastes just right.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer, beat the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a velvety base for your batter and ensures the eggs are fully incorporated, contributing to the cake’s rich texture.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Gelatin

Next, add the sugar and strawberry gelatin powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until fully combined, giving your cake that signature strawberry color and tang without overwhelming the natural flavors.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Alternate adding the flour mixture in four parts and milk in three parts to the wet base, starting and ending with the flour mix. Mix after each addition until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. This careful balancing keeps the cake tender and moist.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into the three prepared pans (about 483 grams each if you want to be precise). Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the edges slightly pull away. Keep the oven door closed for the first 20 minutes to avoid sinking layers.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Layers

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, carefully loosen the edges with a butter knife and invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Proper cooling keeps the layers from crumbling when you frost them.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat room-temperature butter and salt until fluffy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar in several additions, mixing slowly at first and increasing speed for a light, smooth texture. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until you reach a spreadable consistency. This frosting is creamy and perfectly tender – the ultimate complement to the strawberry cake.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Crunch

Preheat the oven to 350°F again. Crush Golden Oreos into small crumbs using a food processor or by sealing in a plastic bag and rolling with a pin. Mix the crumbs with strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter, then spread on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes and cool completely to get that irresistible crunch topping.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Level the cake layers if needed, then place the first layer on your serving plate. Spread an even layer of buttercream, repeat with the second, and top with the third. Apply a thin crumb coat over the whole cake and chill for 15–20 minutes to set the crumb coat nicely.

Step 11: Finish and Decorate

Apply the final layer of buttercream all over, then gently press the cooled strawberry crunch onto the sides and top of your cake. Finally, arrange fresh strawberries and whipped cream swirls around the top for that classic look that invites everyone to dig in.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and dollops of whipped cream are the perfect easy garnishes that echo the flavors inside the cake while adding a luscious, inviting appearance. For a fun twist, consider adding a few crushed Golden Oreos or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple berry compote, which adds a cool, juicy counterpoint. A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is an unexpected but delightful side if you’re serving this at a brunch or party.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices with a small drizzle of strawberry syrup or decorate each slice individually with a small piped swirl of buttercream and a single fresh strawberry. For gatherings, showcasing the whole cake on a cake stand surrounded by fresh berries creates a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Crunch Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the buttercream’s texture and the crunch topping’s crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the moist crumb and fresh flavor intact.

Reheating

This is a cake best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you’d like to warm a slice slightly, leave it out to come to room temperature or enjoy alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for contrast.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries in the cake batter?

This recipe relies on strawberry gelatin for a consistent flavor and color, so fresh strawberries are best reserved for garnish rather than mixed into the batter, which could affect texture and moisture balance.

Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?

You could substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but the texture might be slightly different. It’s worth experimenting if you need a dairy-free version!

How do I get the strawberry crunch to stick to the cake?

Applying a thin crumb coat first gives the crunch a sticky surface to adhere to. Press the cooled crunch gently against the buttercream to ensure it stays firmly in place.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend designed for cakes. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to level cake layers for assembly?

Use a serrated knife or a cake leveler to carefully slice off any domed tops. Keeping layers flat ensures even stacking and a professional finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe enough if you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to something special. It’s the kind of cake that feels celebratory but is surprisingly straightforward to make, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and irresistible textures. Give it a go—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

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