Name: Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 4 eggs; 1 3/4 cup sugar; 1 package (85 g) strawberry gelatin; 1 1/2 cup milk; 1.5 cup butter, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1.5 pound powdered sugar; 1.5 tablespoon vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (or more for desired consistency); 24 Golden Oreos; 1 box strawberry Jell-O; 4 tbsp butter, melted; 8 fresh strawberries, for decorating top (optional); Whipped cream, for decorating top (optional)

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that tastes just as magical as it looks, the Strawberry Crunch Cake is your answer. This three-layer wonder isn’t your average strawberry cake—it’s a glorious combination of moist vanilla-strawberry cake, silky-rich buttercream, and that nostalgic sweet-and-crunchy “crumble” wrapping around every slice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to spoil yourself and your loved ones, the vibrant layers, real strawberries, and playful crunch coating will have everyone grinning from the first bite. This is one of those cakes you’ll want to bookmark, bake, and brag about!

Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cake are classic and straightforward, but each one plays a starring role, from the cake’s fluffy texture to the luscious frosting and signature crunchy topping. Don’t skip a thing—every item brings out the best in this treat!

All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for a tender, fluffy cake crumb.
Baking powder: Makes the layers rise beautifully and keeps them airy.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.
Vegetable oil: Creates a moist, soft crumb that stays fresh longer (you can use butter, but oil keeps it lighter).
Eggs: Give richness, tenderness, and structure to the cake.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a golden finish.
Strawberry gelatin: Infuses the cake with a nostalgic strawberry flavor and that hint of signature pink.
Milk: Ensures the cake is plush and creamy.
Butter (for frosting): The heart of a dreamy, indulgent buttercream—use room temperature so it fluffs up perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sifted to give the frosting its ultra-smooth, cloud-like texture.
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Lets you adjust your frosting from thick and pipeable to soft and spreadable.
Golden Oreos: The secret to that sweet, buttery crunch in the iconic cake coating.
Strawberry Jell-O powder (for crunch): Packs a tart-sweet punch into every bit of the crumble.
Butter (for crunch): Helps the crunch stick together and toast up golden.
Fresh strawberries and whipped cream (optional): For decorating the top and adding elegance.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans and Oven

Get started by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease them well with butter and flour; this ensures your beautiful layers release easily every time (no cake left behind!).

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt—these will give the cake its lift and structure. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl), blend the oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add the sugar and strawberry gelatin for a sweet, berry-scented batter.

Step 3: Bring the Batter Together

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk to your wet batter—starting and ending with the flour. This back-and-forth keeps the batter just thick enough without overmixing, resulting in a cake that’s ultra-tender. When everything is incorporated, your batter should be lovely and pink!

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Evenly divide your batter among the three prepared pans (about 483 grams per pan, if you like to be precise). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, but start checking after the 20-minute mark. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges have pulled away lightly from the pan, they’re ready. Let the layers cool for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them finish cooling on a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up the Buttercream Frosting

Beat room temperature butter and a pinch of salt until it’s super fluffy. Slowly sift in the powdered sugar in three or four segments, beating well after each addition (sifting prevents lumps!). Stir in your vanilla, then add heavy cream or milk little by little, until your frosting is the perfect consistency—smooth, creamy, and easy to spread.

Step 6: Make the Famous Strawberry Crunch

Preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit (again). Crush Golden Oreos into small crumbs—either with a food processor or by letting out some stress with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbles with strawberry Jell-O powder and melted butter, then spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes to set the crunch, then cool completely so it’s ready to adhere to your frosted cake.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

Level your cakes if needed. Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread a generous swoop of buttercream, and repeat with the remaining layers. After stacking the last layer, apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting. Chill for 15-20 minutes (this step locks all those pesky crumbs in place!). Finish by frosting all sides and the top, smoothing it out as best you can. Press strawberry crunch all over, then go wild with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if you like.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake

Garnishes

Garnishes transform Strawberry Crunch Cake from delicious to unforgettable. Top with piped swirls of whipped cream, crown with juicy fresh strawberries, and sprinkle a bit of extra crunch crumble for a bakery-worthy finish. A touch of mint leaves or even a drizzle of white chocolate adds a little extra wow.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple: let the cake steal the show! Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or serve alongside a glass of milk or fruity lemonade. If you’re hosting a party, a fresh fruit salad on the side lightens things up, while hot coffee cuts the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Dare to be bold with the Strawberry Crunch Cake! Bake as a sheet cake and slice into neat squares for easy potluck sharing, or transform into cupcakes using the same batter and toppings. For a fun twist, press the crunchy coating just on the sides and leave the top smooth for a modern look. Mini individual cakes layered in mason jars also make adorable picnic desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Crunch Cake moist and delicious, cover any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days, but for maximum freshness and food safety, popping it in the refrigerator extends its shelf life to five days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, the fridge is always your friend.

Freezing

If you want to save cake for a future celebration (or midnight craving), wrap each un-frosted cake layer snugly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Leftover frosted slices can be frozen, too—just wrap them tightly and place in a freezer-safe container; let them thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. The strawberry crunch coating holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

Strawberry Crunch Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge or freezer, simply let it sit out for 30-60 minutes before serving. There’s no need to microwave—just let the buttercream soften and the cake will be ultra-tender and ready to savor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries in the cake batter?

Fresh strawberries add wonderful juiciness, but for the classic Strawberry Crunch Cake flavor and texture, stick with strawberry gelatin in the batter. If you want a more natural twist, you can add finely chopped strawberries, but drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

What can I use instead of Golden Oreos for the crunch?

If Golden Oreos aren’t available, vanilla wafer cookies or shortbread cookies work beautifully. Just make sure they’re sweet and sturdy enough to hold together when baked with the strawberry Jell-O and butter.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Easily! Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, and make sure to use gluten-free vanilla cookies for the crunch. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure the entire cake is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this cake as cupcakes instead?

Absolutely! Divide the batter evenly into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18-22 minutes. When cool, frost generously and top each one with a big spoonful of strawberry crunch.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You sure can. Just double every ingredient and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or six 8-inch rounds. Make sure your oven has enough space and rotate pans as needed for even baking. More cake, more smiles!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a throwback treat or planning to steal the show at your next gathering, Strawberry Crunch Cake promises to deliver all the nostalgic joy and out-of-this-world flavor you could ask for. Go on, gather your ingredients and dive in—it’s easier than it looks, and you’ll be hooked after the very first bite. Happy baking!