Strawberry Crunch Cake: A Sweet & Crunchy Dessert You’ll Love

Imagine the sweet smell of a strawberry dessert baking in your kitchen. It takes you back to summer days and chasing the ice cream truck. Now, picture a cake that’s both tender and crunchy, like your favorite strawberry shortcake. The strawberry crunch cake is a delightful treat that will be your new summer favorite.

This pink sheet cake is a treat for your senses. It has a tender vanilla cake base with fresh strawberry flavor. The top is covered in tangy buttermilk frosting and crunchy strawberry shortcake crumbs. This adds a sweet-salty finish that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this strawberry crunch cake is the perfect choice. Its vibrant color and irresistible flavors make it a standout dessert. If you’re planning a full meal, pair it with a hearty soup using the best soup bones for homemade broths, or explore shrimp pairings for a seafood twist to your feast.

Key Takeaways

• Strawberry crunch cake combines the nostalgia of a classic ice cream truck treat with the indulgence of a tender, moist cake.
• The cake features a vanilla base infused with fresh strawberries, topped with a tangy buttermilk frosting.
• Crunchy strawberry shortcake crumbs provide a delightful textural contrast and sweet-salty finish.
• This dessert is perfect for summer potlucks, special occasions, or satisfying a craving for a nostalgic treat.
• With its vibrant color, enticing aroma, and perfect balance of flavors and textures, strawberry crunch cake is a celebration of all things strawberry.

Introduction to Strawberry Crunch Cake

Indulge in the nostalgic strawberry crunch cake, inspired by strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. This delicious treat features a moist strawberry cake, luscious whipped topping, and a crunchy shortbread and freeze-dried strawberry layer.

What makes it irresistible? The perfect balance of flavors and textures—sweet and tangy strawberry cake, light whipped topping, and a satisfying crunch in every bite!

StPerfect for any occasion, strawberry crunch cake is a vibrant, flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress. With its moist strawberry cake, luscious whipped frosting, and crunchy Nilla wafer topping, every bite is irresistible.

Easy to prepare in just 1 hour and 20 minutes, this showstopping cake serves 16 people, delivering 619 calories of pure indulgence per slice.

Get ready to embark on a delightful journey as we explore the history, ingredients, and techniques behind this beloved strawberry crunch cake. Whether you’re a nostalgic soul longing for a taste of the past or simply a dessert enthusiast looking for your next favorite treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

The History of Strawberry Crunch Cake

The strawberry crunch cake comes from the classic ice cream truck treat, the strawberry shortcake bar. For years, these frozen treats have been a favorite in American summers. They mix flavors and textures in a way that’s hard to resist.

The first strawberry cake recipe was in 1845, in the Ohio Cultivator. Just two years later, Eliza Leslie’s “Lady’s Receipt-Book” had a similar recipe. This shows how long strawberry cakes have been loved.

Origins of the Iconic Ice Cream Truck Treat

The strawberry shortcake bar has been a hit on ice cream trucks for years. It has a strawberry ice cream core, creamy vanilla layer, and crunchy strawberry shortcake coating. The Good Humor company, a leader in ice cream, had 85 products by 1960, with this bar being a top choice.

Good Humor men went through a three-day training before selling ice cream. This ensured every customer got a great strawberry shortcake bar.

Evolution of Strawberry Crunch Cake Over Time

As strawberry shortcake bars became more popular, people wanted to share them. The strawberry crunch cake was born, blending the ice cream truck treat with cake convenience. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Bakers have worked hard to make the perfect strawberry crunch cake. They’ve tried different layer numbers, baking temperatures, and pan sizes. The goal is to make a cake that looks as good as it tastes.

The world’s largest strawberry shortcake weighed 21,213.40 lb (9,622.23 kg) in 2004. It was made at the La Trinidad, Benguet Strawberry Festival in the Philippines. This record shows how much people love this classic dessert.

Key Ingredients for Making Strawberry Crunch Cake

To make a delicious strawberry crunch cake, you need some important ingredients. The main ingredient is strawberry flavor, from a mix and freeze-dried strawberries. These give the cake a vibrant taste and a lovely pink color.

Strawberry Cake Mix and Gelatin

The cake starts with a strawberry cake mix, about 15.25 ounces. You also need 3 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin for more flavor and color. Along with these, you’ll mix in other key ingredients like:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups whole buttermilk

Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream for the Whipped Topping

The whipped topping is crucial for the cake. You’ll need 4 cups of heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form. This takes about 2 minutes. Chilling the bowl and whisk helps.

The whipped cream gets sweetened with ½ cup of powdered sugar and flavored with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.

Shortbread Cookies and Freeze-Dried Strawberries for the Crunch

The crunch comes from crushed shortbread cookies and freeze-dried strawberries. You’ll need 25 Golden Oreo cookies and ⅔ cup of freeze-dried strawberries. These are pulsed with kosher salt and melted butter until crumbly.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty strawberry crunch cake. It has moist cake, smooth topping, and crunchy cookie crumble. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Crunch Cake

Making a delicious strawberry cake is simpler than you think! Follow these easy steps to create this irresistible dessert.

Prepare the Crunch Topping

Crush 14 Golden Oreo cookies and mix them with 85g Strawberry Jell-O and 54g melted butter. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool, then break it into small pieces.

Make the Cake Batter

Whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. In another bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, then mix in 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract and 1/3 cup buttermilk. Gently fold in the dry ingredients.

Add Strawberries & Bake

Toss 1 3/4 cups chopped strawberries with 1 tbsp flour, then fold them into the batter. Pour into a greased 8-inch cake pan and bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before frosting.

Now, enjoy your homemade strawberry crunch cake

To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together 1/3 cup (75 grams) of room temperature cream cheese, 3 tablespoons (42 grams) of unsalted butter, and 1/3 cup (41 grams) of powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk as needed. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the entire surface.

The combination of moist strawberry cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy strawberry topping creates a truly irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

Baking the perfect strawberry crunch cake requires careful attention to several key factors. By following these essential baking tips, you can ensure your cake has the ideal texture and flavor. This will make your taste buds happy.

Ensuring a Moist and Tender Cake

To get a moist and tender cake, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense. Use 1 box (13.25 ounces) of vanilla cake mix and add 1 box (3 ounces) of strawberry Jell-O mix for moisture and flavor.

Also, include ¼ cup of strawberry jam for extra sweetness. The recipe calls for 4 large eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and ¼ cup of milk. These ingredients help bind and add moisture. Bake at the right temperature and avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

Creating a Smooth and Creamy Whipped Topping

The whipped topping is key to the perfect flavor balance. For a smooth frosting, use 1 cup of softened butter and 4 to 4 ½ cups of powdered sugar. Add 7-8 tablespoons of milk or cream for the right consistency. Include 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract for extra flavor.

Be careful not to overbeat the frosting. This can make it grainy. Aim for a smooth, spreadable consistency that complements the cake and topping.

Getting the Right Balance of Crunch in the Topping

The strawberry crunch topping is what makes this cake special. Use 1 ¼ cups of freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed to a coarse powder, and 1 cup of Golden Oreo crumbs. Mix these with 3 tablespoons of softened butter for a delicious topping.

By mixing larger pieces of freeze-dried strawberries with finely crushed cookie crumbs, you get a topping that’s crunchy. This complements the soft cake perfectly.

Variations and Customizations for Strawberry Crunch Cake

The classic strawberry crunch cake is loved by many. But, you can make it your own by trying different flavors. Use vanilla or lemon cake mix for a new twist.

Adding mix-ins to the batter can also change the cake. Try fresh strawberries or white chocolate chips for extra flavor. You can adjust how much you add to get the taste just right.

The crunchy topping is another part to play with. Instead of shortbread cookies, use graham crackers or vanilla wafers. Try freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a unique taste.

Customizing Your Cake with Different Flavors and Mix-Ins

Experimenting with Alternative Toppings and Crunch Elements

For the crunchy topping, try Nilla Wafers or Golden Oreos. They add a delicious crunch and a hint of vanilla. Adding a bit of red gel food coloring can make your cake even more vibrant.

By trying different cake variations, flavor combinations, and dessert customization options, you can make a strawberry crunch cake that’s all your own. Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, the possibilities are endless.

Serving and Storing Strawberry Crunch Cake

Timing is everything when serving your strawberry crunch cake. Refrigerate it for at least an hour before slicing. This ensures the cake is moist and the topping is crunchy.

This dessert is perfect for parties and special events because it can be made ahead. You can prepare the cake and topping up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, assemble the cake and chill it for an hour before serving.

Leftovers? No problem! You can store strawberry crunch cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This make-ahead dessert will stay delicious for days.

Pro Tip: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Strawberry crunch cake is versatile. Enjoy it on its own or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a special treat, pair it with rosé or strawberry lemonade.

Strawberry crunch cake is a must-have dessert. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a solo treat. Its flavors and textures will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.

Pairing Suggestions for Strawberry Crunch Cake

Enjoying your strawberry crunch cake can be even better with the right dessert pairings. Whether at a party or at home, try these beverage suggestions and accompaniments. They’ll make your cake even more tempting.

Complementary Beverages to Serve with the Cake

The perfect drink can make your cake’s flavors pop. Here are some great choices:

• Cold milk: It highlights the cake’s creamy sweetness
• Iced tea: Its slight bitterness balances the dessert’s richness
• Rosé wine: Its fruity notes match the strawberry flavor

Ice Cream or Sorbet Pairings for an Extra Indulgent Treat

For a more indulgent treat, pair your cake with ice cream or sorbet. The mix of creamy ice cream and crunchy cake is amazing. Here are some top pairings:

Pairing ice cream with strawberry crunch cake opens up endless possibilities. It’s a joy to indulge in such a rich dessert.

Remember, a slice of strawberry crunch cake has about 586 calories, 21g of fat, and 74g of sugars. While it’s a treat, enjoying it in moderation is key. Pairing it with the right flavors makes for a memorable dessert.

The Nostalgic Appeal of Strawberry Crunch Cake

For many, strawberry crunch cake brings back childhood memories. The smell of strawberries and the crunch of the topping remind us of summer days. We think of chasing after ice cream trucks.

This classic dessert started in the 1920s with the first ice cream bar. By the 1960s, Good Humor had 85 treats, making these desserts very popular.

In the 1980s and 1990s, crunch-style desserts became a hit. Strawberry crunch cake was a favorite. It had moist cake, creamy topping, and crunchy shortbread and strawberries.

In the 2000s, homemade strawberry crunch cakes became popular again. Home bakers made their own versions, adding their special touches.

“Whenever I make strawberry crunch cake, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood summers. The smell alone is enough to make me smile.”

Strawberry crunch cake’s appeal is in its flavors and the memories it brings. Serving it at parties makes everyone happy and brings up favorite childhood treats.

Whether you chased ice cream trucks as a kid or discovered this dessert later, strawberry crunch cake’s charm is clear. It shows how food connects us to our past and creates memories for the future.

Why Strawberry Crunch Cake is a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Looking for a dessert for your next party or special occasion? Strawberry crunch cake is the perfect choice. It impresses everyone with its mix of flavors and textures.

Appealing to a Wide Range of Tastes and Ages

Strawberry crunch cake is loved by many because it suits all tastes and ages. The strawberry cake and whipped topping are sweet and creamy. The crunchy cookie and freeze-dried strawberry topping add a fun texture.

This dessert is easy to make but feels indulgent. It’s a hit at any event because of its simple yet delicious ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour for the cake base
• 2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness
• 4 large eggs for richness and structure
• ¾ cup of strawberry puree for flavor and color
• 8 oz of softened cream cheese for the rich icing
• 10 crushed Golden Oreos and 5 crushed Strawberry Oreos for the crunchy topping

Perfect for Parties, Potlucks, and Special Occasions

Strawberry crunch cake is great for parties, potlucks, and special occasions. It can be made ahead of time and feeds a lot of people. The recipe makes about 18 servings, perfect for a big crowd.

This cake not only tastes great but also looks amazing. Its pretty pink color and crunchy topping impress everyone. Your guests will love both the look and taste of this dessert.

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry crunch cake is a treat that’s hard to resist. But, it’s good to know its nutritional facts before diving in. One slice has about 1,111 calories. It’s best to enjoy it in small amounts as part of a healthy diet.

The cake is high in fat, with 61 grams per slice. That’s 78% of what we should eat in a day. It also has 134 grams of carbs, which is 49% of our daily needs. While it has some good stuff like vitamin C and potassium, it’s key to watch how much we eat.

The recipe for strawberry crunch cake uses many ingredients. It has flour, strawberry gelatin, and sugar for the cake. The topping is made with Golden Oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries. This mix creates a delicious contrast between the cake and the topping.

Enjoying a small slice of strawberry crunch cake on special occasions can be a wonderful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.

Even though it has a lot of calories and fat, strawberry crunch cake is meant for special times. At parties, cutting the cake into smaller pieces helps. This way, we can enjoy the taste without eating too much.

FAQs

What is strawberry crunch cake?

Strawberry crunch cake is a dessert that brings back memories. It’s like the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. It has a moist strawberry cake, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy shortbread cookies and freeze-dried strawberries.

What ingredients do I need to make strawberry crunch cake?

To make this cake, you’ll need a strawberry cake mix, strawberry gelatin, and cream cheese. Also, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, shortbread cookies, and freeze-dried strawberries are needed.

How do I make strawberry crunch cake?

Start by making the cake batter and adding strawberry gelatin for flavor. Bake it and let it cool. Then, mix the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the whipped topping.

Spread the topping on the cake. Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies and freeze-dried strawberries on top.

How can I customize my strawberry crunch cake?

You can change the cake flavor to vanilla or lemon. Add fresh strawberries or white chocolate chips to the batter. Try different cookie crusts or freeze-dried fruits for a unique crunch.

How should I store strawberry crunch cake?

Keep the cake chilled. Refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container.

What can I serve with strawberry crunch cake?

Enjoy the cake with cold milk, iced tea, or rosé wine. For a special treat, serve it with vanilla ice cream or strawberry sorbet.

How many calories are in a slice of strawberry crunch cake?

A slice has about 430 calories, 30 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbs. Remember, desserts like this should be enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

The strawberry crunch cake recipe is a delightful summer dessert. It combines the nostalgia of a classic ice cream truck treat with the comforting flavors of a homemade cake. The cake has a tender strawberry base, creamy whipped topping, and a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumble.

This cake is sure to become a new favorite for all who try it. The recipe makes about 12 servings. Each slice has around 400-450 calories, 20-25 grams of total fat, and 50-60 grams of carbohydrates.

Preparing the cake takes about 30 minutes of hands-on time. It bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes for the cake layers and cheesecake layer. After assembling, the cake needs to chill for 2 hours for the best texture and flavor.

Looking for a fun summer dessert to share? Or a crowd-pleasing party treat? The strawberry crunch cake recipe is perfect. Its irresistible flavors and textures will make everyone smile and want more.