If you’re craving a nostalgic dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and packed with strawberry flavor, this strawberry crunch cake recipe is for you. Inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, this cake layers soft, fluffy strawberry cake with rich cream cheese frosting and a signature crunchy topping made of golden Oreo cookies and strawberry crumble. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a summer cookout, or just because, it’s the perfect way to make strawberry desserts the star of the table.
This easy recipe is bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and texture, making every bite feel like a celebration. You’ll love how simple it is to make—whether you use a box of strawberry gelatin, a homemade strawberry cake recipe, or a boxed strawberry cake mix. With the full measurements in the recipe card below, you can bake with confidence every time.
1. Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Cake
This amazing cake brings together everything you love about a classic strawberry shortcake and turns it into a rich, layered cake version of your favorite ice cream treats. The moist strawberry cake base delivers tons of strawberry flavor, while the creamy frosting holds the strawberry crunch topping perfectly in place. It’s fun to make this recipe, and even better to eat it. The crunchy strawberry topping reminds so many people of strawberry crunch ice cream bars—nostalgic and totally delicious.
2. The Secret to the Best Strawberry Shortcake Crumble
The best strawberry crunch topping has a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. Golden Oreos give it a buttery bite, and freeze dried strawberries or strawberry jello bring out that delicious strawberry flavor. To make a strawberry crunch topping that sticks, mix in just enough melted butter to bind the crumb without turning it soggy. Chill the cake in the refrigerator before topping to keep it crisp and crunchy.
3. The Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake
Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature. It goes great with a side of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or your favorite ice cream. You can slice it into squares or transform it into cupcake form. This cake reminds many of their favorite ice cream bar—a perfect tribute to strawberry scooter crunch treats!
4. Pro Tips & Fun Variations for This Cake Recipe
Want to change it up? Swap the strawberry cake for white cake mix with strawberry puree in the batter for a subtle twist. For extra strawberry flavor, add a layer of strawberry reduction between the cake layers. Store bought vanilla frosting works in a pinch, but cream cheese frosting would make this cake even richer. You can even turn it into a layer cake if you’re feeling fancy.
5. How to Store Leftovers & Reheat
Store the whole cake or leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly. It stays fresh up to 4 days. The crunchy strawberry topping may soften slightly, so add a bit of strawberry crunch crumbles right before serving. This dessert also freezes well—wrap slices in plastic wrap and store for up to a month.
6. How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake
Strawberry Crunch Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
For the Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Topping:
- 20 golden Oreos
- 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries or 1 box of strawberry gelatin
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale.
- Crack in the eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each one to ensure a smooth texture.
- Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated.
- Mix the strawberry puree with the milk in a separate bowl.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients and strawberry milk mixture into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry mix, and stir just until everything is evenly blended.
- If you'd like a stronger pink color, stir in a few drops of food coloring.
- Gently pour the cake batter into the greased baking pan, making sure to spread it out in an even layer.
- Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake rest in the pan on a wire rack until fully cooled before adding any frosting or toppings.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth.
- Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream into the mixture.
- Use a hand mixer or electric mixer to beat until fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Crush golden Oreo cookies in a food processor or a zip-top bag.
- Mix with freeze dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin mixture.
- Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the cake evenly with the cream frosting.
- Add the crunch topping by sprinkling the strawberry shortcake crumble over the top of the cake.
- Gently press it down so the crumb sticks to the frosting.
Notes
8. Conclusion – Time to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake!
Now that you know how to make strawberry crunch cake from scratch or using a box cake mix, it’s time to get baking. With layers of sweet strawberry cake, smooth frosting, and a nostalgic crunch topping, this delicious strawberry dessert is bound to become a favorite. If this is your first time making a this recipe, don’t worry—just follow the recipe card and enjoy the process. You’ll love strawberry crunch and everything about this amazing cake!