Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Hello everyone! I want to tell you about my new favorite dessert: strawberry crunch cake! It is a delicious version of strawberry shortcake. It has soft cake with fresh strawberry flavor, creamy frosting, and a crunchy, buttery topping. I fell in love with it after trying it at a bakery, and now I can make it easily at home. This strawberry crunch cake is great for parties, gatherings, or just to enjoy for yourself. Get ready to impress your friends with this wonderful dessert! Let’s start baking!
Table of contents
Ingredients to Make Our Showstopper: Strawberry Crunch Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Fresh strawberries | 2 cups | Sliced; frozen work too (thawed & drained) |
| Vanilla cake mix | 1 box | Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 substitute |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup | Melted; coconut oil for dairy-free |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | Substitute with almond flour for low-carb |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Reduce to 2 tbsp for a less sweet option |
| Whipped cream | 2 cups | Cool Whip or homemade |
Kitchen Equipment Needed: Your Arsenal for Strawberry Crunch Cake Success
To make this strawberry crunch cake recipe easy, you’ll need some standard baking equipment. Nothing too fancy, I promise!
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least three: one large for the cake batter, one medium for the frosting, and one for the crunch topping.
- Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): Makes creaming butter and sugar and whipping frosting much easier. You can whisk by hand, but it will take more effort.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking!
- Spatulas: For scraping bowls and folding ingredients.
- Whisk: For combining dry cake ingredients.
- 9×13 inch Baking Pan: For baking the cake layers.
- Parchment Paper: Use this paper to cover the baking pan so it’s easier to take the cake out later.
- Food Processor (Optional but Recommended): For crushing vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries quickly and evenly.
- Offset Spatula or Knife: For frosting the cake smoothly.
Quotes
“Life is what you bake of it.” – Unknown. And I say, bake it sweet and crunchy, like this strawberry crunch cake!
“Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!” – Unknown. Definitely not a coincidence! Baking this strawberry crunch cake recipe easy is the perfect stress reliever and reward.
Crafting Your Dream Strawberry Crunch Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Time needed: 45 minutes
- Make the Crunch Topping:
Pulse ½ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ cup melted butter in a food processor until crumbly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Prepare the Cake:
Bake the vanilla cake mix per box instructions in a 9×13 pan. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Layers:
Crumble half the baked cake into the pan. Top with whipped cream, strawberries, and half the crunch topping. Repeat layers. Chill 1 hour.
Pro Quote: “The magic of this dessert? It’s supposed to look rustic—embrace those crumbs!” – Chef Emily Carter
Tips and Tricks for Strawberry Crunch Cake Perfection
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: It is important that the butter, cream cheese and eggs be at room temperature for the purpose of mixing so as to get a good cake batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Use Good Quality Strawberry Puree: The flavor of the strawberries is crucial! Homemade puree from fresh, ripe strawberries is best, but good quality store-bought puree works too. Avoid artificially flavored syrups.
- Taste and Adjust Frosting Sweetness: Start with 4 cups of powdered sugar and adjust gradually to taste and consistency, as amounts can vary with preference and humidity.
- Make the Crunch Ahead: You can make the crunch topping one day before and keep it in a sealed container at room temperature. This will help you save time when you bake!
Strawberry Crunch Cake Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Slice
While a slice of strawberry crunch cake is heavenly on its own, here are some ways to elevate the serving experience:
- Fresh Strawberries: Garnish each slice with fresh sliced strawberries for an extra burst of fresh flavor and visual appeal.
- Strawberry Sauce: Drizzle a little homemade strawberry sauce over each slice for an intense strawberry experience.
- Mint Garnish: A small piece of fresh mint can make your dish more colorful and tasting fresh.
- Berry Medley: Serve alongside a mixed berry medley for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
Nutritional Information: Indulge a Little Wisely
(Note: The nutritional information is an estimate and may change depending on the ingredients and brands you use.)
Per serving (approx. 1/12 of the cake):
- Calories: ~450-550
- Fat: ~25-30g
- Saturated Fat: ~15-20g
- Cholesterol: ~80-100mg
- Sodium: ~250-300mg
- Carbohydrates: ~60-70g
- Sugar: ~40-50g
- Protein: ~4-5g
Like most cakes, is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. However, made with fresh strawberries and without excessive artificial ingredients, it can be a delightful indulgence for special occasions.
Variations and Alternatives: Remix Your Strawberry Crunch Cake!
Want to put your own spin on this strawberry crunch cake recipe? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Lemon Strawberry Crunch Cake: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting for a zesty twist, and use lemon wafer cookies for the crunch topping.
- Blueberry Crunch Cake: Substitute blueberry puree for strawberry puree in the cake and use freeze-dried blueberries in the crunch for a blueberry version.
- Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter and use chocolate wafer cookies in the crunch for a chocolatey take.
- Mini Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes: Bake the cake batter in cupcake liners instead of a 9×13 pan and top with frosting and crunch for individual strawberry crunch cake cupcakes.
- Strawberry Crunch Cake Jars: Layer crumbled cake, frosting, and crunch topping in individual jars for a cute and portable dessert.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Celebration Cake
Here is the last strawberry crunch cake recipe. This cake is quite unique in its way. It has the ideal mix of moist cake, creamy frosting, and that amazing crunchy topping that everyone loves. Whether you are making it for a birthday, a summer barbecue, or just a weekend treat, this strawberry shortcake crunch cake is a surefire hit. Not only is it easier to make than it looks, but The results are definitely worth the effort. Prepare to become the hero of dessert!
FAQ Section
Yes! Thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Up to 3 days refrigerated (cover tightly).
Assemble the cake 1 day before serving—it gets better as it chills!
Crunch cake has a buttery crumble topping; shortcake uses biscuits.
Store slices in airtight containers and freeze them for up to one month.
Who Should Skip This Recipe!
While this strawberry crunch cake is a delightful treat for many, it might not be ideal for everyone. Let’s gently point out who might want to consider other dessert options:
- Gluten or celiac disease sensitivities: This recipe is not gluten-free because of the all-purpose flour and vanilla wafer cookies. Modifications are needed for gluten-free substitutions.
- Individuals Watching Sugar Intake Closely: Strawberry crunch cake is undeniably a sugary dessert. If you are on a very strict low-sugar diet, this might not be the best choice for everyday indulgence. Perhaps save it for a special occasion and enjoy a small slice mindfully.
- Those with Dairy Allergies: The cake and frosting contain dairy (butter, buttermilk, cream cheese). Dairy-free substitutions are possible, but may alter the taste and texture.
- People Who Dislike Strawberries (Gasp!): Okay, maybe this is obvious, but if you’re not a fan of strawberries, this strawberry crunch cake is probably not for you! But fear not, there are countless other cake recipes out there to explore!
- Anyone Seeking a Quick, Weeknight Dessert: While the strawberry crunch cake recipe easy is manageable, it does involve multiple components and some time. If you need a dessert ready in minutes, a simple fruit salad or yogurt parfait might be a better fit.
But for everyone else who loves strawberries, cake, crunch, and a bit of baking fun, welcome aboard the strawberry crunch cake express!
What Do You Think? Share Your Strawberry Crunch Cake Creations!
Now it’s your turn! I’m so excited for you to try this strawberry crunch cake recipe. Once you bake it, please come back and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
- Did you make any variations?
- What did your friends and family think?
- Do you have any tips or tricks to share with fellow bakers?
I love hearing about your baking adventures and seeing your strawberry crunch cake creations! Happy baking and happy crunching!
My Personal Touch? Crunch is King (or Queen!) in My Book!
For me, it’s all about the crunch! I love the crunchy topping on this strawberry crunch cake, it’s the perfect contrast to the soft cake and creamy frosting. I remember making it for my niece’s birthday party last summer, and it disappeared in minutes! Everyone was hooked, and seeing their joy made all the baking worthwhile. Baking isn’t just about the food; it’s about sharing joy and creating memories. This strawberry crunch cake is definitely a memory-maker!
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