Ever bite into something and feel like you’re eight years old again, chasing the ice cream truck? That’s the magic of strawberry crunch cake. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and ridiculously easy—perfect for a last-minute dessert or a cozy weekend treat. Whether you’re a busy mom, working professional, or just craving comfort, this strawberry-packed beauty delivers smiles with every bite. Let’s bring that joy straight into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Miranda’s recipes always come with a story, and this strawberry crunch cake is no exception. Inspired by summers with her grandma, it blends love, ease, and a dash of fun. What makes it special? It’s foolproof, flavorful, and full of heart—just like Miranda. If you’ve ever wanted dessert to feel like a hug, this strawberry gem might just become your new favorite tradition.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Crunch Cake
Ingredients
(For one 9×13 cake)
1 box strawberry cake mix
1 box vanilla cake mix
6 large eggs (3 for each mix)
1 cup vegetable oil (½ cup for each mix)
2 cups water (1 cup for each mix)
1 box instant cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz)
1 tub whipped topping (8 oz, thawed)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups crushed Golden Oreos
½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Bake the Cakes
Prepare both the strawberry and vanilla cake mixes separately according to package directions (or use the ingredients above). Bake each in 9×13 pans or bake them together in layers in one pan. Let cool completely. This step forms the colorful, flavorful base of our strawberry cheesecake crunch cake.
Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the pudding mix, vanilla extract, and whipped topping. Blend until fluffy. This tangy-sweet topping is the heart of this Easy Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe!
Create the Crunch Topping
In a food processor (or zip-top bag with a rolling pin), crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Mix with melted butter until crumbly and irresistible. This is what gives the strawberry crunch cake its signature nostalgic vibe.
Assemble the Cake
Spread frosting generously over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the crunch topping all over the top, pressing slightly to help it stick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set everything in place.
Slice & Serve
Cut into squares and get ready for the compliments. This cake brings all the texture, flavor, and “OMG what is this?” reactions you’re craving.
Tips for Best Results
Don’t rush the cooling—trust me, warm cake plus frosting equals a melty mess. Want that perfect strawberry crunch cake texture? Freeze your Oreo-strawberry topping for 10 minutes before sprinkling. And if you’re feeling fancy, layer whipped cream between cake layers! The best strawberry flavor pops when the cake rests overnight (if you can wait that long). Oh, and always taste-test the crunch. For science, of course.
Serving Suggestion
This strawberry crunch cake shines at just about any gathering—think birthday parties, potlucks, or a casual Friday night treat with the fam. Want to elevate it? Serve chilled with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch vibe, slice it small and pair with fresh berries. However you serve it, this strawberry showstopper always gets second (and third) helpings!
Recommended Recipes
If you loved this strawberry crunch cake, here are a few more sweet treats you’ll want to bookmark next:
Strawberry Chocolate Cake – A rich, dreamy blend of two dessert icons.
Strawberry Crunch Cake Cheesecake – Think cheesecake and strawberry crunch cake had a delicious baby.
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake Recipe – Summer vibes in every chilled bite.
Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail Recipe – A refreshing, family-friendly sip to pair with dessert.
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling – Classic with a fruity twist that never fails.
Notes
Want to switch it up? Swap vanilla cake for lemon for a citrusy twist. No freeze-dried strawberries? Use strawberry gelatin in the crunch topping for color and flavor. This strawberry crunch cake also freezes like a dream—just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight. And pro tip: add sliced fresh strawberry on top right before serving for that extra wow factor. Simple tweaks, same sweet nostalgia.
FAQ
What are the strawberry shortcake crunchies made of?
The classic strawberry crunch topping is a blend of crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. It’s that magical, sweet-salty crumble you remember from childhood. Some versions also add a sprinkle of strawberry gelatin powder for color and a punch of flavor—just like the ice cream bar!
What kind of icing goes on a strawberry crunch cake?
This strawberry crunch cake uses a dreamy mix of cream cheese, cheesecake pudding mix, whipped topping, and vanilla extract. It’s light, creamy, and tangy—like the perfect blend between frosting and no-bake cheesecake filling. It balances the sweet crunch topping like a charm.
What adds crunch to a cake?
For this recipe, the crunch comes from a mix of crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberry pieces, tossed in melted butter. Once sprinkled on top of the cake, it adds texture, flavor, and that irresistible bakery-style finish. Want more? Chill it a bit before serving for extra crunch factor!
What are the little crunchies in ice cream cake?
Those little crunchies in an ice cream cake? Yep—they’re similar to what you’ll find in our Easy Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe! They’re often made from crushed cookies or wafers combined with butter or oil to form crisp, flavorful layers that contrast the soft cake and creamy icing.
Conclusion
The first time Miranda tasted strawberry crunch cake, she was just a kid, perched on a stool in her grandma’s sunny kitchen. One bite, and she was hooked—for life. It wasn’t just dessert; it was love in layers. Now, it’s your turn to pass that joy on. Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth, this strawberry beauty brings smiles, hugs, and maybe even a sweet memory of your own.
Print
Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
This easy and nostalgic strawberry crunch cake layers soft strawberry and vanilla cake with creamy cheesecake frosting and a buttery Oreo-strawberry crunch topping. A crowd-pleaser for every occasion!
Ingredients
1 box strawberry cake mix
1 box vanilla cake mix
6 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups water
1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz whipped topping, thawed
1½ cups Golden Oreos, crushed
½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Bake both cake mixes as directed; let cool completely.
Mix cream cheese, pudding, vanilla, and whipped topping until fluffy.
Crush Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries, mix with melted butter.
Frost cooled cake, top with crunch mixture.
Chill before serving.
Notes
You can freeze this cake or make it a day ahead—just wait to add the crunch topping until ready to serve. Use strawberry gelatin if you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Keywords: strawberry crunch cake