Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe | Amazing Nostalgic Dessert

There’s something magical about the first bite of this Strawberry Crunch Cake. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and a little messy in the best way. Inspired by those classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this dessert brings creamy frosting, a buttery crunch topping, and soft pink cake together in one easy treat. It serves 12, takes about 40 minutes total, and yes, nutrition details are below for anyone curious before digging in.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry shortcake ice-cream-bar nostalgia

If you ever loved those strawberry shortcake pops from the ice cream truck, this cake will make you smile. Every bite has that familiar mix of strawberry sweetness and creamy vanilla that brings back childhood summers instantly.

Quick prep with simple pantry ingredients

This recipe uses a boxed strawberry cake mix, which saves time without losing flavor. You’ll only need basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for birthdays or holidays.

Perfect texture combo: soft cake + creamy frosting + buttery crunch

The contrast makes this cake unforgettable. The soft cake pairs perfectly with a fluffy vanilla frosting and a crunchy topping made from crushed Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Every bite hits all the right notes—sweet, creamy, and crisp.

Ingredients Needed

For the strawberry cake base

• 1 box (13.25 oz) strawberry cake mix (use 15.25 oz if available)
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (increase to 1/2 cup for 15.25 oz mix)
• 3 large eggs

For the vanilla buttercream frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

For the strawberry crunch topping

• 12 Golden Oreos, cream removed
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake Step by Step

Bake the strawberry cake

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mix the cake batter according to the box instructions, adjusting oil to 1/2 cup if using the larger mix size. Pour it into the pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the creamy vanilla frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with vanilla and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing between additions. Then add heavy cream a little at a time until smooth and spreadable. The texture should be soft enough to glide across the cake but thick enough to hold the topping.

Make the signature strawberry crunch

Crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries together into small bits using a food processor or a zip bag with a rolling pin. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mix feels crumbly and rich.

Assemble the cake

Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping across the top, gently pressing it in so it sticks. Slice into neat squares and serve right away. Each slice comes in around 691 calories, with 96 g of carbs, 3 g protein, 32 g fat (16 g saturated), 75 g sugar, 94 mg cholesterol, and 359 mg sodium.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Crunch Cake

Adjusting for different cake mix sizes

If your box is 15.25 oz, add 1/2 cup oil instead of 1/3. This keeps the cake soft and moist. For smaller boxes, stick to the regular ratio.

Using store-bought frosting when in a rush

If time is tight, a tub of vanilla frosting works perfectly. Whip it briefly to fluff it up before spreading it over the cake.

Best type of freeze-dried strawberries

Choose bright red, crisp slices without added sugar. They bring both crunch and a true strawberry flavor.

Storage and freezing instructions

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months. Always thaw before serving for the best texture.

Variations and Add-Ins

Make it extra strawberry-forward

Add a few chopped fresh strawberries between the cake and frosting layer for extra fruit flavor.

Swap frosting flavors

Try cream cheese or white chocolate frosting for a richer version.

Use homemade strawberry cake if preferred

If you want everything from scratch, you can use your favorite strawberry cake base instead of the boxed mix. For another easy idea, try my strawberry cupcakes recipe for a similar flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

How to slice cleanly

Run a sharp knife under warm water, then wipe it clean between cuts. This keeps the frosting smooth and the layers neat.

Pairing ideas for parties and holidays

This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. It’s a lovely choice for spring picnics, birthdays, or Valentine’s gatherings. You can also check out Valentine’s Day recipes for more festive dessert ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• Strawberry cake mix cookies
• Strawberry peach cake
• Chocolate strawberry yogurt snack clusters
• Everyday recipes
• Soup recipes

Conclusion

So there you have it an easy, nostalgic dessert that feels special but takes hardly any effort. This Strawberry Crunch Cake brings that ice cream truck joy right to your kitchen. It’s soft, creamy, and full of that irresistible buttery crunch. Perfect for sharing, perfect for keeping all to yourself.

Follow along on Pinterest or Facebook for more cake ideas and kitchen favorites.

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