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    Recipes » Cakes and Pies » Strawberry Crunch Cake

    Strawberry Crunch Cake

    Published: Jul 1, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    slice of strawberry crunch cake on a white plate.
    strawberry crunch cake in a white cake pan next to a box of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.
    slice of strawberry crunch cake on a white plate.
    Strawberry Crunch Cake in a white cake pan.

    Strawberry Crunch Cake is a taste of nostalgia! Strawberry cake is topped with a cream cheese frosting and a layer of strawberry crunch topping—just like those old fashioned Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars.

    slice of strawberry crunch cake on a white plate.

    This dessert is pure FUN! Strawberry Crunch Cake is a nod to the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars (remember those?!).

    This recipe starts off with an easy strawberry cake, made with boxed cake mix and strawberry Jell-O.

    Then, it gets a layer of cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the frosting nicely complements the sweetness of the cake.

    Finally, a layer of Strawberry Crunch goes on top. It’s a mixture of Golden Oreos, more strawberry Jell-O, and butter, and it creates the most delicious strawberry flavored topping.

    Strawberry Crunch Cake is a sweet, colorful, and memorable dessert for a cookout, birthday, potluck, or just for fun!

    single piece of cake topped with strawberry crunch topping on a white plate with a fork.

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • Top tips
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Strawberry Crunch Cake
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Can I make Strawberry Crunch Cake ahead?
    • How to store Strawberry Crunch Cake
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes
    • 💬 Reviews

    Top tips

    • Make the strawberry crunch topping while the cake is baking. It’ll cool in plenty of time to top the cake.
    • Set the cream cheese on the countertop for at least 2 hours so it softens. This ensures that the frosting is nice and fluffy.

    Ingredients

    cake mix, golden oreos, strawberry jello, and other ingredients on a white table.
    • You’ll need a white cake mix, along with vegetable oil, eggs, and a box of strawberry jell-O for the cake.
    • The frosting is cream cheese, butter, milk, and powdered sugar.
    • The strawberry crunch topping has Golden Oreos, another box of strawberry Jell-O and more butter.

    How to make Strawberry Crunch Cake

    Start by making the strawberry cake using white cake mix. In addition to the cake mix, this recipe has 1 cup of vegetable oil, 4 eggs, ½ cup water, and one small box of strawberry Jell-O.

    red cake batter in a white bowl.

    Bake the cake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. The top may turn brown—that’s ok! We are going to cover it with frosting anyway.

    While the cake is baking, make the Strawberry Crunch topping.

    strawberry crunch on a sheet pan.

    Once the cake is completely cool, make the cream cheese frosting.

    cream cheese frosting in a white bowl.

    Top the cake with the cream cheese frosting (I like using an offset spatula for this), and then sprinkle the strawberry crunch on top.

    strawberry crunch cake in a white cake pan next to a box of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.

    Strawberry Crunch Cake is now ready to serve!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use strawberry cake mix instead of white cake mix + Jell-O?

    Yes! The cake might not be as brightly colored, but it’ll still be delicious. I recommend making it according to the directions on the box. Then, proceed with this recipe as directed for the frosting and strawberry crunch topping.

    Can I use canned frosting?

    Yes—to make this recipe even easier, you can use a can of cream cheese frosting instead of the homemade frosting.

    large strawberry crunch cake with slices taken out in a white dish.

    Can I make Strawberry Crunch Cake ahead?

    You can make the cake up to 2 days in advance. You can also make the Strawberry Crunch topping up to 2 days in advance. Keep both tightly covered at room temperature.

    The day that you’re ready to serve the cake, make the cream cheese frosting. Then, frost the cake, and sprinkle the Strawberry Crunch on top.

    slice of strawberry crunch cake on a white plate.

    How to store Strawberry Crunch Cake

    The cake can be stored at room temperature for 3–4 days (cover it tightly before storing). It will also keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    You can also freeze Strawberry Crunch Cake. Wrap either the whole cake or slices tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    slice of strawberry crunch cake on a white plate.

    Strawberry Crunch Cake

    Published by Kate
    Strawberry Crunch Cake with cream cheese frosting is an easy yet impressive dessert!
    4.76 from 33 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 servings
    Calories 501 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the cake:

    • 1 package white cake mix
    • 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin
    • 4 eggs
    • 1 cup vegetable oil
    • ½ cup water

    For the strawberry crunch:

    • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
    • 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin
    • 24 Golden Oreos

    For the frosting:

    • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 1–2 tablespoons milk

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
    • In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, one box of strawberry gelatin, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with a hand mixer for 2 minutes.
    • Pour into the greased pan, and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
    • While the cake is baking, crush the Golden Oreos into small crumbles. You can use either a food processor, or place the Oreos in a plastic bag and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
    • Place the crumbled Oreos in a medium bowl, and add one box of strawberry gelatin and 4 tablespoons melted butter. Mix gently to combine.
    • Spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet (or top the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat first). Bake for 8 minutes at 350°F. Let cool.
    • Once the cake is cool, place the 4 tablespoons softened butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add an additional tablespoon of milk if the frosting is too stiff.
    • Top the cooled cake with the frosting, then sprinkle the strawberry crunch on top. Cut into slices and serve!

    Notes

    For the frosting, make sure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This ensures that the frosting will be light and fluffy. 
    Make it ahead: the cake and strawberry crunch topping can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature. On the day that you plan to serve the cake, make the frosting, frost the cake, and top with the crunch topping.
    The completed cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. 
    Need a shortcut? Use a can of cream cheese frosting instead of making your own. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 501kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 371IUCalcium: 111mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword strawberry crunch cake
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

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    « Strawberry Crunch Recipe
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    kate

    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. MIka says

      February 05, 2023 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was very Sweet but also very YUMMY!

      Reply
      • Kate Shungu says

        February 06, 2023 at 2:08 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review.

        Reply
    2. Tisha says

      February 01, 2023 at 3:21 pm

      Do I remove the cream from the cookies before crushing them?

      Reply
      • Kate Shungu says

        February 03, 2023 at 7:47 pm

        No, leave it in!

        Reply
    3. Mrs. C says

      January 22, 2023 at 4:56 pm

      4 stars
      yummy, but a very sweet dessert. I cut back on the sugar a bit and might do even less next time. it seems like you aren’t going to have much frosting, but there is plenty. definitely tasted reminiscent to the ice cream bar, but I think adding some whip cream would help it taste even more like it and separating some of the crushed cookies before mixing with the jello powder to add to the top at the end. 4 out of 5 of my kids loved it

      Reply
    4. Michelle says

      December 18, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      I can’t wait to try this recipe! Is 4oz of cream cheese accurate? Seems like a small amount.

      Reply
      • Kate Shungu says

        December 19, 2022 at 7:41 pm

        Yes, accurate! It’s not a thick layer of frosting since the crunch part is the star. Feel free to double the frosting recipe though if you want lots of frosting!

        Reply
    5. Sam K says

      September 25, 2022 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      Hello
      Just stumbled across your recipe, looks great .
      In the ingredients you have listed ‘1 box of strawberry gelatin’ is that a box of jelly/jello powder? Or strawberry flavoured gelatin?

      Reply
      • Kate Shungu says

        October 10, 2022 at 4:39 pm

        A box of strawberry jello powder!

        Reply

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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