Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cake is a soft layered strawberry cake filled with creamy frosting, fresh strawberries, and finished with a buttery strawberry crunch topping. It’s rich but balanced, fruity, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake has soft strawberry layers, creamy frosting, fresh fruit, and a crunchy topping that adds texture. It looks beautiful and tastes like a bakery-style dessert made at home.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup strawberry puree or strawberry preserves
For the frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
For the strawberry crunch topping
- 20 golden sandwich cookies, crushed
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
For filling and topping
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- Extra strawberries for decorating
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the cake pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the batter
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix in strawberry puree. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth.
Step 4: Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 5: Make the frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and cream until fluffy.
Step 6: Prepare the crunch topping
Mix crushed cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until crumbly.
Step 7: Assemble the cake
Place one cake layer on a stand. Spread frosting, add chopped strawberries, and sprinkle crunch topping lightly. Add second layer and frost the top and sides.
Step 8: Decorate
Press crunch topping onto the sides and top. Finish with fresh strawberries.
Variations
- Use strawberry cake mix for a quicker version
- Add a thin layer of strawberry jam between layers
- Swap cream cheese frosting for whipped frosting
- Make it a sheet cake instead of layers
- Add white chocolate drizzle on top
Cooking Notes
- Cake layers must be fully cooled before frosting
- Use freeze-dried strawberries for strong flavor and crunch
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft
- Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Press crunch topping gently so it sticks without falling
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Pair with coffee or milk
- Add extra strawberries on each slice
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for special occasions
- Slice using a warm knife for clean layers
Tips
- Use parchment paper for easy cake removal
- Level cake layers for a professional look
- Store cake covered to keep it moist
- Make crunch topping fresh for best texture
- Decorate just before serving for the best appearance
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
- Calories: 520 per slice
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 28g
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this cake?
Freeze unfrosted cake layers only for best results.
What makes the crunch topping pink?
Freeze-dried strawberries give the color and flavor.
Conclusion
Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cake is a show-stopping dessert with layers of strawberry flavor, creamy frosting, and a crunchy finish. It’s perfect when you want a cake that looks impressive and tastes even better.