Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry Crunch Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a soft, fluffy cake with a sweet strawberry flavor and a crunchy topping. It’s a perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or simply when you want to enjoy something special at home. This cake not only looks beautiful with its vibrant colors but also tastes amazing with every bite.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Crunch Cake is a great choice for several reasons. First, it brings the wonderful taste of strawberries to your table. Second, the crunchy topping adds a fun texture that everyone loves. Lastly, this recipe is an excellent way to impress your family and friends, showing them how delicious homemade cakes can be.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Making Strawberry Crunch Cake is a fun process. Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful cake that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 oz freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional)
1 tbsp strawberry extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp pink gel food coloring (optional)
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups granulated sugar (for frosting)
1/8 tsp salt (for frosting)
2/3 cup all-purpose flour (for frosting)
2 cups whole milk (for frosting)
2 cups (4 sticks) butter, room temperature (for frosting)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
16 golden Oreo cookies (for crunch topping)
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (for crunch topping)
4 tbsp melted butter (for crunch topping)
Fresh whole strawberries (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease them with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the melted butter, oil, strawberry jam, freeze-dried strawberry powder (if using), strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and pink gel food coloring (if using). Mix well.
Sift half of the dry ingredients into the batter and fold gently with a spatula. Stir in the buttermilk and then fold in the remaining dry ingredients until well combined.
Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Ermine Frosting: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Cool it down, then beat the softened butter until fluffy before adding the cooled mixture.
For the Crunch Topping: Crush the Oreo cookies and freeze-dried strawberries, then mix them with the melted butter.
Assemble the Cake: Frost the cooled cake with Ermine frosting, apply the crunch topping, garnish with fresh strawberries, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake

Slice the Strawberry Crunch Cake into generous pieces and serve it on a dessert plate. You can add more fresh strawberries on top for decoration. This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

How to Store Strawberry Crunch Cake

You can store Strawberry Crunch Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
You can adjust the amount of strawberry jam based on how fruity you like your cake.
Feel free to experiment with different types of toppings or add whipped cream for extra creaminess.

Variation

You can change the flavor of the cake by substituting strawberry with other fruits like raspberry or blueberry. Simply replace the strawberry ingredients with your chosen fruit’s jam or puree.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jam?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries or pureed strawberries. Just adjust the quantity based on your taste.

2. What is Ermine Frosting?
Ermine frosting is a creamy frosting made from flour and milk that creates a light, fluffy texture. It’s a great alternative to buttercream.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Frost and assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

Enjoy your baking adventure with Strawberry Crunch Cake, and be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!