You’re about to discover a scrumptious dessert that not only dazzles the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds: Strawberry Crunch Cake. This delightful cake brings the flavors of fresh strawberries together with a creamy, delightful frosting and a uniquely crunchy topping that takes this dessert to the next level. Whether you are hosting a celebration or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this Strawberry Crunch Cake is ready to impress.
Why We Love This Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
Truly, what’s not to love about Strawberry Crunch Cake? It captures the essence of summer with its fresh strawberry flavor while offering a rich and creamy texture that’s hard to resist. With fluffy cake, delectable frosting, and a crunch that perfectly contrasts the softness of the cake and cream, each bite is an experience to savor. Furthermore, this recipe is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, you will find joy in making this luscious cake.
The vibrant pink color from the strawberry jello instantly draws people in, and the crunchy topping adds a fun twist. In addition to its mouthwatering flavor, it’s visually stunning, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering. So, let’s get started on creating this masterpiece!
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cake
To make this fantastic cake, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 ounces strawberry jello (just the powder)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Crunch Topping:
- 12 golden Oreos, separated (cream middles removed)
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the baking process. Follow these steps for a delicious Strawberry Crunch Cake:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial to ensure an even bake for your cake.
Prepare Your Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring that you can easily remove it once baked.
Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until it is smooth. Next, add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Add Eggs: Incorporate the egg whites and the whole egg into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on high speed for about two minutes. You want the mixture to be fluffy and aerated.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Now pour in the milk, the strawberry jello powder (just the powder – no water added), and the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is well blended.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this could lead to a denser cake texture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Down: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least one hour. This step is vital for the frosting to adhere nicely to the cake.
Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare your buttercream frosting. Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Prepare the Crunch Topping: Take the golden Oreos and crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin until they reach a crumbly state. You can also crush the freeze-dried strawberries in the same way. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and strawberries with the melted butter and toss them together to coat.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the delicious buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Finally, sprinkle the crunch topping generously over the frosted cake, pressing it slightly to ensure it sticks.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Strawberry Crunch Cake is now ready to be sliced and shared. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake
Serving the Strawberry Crunch Cake is almost as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some tips to elevate your serving experience:
- Presentation is Key: After frosting and topping the cake, consider slicing it into equal squares for a neat presentation. Place each slice on a dessert plate for an inviting display.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: To enhance the strawberry theme, add fresh strawberry slices on the side. The vibrant color and freshness will add an appealing touch.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Consider pairing the cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy coldness of the ice cream complements the sweet, fluffy cake beautifully.
- Serve at Events: This cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, and family gatherings. The eye-catching design and delightful taste will make it a hit among guests.
- Garnish for Thematic Events: If you’re serving the cake at a themed party, like a summer barbecue or a Valentine’s Day gathering, garnish it with mint leaves or additional strawberries for a festive touch.
Expert Tips: Strawberry Crunch Cake
To ensure your Strawberry Crunch Cake turns out perfect, consider these expert tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps to create a smoother batter and provides optimal texture in your final cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Be cautious not to overmix your batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix just until combined.
- Adjusting for Altitude: If you live at a higher elevation, you may need to adjust the baking time or ingredients slightly. Cakes tend to rise differently at high altitudes.
- Chill the Buttercream: If your frosting seems too soft to spread nicely, place it in the refrigerator for a short period to firm it up before using it on the cake.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add layers or fillings, such as strawberry jam or compote, between layers for added flavor and moistness.
How to Store Strawberry Crunch Cake
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store your Strawberry Crunch Cake:
- Short-Term Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The container will help keep the cake moist and fresh.
- Long-Term Storage: If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. But, keep in mind that refrigeration may change the cake’s texture slightly.
- Freezing Options: You can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations of Strawberry Crunch Cake
While the classic Strawberry Crunch Cake is already a treat, you can easily customize it with different variations:
- Chocolate Version: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract and add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate strawberry crunch cake. Top with chocolate frosting for a delightful twist.
- Different Flavors: Experiment with different flavored jello powder, such as raspberry or lemon. Each variation will bring a unique taste to your cake.
- Nutty Crunch: Instead of crushed Oreos, use crushed nuts like almonds or pecans in your topping for an added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Layered Cake: Make a two-layer cake instead of a single layer for a more dramatic presentation. Just double the ingredients, and don’t forget to add plenty of frosting between layers.
- Seasonal Fruits: Use fresh fruits other than strawberries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to add a different fruit punch to the flavor profile.
FAQ
What is Strawberry Crunch Cake?
Strawberry Crunch Cake is a light and fluffy cake infused with strawberry flavor, topped with creamy frosting and a crunchy topping made from crushed Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
How do I ensure my Strawberry Crunch Cake stays moist?
To keep your cake moist, ensure you are not over-baking it, and store it properly in an airtight container. Adding a filling of fruit jam can also help retain moisture.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
While freeze-dried strawberries give a unique crunch, you can use fresh strawberries. However, they won’t provide the same texture in the topping. Consider adding fresh strawberries as a garnish or in the frosting for added flavor.
How can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Assemble the cake right before serving to keep the crunch topping fresh.
Strawberry Crunch Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 ounces strawberry jello (just the powder)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Crunch Topping
- 12 golden Oreos, separated (cream middles removed)
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until creamy and well combined.
- Incorporate the egg whites and whole egg into the mixture and beat on high speed for about two minutes.
- Pour in the milk, strawberry jello powder, and vanilla extract, and beat until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
Baking and Cooling
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least one hour.
Frosting and Topping
- While the cake cools, prepare your buttercream frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Crush the golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a zip-top bag.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and strawberries with the melted butter and toss to coat.
Assembly
- Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the crunch topping generously over the frosted cake and press it slightly to adhere.
- Slice and serve your Strawberry Crunch Cake.
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