If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that bursts with fresh flavor and delightful textures, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe. It combines a fluffy strawberry cake base with a luscious, slightly tart jello soak, a creamy cool whip topping, and a satisfyingly crisp, buttery cookie crumble that adds an irresistible crunch. Topped with fresh strawberries, this cake is a vibrant, eye-catching treat perfect for any occasion where you want to impress or simply indulge in a summery delight. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is simple but plays a crucial role in making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the soft cake base to the crunchy cookie topping and juicy fresh strawberries, these components create a beautiful balance that’s easy to achieve in your own kitchen.
- Strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil: The foundation of the cake, providing a moist and tender crumb with fresh strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry jello (2 packages): Adds that signature pop of strawberry sweetness and helps keep the cake moist and delightful.
- Boiling water: Used to dissolve the jello, allowing it to soak perfectly into the warm cake.
- Cool Whip (8 ounces): A creamy, light topping that balances the textures beautifully.
- Golden Oreo cookies (20 count): Crushed to add sweetness and a wonderful buttery crunch that contrasts the soft cake.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Binds the cookie crumbs and helps create that perfect crumble topping.
- Fresh strawberries (20): Provide fresh flavor, vibrant color, and a juicy finish to each slice.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by mixing your strawberry cake mix following the package instructions with eggs and vegetable oil. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until golden and done. This cake will be the perfect, fluffy base that soaks up all the strawberry goodness in the next steps.
Step 2: Poke the Cake for Jello Absorption
When the cake comes out of the oven, don’t wait for it to cool—grab a skewer or the back of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top. This step allows the jello to seep deeply into the cake, keeping it moist and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Dissolve and Pour the First Jello Package
Mix one package of strawberry jello with one cup of boiling water until completely dissolved. Then spoon this liquid evenly over the warm cake. The heat helps the jello soak further into the holes you just poked, infusing every bite.
Step 4: Chill the Cake
Place your cake in the refrigerator and let it set for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling step is crucial because it allows the jello to firm up inside the cake, creating that luscious, gel-like texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Crush the Golden Oreos
While your cake chills, put the golden Oreo cookies into a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a heavy object until you have fine crumbs with no large pieces. These crumbs create the crunchy layer that makes this recipe unique.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Crumble
In a medium bowl, combine your crushed cookies, the second package of strawberry jello, and the melted butter. Mix these ingredients lightly to form a crumbly, flavorful topping that perfectly balances creamy and crunchy textures on your cake.
Step 7: Add the Cool Whip Layer
Remove the chilled cake from the refrigerator and spread an even layer of cool whip across the entire surface. This creamy topping adds softness and acts as the perfect base to hold the crumble and fresh strawberries.
Step 8: Apply the Strawberry Crumble
Sprinkle the strawberry crumble mixture evenly over the cool whip layer. This golden, buttery, fruity crunch is what makes this cake truly special and keeps you coming back for more.
Step 9: Top with Fresh Strawberries and Serve
Finish by arranging fresh strawberries on top of the crumble layer. These add freshness, juiciness, and a beautiful pop of color. Slice your cake and get ready for applause — this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is a showstopper!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh strawberry slices on top bring brightness and tie together the flavors perfectly. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add a mint leaf for an extra pop of color and freshness that makes each slice look even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance the creamy contrast. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh berry salad to complement the strawberry theme without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in individual clear cups layered with additional cool whip and crushed cookies between portions for an elegant twist. Alternatively, turn this recipe into cupcakes for a fun party presentation or even use mini strawberry chunks folded into the cool whip layer for added texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days, during which the flavors meld even more, making every bite better than the last.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, you can carefully freeze the cake without the fresh strawberries on top. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh strawberries and serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes to take off the chill without losing the delightful textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While strawberry works best for that classic flavor, you can experiment with vanilla or white cake mixes for a slightly different twist, but the strawberry jello and fruit are what really make this cake distinctive.
Do I have to use golden Oreos for the crunch?
Golden Oreos give a lovely buttery sweetness that complements the strawberries, but if you prefer, graham crackers or shortbread cookies can be crushed and used as alternatives to create the crunchy topping.
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and appearance, but if frozen berries are all you have, thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture making the topping soggy.
How far in advance can I prepare this cake?
This Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is perfect for making the day before your event. The flavors really deepen after chilling overnight, so preparing it ahead of time is recommended for the best results.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the cake mix and Oreos. However, you could try gluten-free cake mix and a gluten-free cookie alternative to adapt it for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. The bright strawberry flavors, the soft and moist cake, the creamy topping, and that addictive buttery crunch combine to make every slice a delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all the smiles it brings at your next gathering or cozy night in. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry cake with a luscious jello topping and a crunchy strawberry-flavored Oreo crumble. Topped with cool whip and fresh strawberries, this no-bake topping dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 strawberry cake mix (with eggs and vegetable oil as per package instructions)
Jello Topping
- 2 (3 oz) packages of strawberry jello
- 1 cup boiling water
Crumble Topping
- 20 golden Oreo cookies
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 package strawberry jello (from the 2 packages, one used for crumble)
Other Toppings
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 20 fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions with eggs and vegetable oil. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch cake pan and bake as directed until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Once the cake comes out of the oven and is still warm, immediately poke holes all over the top using a skewer or the back end of a wooden spoon. This allows the jello to seep into the cake.
- Make Jello Topping: Dissolve one package of strawberry jello in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Pour Jello Over Cake: Spoon the prepared jello evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Refrigerate to Set: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the jello to set firmly into the cake.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: Place the golden Oreo cookies into a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with the second package of strawberry jello and the melted butter. Mix gently to form a flavorful crumble mixture.
- Spread Cool Whip: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and evenly spread the 8 ounces of cool whip over the top layer of the cake and jello.
- Add Crumble Layer: Sprinkle the strawberry crumble mixture evenly over the cool whip layer, covering the surface with the crunchy topping.
- Decorate and Serve: Top the crumble layer with fresh strawberries arranged evenly. Slice the cake into 16 servings and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is still warm when poking holes so the jello can seep in thoroughly.
- You can substitute cool whip with whipped cream if preferred.
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to let the jello fully set.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- The dessert keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
