Strawberry Crunch Cake is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that features layers of moist strawberry-flavored cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy topping made from strawberries and cookies. This cake is perfect for celebrations, summer gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress!

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (for flavor)

For the Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
• 1 cup golden Oreo cookies (crushed)

Timing

Making Strawberry Crunch Cake takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cake

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, strawberry puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk. Mix according to the package instructions until well combined.
2. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunch Topping

1. Crush Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and crushed golden Oreo cookies. Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled strawberry cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second layer of cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Add Crunch Topping: Press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake for a decorative finish.

Step 7: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Strawberry Crunch Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	3g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	25g

Tips for Customization

• Add Fresh Strawberries: Layer fresh sliced strawberries between the cake layers for added freshness.
• Flavor Variations: Substitute the strawberry cake mix with vanilla or lemon for a different flavor profile.
• Decorate: Use whipped cream and fresh strawberries for additional decoration on top of the cake.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cake is a fun and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a delightful crunch. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!