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Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe

Take a strawberry cake, slice it in half, and stuff a whole cheesecake in the middle. Cover it in cream cheese frosting, then coat it with crushed cookies mixed with strawberry Jello for that ice cream truck crunch. It's like a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar turned into a celebration cake.

Paolina baker
Updated on Wednesday 27 November 2024
A slice of pink cake layered with cream, topped with crumbled topping and fresh strawberries, served on a plate.
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A slice of pink cake layered with cream, topped with crumbled topping and fresh strawberries, served on a plate. Pin it
A slice of pink cake layered with cream, topped with crumbled topping and fresh strawberries, served on a plate. | Quickierecipe.com

The Strawberry Crunch Cake transforms your favorite ice cream treat into a stunning layered dessert. With its moist strawberry layers, creamy cheesecake center, and that signature crunchy coating, this Strawberry Crunch Cake creates pure magic on a plate. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you need something extra special.

Pure Dessert Magic

Every bite of this Strawberry Crunch Cake delivers absolute perfection. The rich cheesecake layer nestled between strawberry cake creates the dreamiest combination, while that crunchy cookie coating adds the perfect texture. Best part? It starts with a box mix but tastes totally gourmet.

What You'll Need

  • Cookie Base: Vanilla sandwich cookies for that signature crunch.
  • Pink Power: Strawberry gelatin brightens everything up.
  • Cake Magic: Strawberry cake mix makes life easier.
  • Creamy Dream: Cream cheese for filling and frosting.
  • Rich Touch: Heavy cream creates velvet texture.
  • Extra Rich: Butter helps bind that crunchy coating.
  • Sweet Finish: Powdered sugar for perfect frosting.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Start With Crunch
Mix crushed cookies with strawberry gelatin and butter bake until perfect.
Cake Layers
Make your Strawberry Crunch Cake base following box directions adding extra flavor.
Cheesecake Center
Whip up that creamy filling bake freeze briefly for easy handling.
Put It Together
Layer everything up coat with frosting press on that crunchy coating.
A close-up of a slice of pink strawberry cake topped with a whole strawberry and crumble. Pin it
A close-up of a slice of pink strawberry cake topped with a whole strawberry and crumble. | Quickierecipe.com

Tips For Success

Freezing that cheesecake layer makes assembly so much easier. Don't overwork your cake batter, and seal everything with frosting for a polished look. Want extra strawberry punch? Add some crushed freeze-dried berries to your coating.

Keep It Fresh

Store your masterpiece in the fridge for up to three days. Want the best flavor? Make it a day ahead so everything can meld together perfectly. Skip freezing the finished cake, but feel free to freeze that cheesecake layer for future projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the layers ahead of time?

The cake and cheesecake layers can be baked the day before and kept in the fridge. Just wait to stack and frost until you're ready to serve so everything stays fresh and the coating stays crunchy.

Why do I need to freeze the cheesecake?

Freezing firms up the cheesecake so you can handle it without breaking. Plus, a frozen cheesecake won't squish or slide around when you're stacking and frosting the cake layers.

Do I really need all the cookie coating?

The coating gives it that classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar taste and crunch. Plus it hides any messy spots in your frosting job - no one will ever know if it's not perfect.

How long does it keep?

Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, though the cookie coating might start to soften after day 3. Let slices sit out about 15 minutes before eating.

Can I use a different cake flavor?

White or vanilla cake mix works great too - just add the strawberry gelatin powder to get that classic pink color and flavor. The key is keeping all the strawberry elements consistent.

Strawberry Crunch Cake

A dessert mashup of strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake center, and crunchy cookie coating. Tastes like the classic ice cream treat.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
95 Minutes
Total Time
125 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 13 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 36 vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed.
02 3 ounce box strawberry gelatin.
03 4 tablespoons butter, melted.
04 5-6 drops red food coloring.
05 1 box strawberry supreme cake mix.
06 3 large eggs, room temperature.
07 1/2 cup butter, melted.
08 1 cup whole milk.
09 3 ounce box strawberry gelatin.
10 3/4 cup sugar.
11 1/4 cup cornstarch.
12 16 ounces cream cheese, softened.
13 1/4 cup heavy cream.
14 2 teaspoons vanilla.
15 3 large eggs, room temperature.
16 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
17 1/2 cup heavy cream.
18 1/2 cup butter, softened.
19 1 teaspoon vanilla.
20 2 cups powdered sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix half crushed cookies with gelatin. Mix plain half with butter. Add colored butter to gelatin mix. Bake 10 minutes at 350°F. Cool completely.

Step 02

Mix cake ingredients. Divide between two 9-inch pans. Bake 24-28 minutes at 350°F. Cool completely.

Step 03

Mix sugar and cornstarch. Beat cream cheese, cream, vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Add sugar mix. Bake 40 minutes at 325°F. Cool 20 minutes in turned-off oven. Freeze 1 hour.

Step 04

Beat cream cheese, cream, butter. Add vanilla, sugar. Mix until smooth.

Step 05

Layer cake-cheesecake-cake. Frost entire cake. Cover with cookie crumbs.

Notes

  1. Serves big crowd.
  2. Takes time but worth it.
  3. Freezing cheesecake helps assembly.
  4. Keeps 5 days in fridge.
  5. Cookie coating might soften over time.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Two 9-inch cake pans.
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Cooling racks.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter, milk).
  • Wheat (cake mix, cookies).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1081
  • Total Fat: 77g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 85g
  • Protein: 17g