Strawberry crunch cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. Combining the sweet, juicy flavors of strawberries with the irresistible crunch of a crumble topping, this cake promises a symphony of textures and flavors that can turn any day into a special occasion. As a seasoned food blogger and a fervent lover of desserts, I can’t wait to share the secrets of making the perfect strawberry crunch cake.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Total Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready. You’ll need these to pull off that fabulous strawberry crunch cake effortlessly:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Oven
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Food processor (optional, for the crumb topping)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for your cake, split into three parts: the cake, the filling, and the crunch topping.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
Baking powder | 3 tsp |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Eggs | 3 |
Milk | 1 cup |
Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
For the filling | |
Fresh strawberries | 2 cups, sliced |
Sugar | 1/4 cup |
Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
For the crunch topping | |
Golden Oreos (crushed) | 1 cup |
Freeze-dried strawberries | 1/2 cup, crushed |
Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/3 cup |
Did you know? Strawberries aren’t true berries from a botanical standpoint. Unlike typical berries, strawberries are derived from a single flower with multiple ovaries, making them an “aggregate fruit.”
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined.
Note: Don’t overmix the batter as it can lead to a dense cake.
Step 2 – Baking the Cake
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Warning: Ensure cakes are fully cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
Step 3 – Making the Filling
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 4 – Preparing the Crunch Topping
- In a food processor, pulse together crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until fine.
- Mix in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Fact: Strawberries have more vitamin C per serving than an orange, making them not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
Additional Tips
- For an even more decadent treat, drizzle each layer with a spoonful of strawberry syrup before adding the filling.
- Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator to keep the layers moist and delicious.
Pairing Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with a light whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For beverages, a glass of cold milk or a cup of fresh strawberry tea complements the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 495 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 68 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 23 g |
Sodium | 380 mg |
Sugar | 38 g |
Approximation Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.
Dietary Information
This strawberry crunch cake is vegetarian-friendly. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend.
FAQs about Strawberry Crunch Cake
What makes the strawberry crunch cake crunchy?
The unique crunch comes from the crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in the topping, mixed with melted butter to create a delightful crumble.
How long can you store strawberry crunch cake?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, the cake can last up to 5 days. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used for the filling. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well to remove excess moisture.
How can I ensure my cake is fluffy and moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your baking powder is fresh to help the cake rise properly.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Assemble with the filling and crunch topping on the day you plan to serve.
What are the best strawberries to use?
Choose ripe, vibrant, and fragrant strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Are there any tricks for the perfect crumble topping?
For a perfect crumble, make sure your butter is melted and the Oreos are finely crushed. This ensures a consistent texture that crisps up beautifully when baked.
Conclusion
This strawberry crunch cake recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements. It’s a fantastic dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Remember, the key to a great cake lies in the quality of your ingredients and the love you put into making it.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experiences in the comments below! Whether you have questions about the recipe or want to share your own tips, I’d love to hear from you.
Check out some more delicious dessert recipes:
- Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe
- Hazelnut Tartufo Recipe
- Bourbon Creme Brulee Recipe
- Pie Charlotte Recipe: The Ultimate Classic Dessert
- 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- 2 Ingredient Marshmallow Fluff Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Oven
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Food processor (optional, for the crumb topping)
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
- 3 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- For the filling:
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- For the crunch topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreos crushed
- 1/2 cup Freeze-dried strawberries crushed
- 1/3 cup Unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Step 1 – Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined.
- Note: Don’t overmix the batter as it can lead to a dense cake.
Step 2 – Baking the Cake
- Grease and flour your cake pans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Warning: Ensure cakes are fully cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
Step 3 – Making the Filling
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- See also Cajun Ninja Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Step 4 – Preparing the Crunch Topping
- In a food processor, pulse together crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until fine.
- Mix in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Fact: Strawberries have more vitamin C per serving than an orange, making them not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
Notes
- For an even more decadent treat, drizzle each layer with a spoonful of strawberry syrup before adding the filling.
- Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator to keep the layers moist and delicious.
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