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strawberry-crunch-cake-recipe---belly-full-recipe_feature

Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Retro Dessert with Golden Crunch Topping

This nostalgic strawberry crunch cake combines moist vanilla cake layers with creamy frosting and a signature golden crumble topping. Perfect for any occasion, this retro dessert is surprisingly easy to make and always gets rave reviews.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup crushed vanilla cookies or graham crackers
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup strawberry puree

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gently fold in diced strawberries.
  2. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. While cakes cool, combine crushed cookies, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
  4. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and strawberry puree. Beat until light and fluffy.
  5. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of frosting. Top with second cake layer. Frost the entire cake, then press the cooled crunch topping onto the sides and top of the cake.

Notes

Fresh strawberries work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and well-drained. Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped at room temperature. Serve chilled for best texture.