Description

Hey friends, Beau here from Feastical! If you’re craving a dessert that’s bright, nostalgic, and full of flavor, this Strawberry Crunch Cake delivers big-time. Think soft vanilla cake layers, a sweet-tart homemade strawberry filling, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and that iconic strawberry shortcake ice-cream-bar crunch. It’s impressive, fun, and surprisingly simple to make — perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that steals the show.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

1 box white or vanilla cake mix
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup water (or milk for a richer cake)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping

15 Golden Oreos, crushed
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
In a bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, water (or milk), oil, and vanilla.
Beat for 2 minutes.
Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
Cool completely before assembling.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook 5–7 minutes until juicy.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy.
Cool completely.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a cold bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Beat until stiff peaks form.
Keep chilled until assembly.

4. Make the Strawberry Crunch

Crush Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
Mix with melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

5. Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a plate.
Add a thin layer of whipped cream frosting.
Spread strawberry filling on top.
Add the second cake layer.
Frost the entire cake with whipped cream.
Press the strawberry crunch onto the sides and top.
Chill for at least 1 hour for clean slices.

Notes

Cold cream = perfect whipped frosting.
Don’t overbeat the cream — stop as soon as peaks hold.
Make sure cake layers are fully cooled before frosting.
Freeze-dried strawberries give crunch and flavor without getting soggy.
Use hot water on your knife for bakery-style slices.