Strawberry Crunch Time Cake
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip down memory lane? This strawberry crunch cake is like a warm hug and a summer sunset all rolled into one! Honestly, who doesn't love that classic strawberry and vanilla combo?
Brief Overview
This strawberry crunch cake recipe is inspired by the iconic Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bar. It’s a nostalgic dessert recipe with a tender vanilla cake layers , dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting , and an addictive strawberry crunch topping.
It's a medium difficulty bake, taking around 2 hours 30 minutes total, but totally worth it! This recipe yields about 12-16 servings.
Main Benefits
Besides being utterly delicious, this homemade strawberry cake is perfect for celebrating those special moments. The freeze dried strawberries in the crumble give it that intense strawberry flavour boost.
What makes this cake special? It's the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and nostalgic flavors!
Ingredients
So, what are we waiting for?. Here is a glimpse of the main ingredients for our strawberry crunch cake recipe .
You need flour, butter, sugar, and strawberries, of course! The full list is below, so grab your apron, and let's get baking!.
For the Love of Vanilla Cake Layers
The cake has its roots in old-fashioned desserts. It's just elevated with modern flavours!. Let's talk about the vanilla cake layers .
I once tried using olive oil instead of butter, and let me tell you, it was not the same. Stick to butter for that classic, tender crumb.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Dreams
Oh my gosh, the strawberry cream cheese frosting is the star!. Seriously, the sweetness of the cream cheese marries perfectly with the strawberry .
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this incredible Strawberry Crunch Cake recipe ! Seriously, this cake is like a hug from your grandma…if your grandma was a pastry chef.
You know?
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Let's break down what you need. Don't worry, it's not too complicated. It is super easy to follow!
Main Ingredients
- Vanilla Cake Layers:
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups ( 300g )
- Baking powder: 2 ½ tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup ( 227g ) - Make sure it's actually soft, not melted!
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¾ cups ( 350g )
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Buttermilk: 1 ¼ cups ( 300ml )
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (softened): 8 oz ( 227g ) - Full fat is the way to go, trust me!
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup ( 113g )
- Powdered sugar (sifted): 4 cups ( 480g )
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Strawberry puree: ½ cup ( 120ml ) - Fresh or frozen works fine.
- Optional: Red food coloring (gel)
- Strawberry Crunch Topping: For all those Summer Cake Recipes .
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups ( 180g )
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup ( 150g )
- Baking powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): ¾ cup ( 170g ) - Seriously, keep it COLD!
- Freeze dried strawberries (crushed): ½ cup ( 75g ) - These are key for the flavour!
- Crushed golden oreos: 1/4 cup ( 30g )
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens.
- Vanilla and Strawberry : The classic combo! Don't skimp on the vanilla extract; it really brings out the flavor.
- Freeze dried strawberries are non-negotiable : They provide the intense strawberry flavour. Seriously, find them!
- Strawberry Puree : Fresh strawberry puree adds a vibrant flavour. You can make your own. Otherwise strawberry jam also works well, even tho Homemade Strawberry Cake is always the best.
- Flavor Enhancers : A pinch of salt in the crumble and cake batter balances the sweetness.
- Substitutions : No buttermilk? Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes . Boom, buttermilk substitute!
Equipment Needed
Let's be real; you don't need fancy gadgets for this.
- Two 9 inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
- Food processor (optional, for crushing freeze dried strawberries)
Household Alternatives : Don't have a food processor? A zip-top bag and a rolling pin work just as well for crushing those freeze dried strawberries. Easy Strawberry Dessert , ain't it?
Making the Strawberry Crunch Topping is honestly one of the best parts of this Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Cake inspired recipe. That buttery, crunchy texture and intense strawberry flavor? Forget about it!
Honestly, this strawberry crunch cake is such a crowd pleaser. The nostalgia factor alone is worth it. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven to 350° F (175° C ), and let's get baking!
Let's Get Cracking: That Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe!
Alright, let's dive into this Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe ! This cake is all about bringing back that joyful, nostalgic feeling.
You know, like biting into a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Cake . It's moist, it's crunchy, and oh-so-delicious. Honestly, get ready for some serious yum!
Prep Steps: Getting Organized
First things first, the essential mise en place . Get all your ingredients measured out. I can't stress this enough. Trust me, it saves a world of stress later.
Also, soften your butter. We’re talking really soft. Think of it like soft serve ice cream. Time saving organization tips include prepping the cake pans.
Grease 'em, flour 'em, and line the bottoms with parchment. Easy peasy!
step-by-step: Crunch Time!
- Mix dry ingredients. That’s flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes . Use the toothpick test!
- Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping . Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter cubes, crushed strawberries and golden oreos!
- Bake the crumble at 325° F ( 160° C) for 12- 15 minutes .
- Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting . Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry puree.
Pro Tips: Secrets Revealed!
Don't overmix the cake batter! It can make your cake tough. Nobody wants a tough cake. Also, ensure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened.
Room temperature is key, I am telling you!. One common mistake is not letting the cakes cool completely. Seriously, wait.
Or your frosting will melt. You can even bake the vanilla cake layers ahead of time. Just wrap them tightly and freeze.
This easy strawberry dessert is so worth it. You know? You can even freeze your strawberry cream cheese frosting . It is that easy!
This homemade strawberry cake is a summer treat I adore. I have my own memories of baking this for family BBQs.
Every bite screams nostalgia. With this cake I remember my childhood. I really hope it gives that vibe back.
With this Strawberry Cake with Crumble Topping recipe it's all about fun. Just give it a try!
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cake
Right then, let's talk tweaks and tips for this Strawberry Crunch Cake recipe . Honestly, this cake is pretty forgiving, but there are a few things I've learned along the way that can take it from good to oh my gosh good.
Think of these as Mrs. Beeton's secret weapons.
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Presentation is key. Plating matters! Picture this: a slice of Strawberry Crunch Cake , artfully placed on a plate, maybe with a cheeky sprig of mint.
A scoop of proper vanilla ice cream is a must. Balsamic glaze? That's a bit fancy pants, but if you're feeling posh, go for it.
For drinks, a chilled Prosecco or rose would be spot on. You know, summer vibes!
Storage Tips to Keep Your Cake Fresh
This cake is best eaten fresh. That said, life happens. For refrigeration, wrap it tightly in cling film or pop it in an airtight container.
It'll keep for about 3 days. Freezing? The Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting might get a bit wonky, but you can freeze individual slices if you really need to.
Just wrap them well. Reheating? Nah, eat it cold! It's a treat.
Variations : Mix It Up!
Fancy a change? Easy peasy. For a berry blast, chuck in some raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting .
Feeling wild? Swap the Vanilla Cake Layers for chocolate. A chocolate Strawberry Crunch Cake is heaven. For gluten-free folks, just use a gluten-free flour blend.
Simples!
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Knowledge
Okay, let's be real, this Strawberry Crunch Cake is a treat. An estimate for calories is between 450-550 per slice, but who's counting? The good news? Strawberries have vitamins.
It’s not exactly health food, but it's good for the soul. It's also a fantastic Homemade Strawberry Cake , so you know exactly what's in it.
Honestly? Making this Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Cake at home is easier than you think. Don't be scared! It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
This Easy Strawberry Dessert is totally worth it. So, give this Strawberry Cake with Crumble Topping a go you won't regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the strawberry crunch cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The individual components of the strawberry crunch cake, like the cake layers and the crunch topping, can be made a day or two in advance. Just store the cake layers wrapped tightly at room temperature and the crunch topping in an airtight container.
Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture, a bit like prepping for a Bake Off technical challenge!
How do I store leftover strawberry crunch cake, and how long will it last?
Leftover strawberry crunch cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. The fridge can dry the cake out so add a shot of milk to keep it tasting moist.
Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.
My strawberry cream cheese frosting is too runny. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
A runny cream cheese frosting often happens if your cream cheese and butter were too warm when you mixed them. Pop the frosting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up.
If it's still too thin after chilling, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency, similar to rescuing a soggy bottom!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the strawberry puree?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly well for the strawberry puree. Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help prevent the frosting from becoming too watery. You could also use strawberry jam instead of the puree, which is a great alternative.
Is there a substitute for freeze dried strawberries in the crunch topping? I can't find them anywhere!
Freeze dried strawberries really give that intense strawberry flavor and color to the crunch, making it hard to substitute. If you absolutely can't find them, you could try using strawberry flavored gelatin powder (like Jell-O), but use it sparingly as it can make the crumble too sweet and could affect the texture.
You should be able to find freeze dried strawberries online if you look!
Can I make this strawberry crunch cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the cake layers and the crunch topping with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
The results may vary slightly depending on the blend you use, but it's definitely possible to enjoy a gluten-free version of this delightful cake it's a proper "have your cake and eat it too" moment!
Strawberry Crunch Time Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
