Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake is inspired by the classic ice cream bars, featuring layers of moist vanilla and strawberry cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy topping. Perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup strawberry puree (for half of the batter)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 20 Golden Oreos (crushed)
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
• ¼ cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the batter in half. Mix strawberry puree into one half.
6. Pour the vanilla batter into one cake pan and the strawberry batter into the other.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.

3. Make the Crunch Topping:

1. Crush Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor.
2. Mix with melted butter until crumbly.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place the vanilla cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting.
2. Add the strawberry cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
3. Press the strawberry crunch topping all over the frosting.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

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Tips & Variations:

✔️ Add fresh sliced strawberries between the layers for extra flavor.
✔️ Use a strawberry jam filling for more moisture.
✔️ Try cupcakes instead of a full cake!

Would you like a no-bake version?