Introduction
This delightful Strawberry Crunch Cake is a whimsical combination of soft, moist strawberry cake and a crunchy, sweet topping that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for any occasion, this cake captures the essence of summer with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe is a fantastic choice!
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 box strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup crushed vanilla sandwich cookies
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the pureed strawberries until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed vanilla sandwich cookies with the melted butter and strawberry gelatin until well combined.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped topping on top.
- Sprinkle half of the cookie mixture over the whipped topping.
- Place the second layer on top and repeat the process with whipped topping and the remaining cookie mixture on the top layer.
- Drizzle with a thin layer of powdered sugar on top for decoration.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure the strawberries are fresh for the best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if desired.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Cooking Techniques
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in this Strawberry Crunch Cake, be sure to fold the pureed strawberries gently into the batter, allowing the strawberry flavor to blend without deflating the mixture. Properly cooling the cakes before stacking them ensures that they hold their shape and do not slide apart.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain them before pureeing.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I add other fruits? Absolutely! Consider adding some chopped bananas or blueberries for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Crunch Cake is not just a visual delight; it’s a scrumptious dessert that melds flavors and textures beautifully. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a summer picnic, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite and share the joy with your loved ones!