Here’s a decadent and fruity Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—perfectly sweet, creamy, and crunchy 🍓🍰🧀
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
🧾 Ingredients (serves 8–10)
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the crunch topping:
- ½ cup crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for macerating strawberries)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the cake batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
3. Bake the cake
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
4. Prepare the crunch topping
- Mix crushed cookies, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the top of the cooled cake.
5. Make the cream cheese frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
6. Assemble the cake
- Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled cake.
- Top with sliced strawberries and the cookie crunch.
7. Serve
- Chill slightly if desired.
- Slice and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, fruity layers!
💡 Tips
- Sweet strawberries: Macerate sliced strawberries with a little sugar for 10–15 minutes to release juices.
- Extra crunch: Add chopped nuts or toasted coconut to the topping.
- Make ahead: Cake can be assembled a few hours ahead; refrigerate until serving.
🍽️ Variations
- Mini versions: Make in cupcake tins with a cookie crumble top.
- Chocolate twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the frosting.
- Berry mix: Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.
I can also give a simplified 30-minute version that still has the crunch, cream cheese frosting, and strawberry topping for quick dessert prep 🍓✨.
Do you want me to do that?
