Sweet, creamy, and bursting with berry goodness: this Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake is destined to become your new dessert obsession. A pillowy layer of strawberry cake anchors a dreamy castle of whipped cream cheese, vanilla pudding, fresh berries, and a playful Oreo crunch. Every bite is a celebration of contrasting textures and colors, making it just right for gatherings, picnics, or dazzling up an average weeknight. Whether you’re a lifelong strawberry fan or just need something impossibly cheerful to share, this cake brings the feel-good summer mood in every slice.

Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-star ingredients, yet so fuss-free! Each item adds its own sparkle to the Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake: rich base, silky toppings, and a crown of golden crunch. Gather these and you’re halfway to dessert magic—nothing fancy, just pure deliciousness unlocked.

Strawberry cake mix: The fruity, blush-pink foundation that gives the cake its vibrant color and irresistibly soft crumb.
Eggs, oil, and water: Essential for bringing the boxed cake mix to life, guaranteeing a moist and fluffy texture.
Cream cheese (softened): Velvety and tangy, this creates a luxurious layer that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves seamlessly into the cream cheese, adding just the right amount of sweetness without any grittiness.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Folds airiness and lightness into the cream cheese for a cloud-like experience.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra creamy structure and that beloved nostalgic vanilla flavor.
Cold milk: Whisks with pudding mix for a swift, foolproof set—no stove required!
Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced): The juicy, jewel-toned crown and heart of this dessert.
Golden Oreos (crushed): Brings that signature “crunch” in Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake; their buttery vanilla flavor is a fan favorite.
Melted butter: Binds the crushed cookies for that irresistible crumbly golden topping.

How to Make Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake

Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Cake

Set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the strawberry cake mix exactly as the package instructs, using the egg, oil, and water called for. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan for a perfect, crowd-friendly base. Slide it into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the kitchen smells downright heavenly. Let the cake cool completely; patience here is key! Warm cake will melt your dreamy toppings.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

While the cake chills, grab a medium bowl and beat softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is impossibly silky and lump-free. Once smooth, gently fold in the whipped topping—be kind, you want this layer extra fluffy! Spread this over the cooled cake, creating a luscious white blanket ready for more goodness.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens up. This pudding adds nostalgic comfort and a creamy layer that holds its own. Spread it evenly atop the cream cheese layer. The trick is not to rush: give each layer a chance to shine!

Step 4: Top with Strawberries

Now comes the strawberry excitement. Arrange the hulled, sliced strawberries across the pudding layer, tucking them in close. Go for full coverage so every forkful promises bursts of real berry flavor. If you’re feeling artistic, try overlapping slices for a tiled effect.

Step 5: Make and Add the Crunch Topping

Mix the crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this golden crumble generously over the strawberries, making sure it covers every corner. This signature crunch is what makes Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake unforgettable, offering a playful contrast to all that creamy softness.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Transfer the assembled cake to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This short wait transforms each layer from good to glorious, helping them set and mingle for clean, defined slices. The anticipation only builds the flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake

Garnishes

A little flourish elevates every square! For something extra, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, or a few mint leaves. Chocolate shavings or a drizzle of strawberry sauce are equally stunning and indulgent options to personalize your Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake.

Side Dishes

This cake takes center stage, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be unforgettable. For a lighter side, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a cup of aromatic herbal tea—each enhances the fresh, bright strawberry notes in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting into mini squares and serving them in cupcake liners for parties, or layer the components in mason jars for adorable single-serve parfaits. You can even stack the cake cubes with extra berries on skewers for an easy, hands-on dessert at your next summer picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any remaining Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and store in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist and the flavors blend even more, lasting up to three days. Just be warned—this dessert rarely makes it that long before being devoured!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the unfrosted baked cake base for up to a month wrapped tightly. It’s best to add the creamy and crunchy layers fresh, as these don’t freeze as well and can change texture after thawing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake—this treat is all about its cool, creamy layers straight from the fridge. If you feel like softening it slightly, letting it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving can bring out the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering. This prevents excess moisture from making the cake soggy and helps keep those beautiful layers distinct in your Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake.

What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?

Vanilla wafer cookies or even graham crackers work beautifully for the crunch layer. Aim for something crisp, buttery, and lightly sweet to maintain that perfect textural contrast.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can assemble the full cake up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, giving it extra chill time in the fridge lets the flavors mingle and the layers set, making it even easier to slice and serve later.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and swap in gluten-free vanilla cookies. Double-check your pudding and whipped topping labels, and enjoy a gluten-free Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake that everyone will love.

What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?

Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for chunky, satisfying crumbs. You can also use a food processor for finer bits—choose your favorite level of crunch!

Final Thoughts

Whenever you need a crowd-pleasing treat or want to create a dessert that feels like an instant celebration, you can always count on Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake! Give it a try, share a generous slice with someone you love, and get ready for rave reviews with every creamy, crunchy, strawberry-filled bite.

Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delightful Strawberry Delight Crunch Cake, a perfect summer treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with the creaminess of pudding and cream cheese, all atop a strawberry cake base with a crunchy cookie topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

1 box strawberry cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)

For the cream cheese layer:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the pudding layer:

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1½ cups cold milk

Additional:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the cake: Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package directions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Prepare the pudding layer: Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, then spread over the cream cheese layer.
Add strawberries: Top with sliced fresh strawberries.
Add the crunch topping: Mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the cake.
Chill and serve: Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

You can substitute vanilla wafers for Golden Oreos.
For extra strawberry flavor, layer sliced strawberries between the pudding and cream layers.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American