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Effortless Strawberry Crunch Cake

Featured in: Desserts

Flip a strawberry cake open, fill it up with a whole cheesecake, and slather with whipped cream cheese frosting. Crush up cookies with strawberry Jello for that crunchy outer layer. It's basically a party cake that tastes just like those strawberry shortcake bars from the local truck.

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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 17:39:55 GMT
A piece of pink cake with creamy layers plus a crumbly topping and bright strawberries, on a plate. Pin it
A piece of pink cake with creamy layers plus a crumbly topping and bright strawberries, on a plate. | twistytaste.com

Turn your favorite ice cream bar into a showstopper with this Strawberry Crunch Cake. You get soft strawberry cake, a super creamy cheesecake middle, and that famous crumbly topping. Whether you’re celebrating or just want something fun to share, this cake steals the show.

Unbelievable Dessert Bliss

It’s the perfect bite every single time. Imagine creamy cheesecake sandwiched with strawberry cake—pure heaven. The crispy cookie coating takes it to another level. And the cool thing? You can totally use a cake mix and impress everyone with zero stress.

Stuff You’ll Grab

  • Awesome Crunch: Use vanilla sandwich cookies for that crispy bite.
  • Bright Strawberry: Strawberry gelatin gives things a tasty pop.
  • Super Easy: Grab strawberry cake mix, boom done.
  • Creamy Goodness: Cream cheese keeps it smooth for the middle and topping.
  • Silky: Heavy cream makes your icing super rich.
  • Helps Hold Up: Butter helps that crumbly coating stick.
  • Sweet Touch: Finish with powdered sugar for the frosting.

How To Build It

First Crunch
Blend cookies, butter, and strawberry gelatin pop in the oven until just right.
Bake The Cake
Whip up your strawberry cake from a box go wild and mix in anything extra you love.
Cheesecake Magic
Mix up the creamy center, bake it, stick in the freezer so it’s simple to move.
Assemble The Layers
Stack your cake, cheesecake, and frosting press that tasty crumb all around.
Close view of a moist pink strawberry cake slice crowned with a whole berry and cookie crumbles. Pin it
Close view of a moist pink strawberry cake slice crowned with a whole berry and cookie crumbles. | twistytaste.com

Winning Tips

Chilling the cheesecake before assembly makes life so much easier. Go gentle with your cake batter, and cover it all in frosting to keep it smooth. Want even more strawberry? Toss some freeze-dried berries into the topping for a fruity punch.

Stay Fresh

Keep your cake in the fridge and it’ll last three days. For the fullest flavor, make it ahead and let the flavors chill together. Don’t toss the whole cake in the freezer but you can freeze your cheesecake layer until you’re ready for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the layers ahead of time?

You can bake the cake and cheesecake a day before. Store them in the fridge. Don't stack or decorate until you're about to eat so the crunch stays perfect and fresh.

→ Why do I need to freeze the cheesecake?

Once you freeze the cheesecake, it gets nice and solid. That way, it won't fall apart or go misshapen while stacking. Plus, it won't slide around when you add frosting and crunch.

→ Do I really need all the cookie coating?

That crumbly coating is what gives you the fun strawberry shortcake bar texture and vibe. Also, it hides any messy frosting jobs. If it doesn't look perfect, no one can tell.

→ How long does it keep?

Just cover it up and store in the fridge for around 5 days. After 3 days, the crumb coating won't be as crisp. Let each slice warm up for about 15 minutes before enjoying.

→ Can I use a different cake flavor?

Go with vanilla or white cake mix if you want. Toss in some strawberry gelatin powder to keep that pretty pink look and berry flavor. It pulls the whole thing together.

Effortless Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry cake with cheesecake in the middle and a sweet, crackly cookie shell. Feels like the classic frozen treat you remember.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
95 Minutes
Total Time
125 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 13 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Crush 36 vanilla sandwich cookies into crumbs.
02 1 small box (3 oz) of strawberry gelatin mix.
03 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
04 A few (5-6) drops of red food color.
05 1 package of strawberry-flavored cake mix.
06 3 eggs at room temp.
07 Half a cup of melted butter.
08 1 cup of whole milk.
09 Another box of strawberry gelatin mix (3 oz).
10 ¾ cup sugar.
11 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
12 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
13 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream.
14 2 tsp pure vanilla extract.
15 Three large eggs at room temp.
16 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
17 Half a cup of heavy cream.
18 1/2 cup softened butter.
19 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
20 2 cups powdered (confectioner's) sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Blend some crushed cookies with gelatin. Stir the rest with melted butter. Add colored butter to the gelatin mix. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Let it completely cool down.

Step 02

Combine cake mix ingredients. Split evenly into two 9-inch pans. Bake at 350°F for 24-28 minutes. Cool fully before moving on.

Step 03

Stir together cornstarch and sugar. Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and cream until smooth. Add eggs one by one. Mix in the sugar blend. Bake at 325°F for 40 minutes. Leave in the oven (off) for 20 minutes. Freeze for 1 hour after cooling.

Step 04

Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, and cream. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Mix until no lumps remain.

Step 05

Layer one cake, add cheesecake, top with second cake. Cover the whole thing with frosting and cookie crumbs.

Notes

  1. Feeds a large group.
  2. Takes a while, but it's worth every minute.
  3. Freezing helps make the cheesecake easier to handle.
  4. Stays fresh up to 5 days in the fridge.
  5. Outer cookie layer might lose its crunch after a while.

Tools You'll Need

  • Springform pan (9-inch).
  • Two 9-inch baking pans.
  • Hand mixer or a stand mixer.
  • Flat baking sheet.
  • Wire racks for cooling.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream cheese, butter).
  • Includes wheat (cookies, cake mix).
  • Made with eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1081
  • Total Fat: 77 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 85 g
  • Protein: 17 g