If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake might be just what you need. This eye-catching cake combines two layers of tender strawberry cake with a creamy cheesecake center, all topped with a crunchy, flavorful strawberry Oreo topping. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat, this cake will quickly become a favorite for its balanced sweetness, rich texture, and vibrant appearance.
This recipe blends the smoothness of cheesecake, the lightness of strawberry cake, and the satisfying crunch of a strawberry-flavored topping. Every bite is filled with layers of different textures and flavors, making it an unforgettable dessert that delights both the taste buds and the eyes.
Why We Love This Recipe ❤️
- Layered Goodness: The combination of strawberry cake and cheesecake is a unique pairing that adds depth and richness to each slice.
- Textural Delight: The crunch topping made with golden Oreos and strawberry Jell-O mix provides a delightful texture contrast to the smooth cheesecake and soft cake layers.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: With real strawberries in both the cake and sauce, this recipe captures the fresh, fruity essence of strawberries.
- Visual Appeal: The pink and white layers, combined with the vibrant crunch topping, make this cake a showstopper.
- Versatile Dessert: This cake works equally well for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a homemade dessert.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover the simple steps that will bring this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake to life!
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Crunch Topping
- 1 cup golden Oreos, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup strawberry Jell-O mix
For the Strawberry Sauce
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cake Layers
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and pureed strawberries. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat the Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased and lined 9-inch springform pan. Place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan before transferring it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
Step 3: Make the Crunch Topping
- Crush the Oreos: Place the golden Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Mix with Jell-O and Butter: In a bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with the strawberry Jell-O mix and melted butter. Stir until well combined, forming a crumbly mixture.
- Bake the Topping: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to set the crunch. Allow it to cool before breaking into smaller pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
- Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Cool the Sauce: Let the sauce cool completely before drizzling it over the cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cakes and Cheesecake: Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Top with the chilled cheesecake layer, then place the second strawberry cake layer on top.
- Add the Crunch Topping: Press the strawberry crunch topping around the sides of the cake and sprinkle some on top.
- Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce: Pour the strawberry sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Success Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs help create a smoother, more consistent cheesecake layer.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Make sure the cheesecake is fully chilled before assembling the layers. This will make it easier to stack and prevent it from melting or collapsing.
- Don’t Overbake the Cake Layers: Follow the recommended baking time for the cake mix. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so keep an eye on it.
- Experiment with Jell-O Flavors: If you want to try a different twist, swap the strawberry Jell-O for raspberry or cherry to vary the crunch topping.
Storage
- Refrigeration: This cake is best stored in the refrigerator due to the cheesecake layer. Wrap it well or store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them before use.
- Cheesecake Layer: For a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Crunch Topping Tip: Avoid adding the crunch topping until right before serving if you want it to stay extra crispy.
Nutrition
This cake is rich and indulgent, so it’s perfect for special occasions. Here’s a general estimate per serving (based on 12 slices):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and measurements used.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the cake layers and cheesecake layer up to 2 days in advance. Assemble and add the crunch topping just before serving.
Q: Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of a box mix?
A: Yes, you can substitute a homemade strawberry cake if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a moist and flavorful recipe to complement the cheesecake and crunch topping.
Q: Can I add more fruit to the cake?
A: Yes, you can add sliced fresh strawberries between the layers for extra texture and flavor.
Q: Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
A: You can substitute a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free cookies for the crunch topping. Ensure the Jell-O mix is also gluten-free if needed.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake is a dessert lover’s dream. This beautifully layered cake delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to please any crowd. With its vibrant strawberry flavor, creamy cheesecake, and crispy crunch topping, it’s a treat that tastes as amazing as it looks. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want a special dessert, this cake is a wonderful choice that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake!