If you’re a fan of nostalgic ice cream truck strawberry shortcake bars, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Crunch Dream Cake. It’s packed with vibrant strawberry flavor, soaked in a sweet milk mixture, topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, and finished with a crunchy, buttery strawberry topping that’s downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines the best of cake and tres leches textures
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Kid-approved and adult-obsessed
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Easy to customize with your favorite fruit flavors
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Perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining
Ingredients Breakdown:
Cake & Soak:
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Strawberry Cake Mix (1 box): The sweet, fruity base of the dessert—baked and ready to soak up all the creamy goodness.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup): Used in the milk soak to add richness and help soften the cake.
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Evaporated Milk (12 oz can): Adds a light, milky texture without being too heavy.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Brings in the creamy sweetness and gives the cake a tres leches-style decadence.
Whipped Cream Topping:
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Heavy Cream (1 cup): Whipped into a fluffy topping.
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Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream just right.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the whipped topping.
Crunch Topping:
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Golden Oreos (18, crushed): The perfect sweet, crunchy base for the topping.
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Strawberry Jell-O (3 oz packet): Provides that iconic strawberry crunch flavor and vibrant color.
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Melted Butter (1/4 cup, divided): Helps bind and toast the topping for the ultimate texture.
Tips and Tricks
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Don’t skip the chilling step — overnight chilling gives the cake its signature moist texture
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Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest results
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Line your baking pan with parchment if you plan to lift the cake out for clean slices
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Double the crunch topping if you’re a texture lover
Variations and Customizations
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Lemon Crunch Cake: Use lemon cake mix and lemon Jell-O
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Chocolate Twist: Try chocolate cake with raspberry Jell-O and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
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Berry Medley: Add fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries between the whipped topping and crunch layer
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with a glass of cold milk or a light rosé wine
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Add a side of fresh strawberries or berry compote for a gourmet touch
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Top with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce for extra indulgence
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
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Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months
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Make Ahead: Prepare the entire cake a day in advance for best flavor and texture
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries in the cake?
Frozen strawberries aren’t recommended inside the cake batter, but they’re great for garnishing on top.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can make a homemade version with milk and sugar, but for the creamiest result, use the canned variety.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Homemade whipped cream gives the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with stabilized whipped topping for convenience.
