Strawberry Crunch Dream Cake

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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

• Combines the best of cake and tres leches textures

• Kid-approved and adult-obsessed

• Easy to customize with your favorite fruit flavors

• Perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining

Ingredients Breakdown:

Cake & Soak:

• Strawberry Cake Mix (1 box): The sweet, fruity base of the dessert—baked and ready to soak up all the creamy goodness.

• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Used in the milk soak to add richness and help soften the cake.

• Evaporated Milk (12 oz can): Adds a light, milky texture without being too heavy.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Brings in the creamy sweetness and gives the cake a tres leches-style decadence.

Whipped Cream Topping:

• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Whipped into a fluffy topping.

• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream just right.

• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the whipped topping.

Crunch Topping:

• Golden Oreos (18, crushed): The perfect sweet, crunchy base for the topping.

• Strawberry Jell-O (3 oz packet): Provides that iconic strawberry crunch flavor and vibrant color.

• Melted Butter (1/4 cup, divided): Helps bind and toast the topping for the ultimate texture.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip the chilling step — overnight chilling gives the cake its signature moist texture

• Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest results

• Line your baking pan with parchment if you plan to lift the cake out for clean slices

• Double the crunch topping if you’re a texture lover

Variations and Customizations

• Lemon Crunch Cake: Use lemon cake mix and lemon Jell-O

• Chocolate Twist: Try chocolate cake with raspberry Jell-O and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

• Berry Medley: Add fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries between the whipped topping and crunch layer

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a glass of cold milk or a light rosé wine

• Add a side of fresh strawberries or berry compote for a gourmet touch

• Top with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce for extra indulgence

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days

• Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months

• 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.

Strawberry Crunch Dream Cake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes + chill time
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

🍓 Strawberry Crunch Heaven is a dreamy, poke-style cake that’s bursting with juicy strawberry flavor and creamy sweetness! It’s soaked in a rich milk mixture, topped with homemade whipped cream, and finished with an irresistible golden Oreo strawberry crunch. Every bite tastes like a nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar—only better!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (prepared per package directions)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 18 golden Oreo cookies (crushed)

• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O powder

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided)

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Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

• Prepare and bake the strawberry cake in a 9×13 inch pan following the instructions on the box

• Allow it to cool for 10 minutes after baking

2. Poke the Cake

• Use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake

• Space the holes about 1 inch apart for even milk absorption

3. Make the Milk Soak

• In a mixing bowl, combine:

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 12 oz evaporated milk

  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

• Whisk until well blended, then slowly pour the mixture over the warm cake, letting it soak into the holes

4. Chill the Cake

• Refrigerate the soaked cake while you prepare the whipped cream topping (at least 30 minutes)

5. Whip the Cream

• In a chilled mixing bowl, beat:

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Beat on high until stiff peaks form

• Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake

6. Make the Crunch Topping

• Crush 18 golden Oreos in a food processor or by hand

• Mix half the crushed Oreos with half of the melted butter

• In a separate bowl, combine the remaining butter with the dry strawberry Jell-O powder

• Mix everything together until crumbly and colorful

7. Finish and Chill

• Sprinkle the crunch topping generously over the whipped cream layer

• Cover the cake and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld

Notes

• Cake is best served cold

• Whipped cream topping can be stabilized with a tablespoon of instant pudding mix if desired

• This dessert is perfect for warm weather celebrations or as a fun alternative to traditional birthday cake

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (based on cake mix instructions)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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