Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Try This Heavenly Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake Recipe Today

Crafting a delectable strawberry crunch cheesecake cake delivers pure dessert magic right to your plate.

Sweet layers of creamy indulgence await you in this mouthwatering creation.

Crisp graham cracker crumbles dance between soft cheesecake textures, creating an irresistible contrast.

Ripe strawberries burst with natural sweetness, complementing the rich, velvety filling.

Summer vibes radiate through each carefully assembled slice, promising decadent moments of pure bliss.

Delightful aromas will tempt you from the moment this masterpiece emerges from the kitchen.

Dive into this spectacular dessert and let every bite transport you to sugary paradise.

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake – A Festive Dessert Star

  • Wow Layered Delight: Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberry cake.
  • Simple Step-by-Step Creation: Navigate through easy-to-follow instructions that make this impressive cake achievable for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress friends and family with a stunning cake that looks professionally made but can be crafted right in your own kitchen.
  • Textural Sensation: Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, moist cake layers, and crunchy cookie topping that creates an irresistible taste experience.

Ingredients for Making Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake

Cake Base:
  • Strawberry Cake Mix: A pre-mixed dry ingredient that provides the strawberry flavor and base for the cake.
  • Eggs: Helps bind the cake ingredients and provides structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender cake texture.
  • Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Crushed Strawberries: Enhances the natural strawberry flavor and adds moisture to the cake.
Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cheesecake layer.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Vanilla: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Egg: Helps set the cheesecake and provides structure.
Crunch Topping and Frosting:
  • Wafer Cookies: Crushed cookies that create a crunchy, textured topping.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and adds richness.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crunch topping.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy frosting base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream frosting.

Baking Instructions for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Pans

Warm your oven to 350F (175C).

Generously coat two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Strawberry Cake Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Strawberry cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water
  • Crushed strawberries

Blend ingredients until the batter looks smooth and vibrant.

Divide mixture evenly between prepared pans.

Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Transfer cakes to wire racks and let cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese until silky.

Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until luxuriously smooth.

Gently fold in egg until just combined.

Pour batter into a greased 8-inch round pan.

Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes.

The center should have a gentle wobble when done.

Allow to cool entirely.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Strawberry Topping

Combine in a bowl:
  • Crushed wafer cookies
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar

Mix until the ingredients bind together perfectly.

Step 5: Whisk Fluffy Frosting

Using an electric mixer, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.

Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 6: Build Magnificent Cake

Start by placing one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of frosting.

Carefully position the cheesecake layer, then add another frosting layer.

Top with the second strawberry cake layer.

Frost the entire cake smoothly.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Finish

Gently press the strawberry crunch topping around the cake’s sides and across the top, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Step 8: Chill And Enjoy

Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to let flavors meld and set.

Slice and serve this show-stopping dessert.

Tips for the Crunchiest Strawberry Cheesecake Topping

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing without overbeating.
  • Use a cake turntable and offset spatula for even frosting and clean cake layers that stack beautifully without sliding.
  • Do a thin crumb coat first and chill for 15 minutes before final frosting to lock in cake crumbs and create a smooth finish.
  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform cookie crumbs for an even, crunchy texture on the cake's exterior.
  • Refrigerate the cake overnight to allow flavors to meld and create a more cohesive, delicious dessert experience.

Cheesecake Cake Variations with Extra Crunch

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard strawberry cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use gluten-free wafer cookies for crunch topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use egg replacer instead of eggs, and swap heavy cream with coconut whipped cream. Select vegan strawberry cake mix for base.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace sugar with stevia in cheesecake layer, and incorporate sugar-free whipped cream. Select fresh strawberries with natural sweetness for reduced sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with almond-based cream cheese alternative, use coconut milk whipped cream, and select non-dairy margarine for crunch topping. Choose dairy-free cake mix for complete modification.

Presenting Strawberry Crunch Cake at Parties

  • Sweet Picnic Paradise: Pack this delightful cake in a cute carrier for outdoor summer gatherings with friends and family.
  • Elegant Dessert Centerpiece: Showcase the cake on a beautiful cake stand during dinner parties, highlighting its gorgeous layers and crunch topping.
  • Party Slice Presentation: Cut precise wedges and garnish each slice with fresh strawberry halves and a sprinkle of cookie crumbs for extra visual appeal.
  • Romantic Date Night Treat: Serve two smaller slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with strawberry sauce for an intimate dessert experience.

Storing Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake for Later

  • Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and texture.
  • Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Transfer frozen cake slice to refrigerator overnight. Let it gradually warm up to preserve moisture and prevent soggy texture.
  • Gently warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Avoid overheating to keep the cake's delicate structure intact.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for the strawberry crunch topping?

The key ingredients are wafer cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Crush the wafer cookies finely and mix them with melted butter and sugar to create a crunchy, sweet topping.

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the strawberry cake mix with vanilla or white cake mix. However, using strawberry mix provides the most authentic strawberry flavor and color.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake layer is properly baked?

The cheesecake layer is done when the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.

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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Layers of creamy strawberry crunch cheesecake cake promise pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts. Sweet strawberry swirls and crispy crunch topping create an irresistible symphony of textures that will make sweet lovers swoon.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • 1 cup crushed strawberries (fresh or frozen)

Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Topping and Frosting:

  • 1 cup strawberry wafer cookies, crushed
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lightly greasing and dusting with flour.
  2. Create the strawberry cake base by thoroughly blending the cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, water, and crushed strawberries until achieving a uniform consistency. Evenly distribute the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, confirming doneness with a clean toothpick insertion. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire cooling racks.
  3. Craft the cheesecake layer by whisking cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth. Gently incorporate the egg and mix until well integrated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8-inch round pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the center remains slightly wobbly. Cool to room temperature.
  4. Construct the strawberry crunch topping by mixing crushed wafer cookies with melted butter and sugar until well combined.
  5. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peak consistency for the frosting.
  6. Assemble the cake by positioning the first strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous frosting layer, carefully place the cheesecake layer, and add another frosting coating. Top with the second strawberry cake layer and completely frost the exterior.
  7. Generously coat the cake’s sides and top with the prepared strawberry crunch topping, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
  8. Refrigerate the assembled cake for 2 hours to set and enhance flavor before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure strawberry cake mix is evenly mixed to prevent lumps and create a smooth, consistent texture throughout the cake layers.
  • Crush strawberries finely before adding to cake batter to distribute flavor and moisture evenly without large fruit chunks.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for the cheesecake layer to guarantee a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
  • Crush wafer cookies into fine, uniform crumbs for a crisp, even coating that sticks perfectly to the cake’s exterior.
  • Let each layer cool completely before assembling to prevent frosting from melting and maintain structural integrity of the cake.
  • Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and create a firmer, more stable dessert that slices cleanly.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute regular cake mix and wafer cookies with gluten-free alternatives without compromising taste or texture.
  • Try different berry variations like raspberries or mixed berries to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the cake’s signature crunch.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 271 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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