This strawberry crunch cheesecake cake is creamy, fruity, and layered with soft strawberry cake, a rich cheesecake center, smooth frosting, and a sweet cookie crumb topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It has a bakery-style look with simple ingredients. The strawberry cake is soft and moist, the cheesecake layer is rich and smooth, and the crunchy cookie topping adds the perfect sweet finish. It is great for birthdays, parties, holidays, or any time you want a pretty make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cookie crumb layer:
36 vanilla sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
1 box strawberry gelatin mix, 3 ounces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
5 to 6 drops red food coloring gel
For the strawberry cake layers:
1 box strawberry cake mix, 16.5 ounces
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
1 box strawberry gelatin mix, 3 ounces
For the cheesecake layer:
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
For the frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the crushed vanilla sandwich cookies into two bowls. Mix one bowl with the strawberry gelatin. Stir 2 tablespoons melted butter into the plain crumbs. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter with the red food coloring, then stir it into the strawberry gelatin crumbs.
Spread both crumb mixtures on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
For the cake, beat the strawberry cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, and strawberry gelatin until smooth. Divide between two greased and floured round cake pans. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For the cheesecake, reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Line a round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Whisk sugar and cornstarch together. Beat cream cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in the sugar mixture until just combined.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, until set. Cool for 30 minutes, then cover and freeze for 1 hour.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until fluffy.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with frosting. Add the cheesecake layer, frost the top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake. Press the cooled strawberry cookie crumbs over the top and sides.
Use vanilla cake mix with strawberry gelatin for a lighter strawberry flavor. Add sliced fresh strawberries between the layers for extra fruitiness. For a brighter topping, add a few extra drops of food coloring to the crumb mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake is best served chilled. Do not reheat it. Freezing is not recommended after frosting, because the texture may change.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use fresh strawberries?
Yes, sliced strawberries can be added between layers, but keep them thin.
Can I use vanilla cake mix?
Yes, vanilla cake mix works well with strawberry gelatin.
Why freeze the cheesecake layer?
Freezing helps it stay firm while assembling the cake.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, it only makes the crumb topping brighter.
How do I crush the cookies?
Use a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Can I use whipped topping instead of frosting?
Yes, but the cake will be softer and less stable.
Should the cake be served cold?
Yes, it slices best when chilled.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
You can use the cake batter for cupcakes, but the cheesecake layer would need to be adjusted.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the cake well and wipe the knife between cuts.
Conclusion
Strawberry crunch cheesecake cake is a beautiful layered dessert with soft cake, creamy cheesecake, fluffy frosting, and a sweet strawberry cookie crumble. It is colorful, rich, and perfect for sharing.
