There is nothing quite like the bright, tangy burst of the Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice with Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Recipe to brighten up a dessert table. This slice combines zesty lemon cake soaked in luscious strawberry gelatin with a dreamy, creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting, all topped off with a satisfyingly crunchy strawberry and Oreo crumble. Every bite teases your taste buds with freshness, sweetness, and texture, making it a true showstopper for any occasion. If you love layered flavors and a perfect balance of tart and sweet, this cake slice will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful treat. Each component is straightforward but crucial, working together to deliver vibrant color, luscious texture, and that unmistakable strawberry-lemon harmony.
- Lemon Cake Mix: Provides a light, tangy base that sets the bright lemon flavor for the entire cake.
- Strawberry Gelatin Mix (3 oz): Infuses the cake with an intense strawberry punch and a beautiful red glaze.
- Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin perfectly for an even soak.
- Cold Water: Balances the gelatin mixture to the right temperature for soaking the cake.
- Golden Oreos (crushed): Adds a buttery crunch that contrasts delightfully with the softness of the cake and frosting.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (crushed): Intensify the strawberry flavor with a natural, fruity crunch topping.
- Melted Butter: Binds the crunchy topping ingredients together for an irresistible texture.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The rich, tangy base for the luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds smoothness and creaminess to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly without any grit.
- Strawberry Puree or Jam: Brings fresh strawberry flavor and beautiful natural color to the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle warmth.
- Red Gel Food Coloring (optional): For that irresistible pink-red hue that makes the frosting visually stunning.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice with Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Lemon Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package directions, using the eggs, oil, and water as instructed. Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare and Pour the Strawberry Gelatin
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the warm cake. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in ½ cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add ½ cup of cold water to cool the mixture slightly, then pour it evenly over the cake so it seeps into every hole, infusing the cake with strawberry goodness. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, allowing the gelatin to set beautifully inside the cake.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake chills, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition for a silky texture. Incorporate the strawberry puree or jam, vanilla extract, and a few drops of red gel food coloring if desired to achieve a vibrant pink-red frosting. Continue to beat until light and airy.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
Mix the crushed golden Oreos, freeze-dried crushed strawberries, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture forms a crumbly, flavorful crunch topping. This will provide the perfect textural contrast to the creamy frosting and moist cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Spread the strawberry red cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the frosting to finish. Slice into portions and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice with Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A few garnishes can really elevate the presentation and flavor of this cake slice. Fresh strawberry slices or whole freeze-dried strawberries scattered on top add natural beauty and enhance the strawberry notes. A small mint leaf can introduce a refreshing color contrast and a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
Pairing your cake slice with complementary sides can create a fuller dessert experience. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream offers soothing creaminess that balances the tang of the lemon and strawberry flavors. For a light finish, serve alongside some fresh fruit salad featuring berries and citrus segments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake slices on pretty dessert plates with edible flower petals for a special touch. For parties, assemble mini versions in clear cups to showcase the vibrant layers. Drizzling a strawberry sauce over each slice just before serving will amp up the strawberry intensity and add a glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice with Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Recipe stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container to keep the cake moist and the crunch topping crisp. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this cake later, freezing is an option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The texture of the crunch topping may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains vibrant. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the frosting and the crunch topping. Simply allow refrigerated slices to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the ideal experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade lemon cake instead of the box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade lemon cake can take this recipe to the next level with fresh ingredients. Just be sure your cake is sturdy enough to hold the gelatin soak without becoming too soggy.
What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
You can use finely chopped dried strawberries or even fresh finely chopped strawberries for the crunch topping, though the texture will be a bit different and less crisp.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese and butter with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the gelatin to set perfectly. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
How do I intensify the strawberry flavor?
Adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the frosting really boosts the strawberry presence. You can also choose a high-quality strawberry jam or puree for more robust flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice with Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every bite. It strikes the perfect balance of zesty lemon, sweet strawberry, creamy richness, and irresistible crunch. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this dessert—it’s sure to brighten any celebration or transform a simple afternoon into something special with friends and family.
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Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice with Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake Slice features a moist lemon cake soaked in strawberry gelatin and topped with a luscious strawberry red cream cheese frosting and a crunchy topping of golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Perfectly balanced with tangy, sweet, and creamy layers, this American dessert combines textures and flavors into a refreshing treat that’s ideal for gatherings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)
- 1 box strawberry gelatin mix (3 oz)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Crunch Topping
- 1 cup crushed golden Oreos
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Strawberry Red Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree or jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Prepare the lemon cake mix following the package instructions, including adding eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool slightly.
- Make Gelatin Mixture: While the cake cools, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1/2 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Then add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir well.
- Soak the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake to allow the gelatin to soak in deeply. Pour the prepared strawberry gelatin evenly over the cake surface. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set and chill.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until fluffy. Mix in the strawberry puree or jam, vanilla extract, and add red gel food coloring if desired, to achieve a vibrant pink-red color.
- Make Crunch Topping: Combine the crushed golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until the texture is crumbly and holds together slightly.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is chilled and set, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer. Sprinkle the prepared strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosting layer.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the frosting mixture.
- Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
