There’s something magical about strawberry crunch. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibes of childhood ice cream bars or the satisfying contrast of buttery vanilla and tangy berry. Whatever it is, this Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake captures that flavor and takes it to the next level. With its moist, swirled crumb, glossy glaze, and golden-strawberry crunch topping, this is the dessert that wows at birthdays, brunches, and every gathering in between.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is everything I want in a dessert: soft and rich on the inside, sweet and crunchy on top, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. The secret? A combination of strawberry gelatin and purée swirled into a classic vanilla pound cake base—then topped with a creamy glaze and a homemade strawberry crunch topping made from crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried berries.
It’s part retro ice cream bar, part southern pound cake, and all kinds of delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- ½ cup strawberry purée or syrup
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Strawberry Purée: Use fresh or frozen strawberries blended until smooth, or swap for store-bought strawberry syrup.
- Golden Oreos: These bring vanilla richness—make sure they’re finely crushed for an even crunch.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: You’ll find them in the snack aisle. They deliver intense berry flavor and bright color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan generously.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Divide the batter in half. To one half, mix in strawberry gelatin and strawberry purée until fully combined.
2. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the vanilla batter into the bundt pan first, then layer the strawberry batter on top.
- Gently swirl with a knife for a marbled look—don’t overmix.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack and cool completely.
3. Glaze the Cake
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle generously over the cooled cake.
4. Make the Crunch Topping
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the glaze before it sets to make sure it sticks.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better texture.
- Don’t skip the swirl—it adds both beauty and flavor separation.
- Let the glaze set slightly before serving to avoid sticky fingers.
- Crunch topping should be added right after glazing for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This cake is perfect for:
- Birthday parties, BBQs, or holiday dessert tables
- A show-stopping brunch centerpiece
- Paired with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
- Served with Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity summer duo
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (let come to room temp before serving).
- To freeze: wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then store for up to 2 months.
More Sweet Treats You’ll Love
If you’re craving more indulgent, fun desserts, check these out:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – layers of gooey joy
- Grasshopper Pie – minty, creamy, and refreshing
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – bite-sized fall nostalgia
- Edible Cookie Dough – midnight snacking just got better
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake is a dreamy, fruity, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers on looks and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party or just because—this cake is bound to become a requested favorite.
Have you tried it yet? Let me know how it turned out! Snap a pic, tag @chefmaniac, and drop a comment below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious, doable dessert ideas straight from my kitchen to yours.
Happy baking! 🍓💖
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