Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Shortcake Heaven: A Cake Fit for Celebrations

This recipe elevates your beloved dessert into a stunning cake, the centerpiece of any celebration. Layers of moist strawberry cake, a delightful cheesecake filling swirled with tangy sweetness, and a dreamy strawberry frosting create a symphony of flavors and textures in every delightful bite.

Why This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Belongs on Your Dessert Table:

• A Celebration of Strawberries: This cake is a true homage to the humble strawberry. Fresh strawberries are incorporated throughout, from the cake batter itself to the frosting and cheesecake filling, offering a burst of sweetness and freshness in every mouthful.
• Creamy Cheesecake Delight: The tangy cheesecake layer adds a delightful contrast to the strawberries' sweetness. This creamy center offers a luxurious textural experience, taking the cake to a whole new level.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly achievable for bakers of all skill levels. The recipe provides clear instructions, broken down into three manageable sections: the crust, the cheesecake filling, and the delightful strawberry crunch topping.

Ingredients for Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Adventure:

• Golden Oreo Crust:
• 22 Golden Oreos, crushed finely (about 1 ½ cups)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Creamy Cheesecake Filling:
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 jar (around 12 ounces) store-bought strawberry topping
• Strawberry Crunch Topping:
• 12 Golden Oreos, crushed into large crumbs (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 ½ teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder

Step-by-Step Guide to Strawberry Shortcake Cake Bliss:

1. Prepare for Baking Bliss: Before diving in, clear a spacious area on your countertop to ensure a clean and organized baking experience. Gather all your ingredients and arrange them in separate bowls. Here's a crucial tip: hold off on mixing anything together until instructed to avoid overmixing, which can compromise the cake's texture.
2. Preheat and Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking. To prevent leaks, line the outside of your 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil. Generously grease the pan's inside to ensure the cake doesn't stick.
3. Golden Oreo Crust Magic: Begin by creating the delicious base of your cake. In a bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos with the melted butter. Using a spoon or your hands, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan.
4. Creating the Dreamy Filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, cream together one package of softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup of sugar, and the cornstarch until smooth. Then, beat in the remaining cream cheese packages. Increase the mixer speed to high and gradually add the remaining 1⅓ cups of sugar and the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
5. Eggs and Cream: One at a time, add the eggs to the batter, beating well after each addition. This ensures a light and fluffy batter. Once the eggs are incorporated, gently fold in the heavy whipping cream.
6. Swirling in Strawberries: Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the strawberry topping without overmixing. Pour half of the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust. Dollop half of the jar of strawberry topping over the filling. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the strawberry topping into the cheesecake filling to create a beautiful marbled effect. Repeat this process with the remaining half of the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping.
7. Baking to Perfection: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This slight jiggle indicates the cake is done but still has a creamy center, perfect for this recipe.
8. Crunch Topping Magic: While the cake cools completely for at least an hour, prepare the delightful strawberry crunch topping. In a food processor or small bowl, pulse the remaining 12 Golden Oreos into large crumbs. Using a fork or your hands, combine the crumbs with the softened butter until pea-sized clumps form. Separate 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into a small bowl and set aside. Add the strawberry gelatin powder to the remaining crumb mixture and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated. You can add a touch more softened butter if needed to help the crumbs stick together.
9. The Grand Finale: Once the cake cools completely, it's time for the final touches! Spread the reserved 2 tablespoons of plain crumb topping over the cooled cake surface. This creates a beautiful base for the strawberry crunch topping. Gently pour the remaining strawberry crumb topping over the cake, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres.
10. Frosting Fantasy: Prepare your favorite strawberry frosting recipe or use a store-bought option. Generously frost the entire cake, covering the sides and top completely. For an extra touch of elegance, pipe decorative swirls of frosting around the cake's perimeter using a decorating tip and piping bag.
11. Strawberry Bliss: To complete the strawberry shortcake theme, garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries. You can arrange them whole or sliced, depending on your preference. A drizzle of additional strawberry topping or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness and beauty.
12. Slice and Savor: Now you're ready to slice and serve this magnificent Strawberry Shortcake Cake! With its layers of flavor and textures, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or summer picnics, this cake is a delightful celebration of all things strawberry!

Tips:

• For a richer cheesecake filling, use full-fat cream cheese instead of softened cream cheese.
• If you don't have strawberry gelatin powder, you can substitute it with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
• To prevent the crust from getting soggy, make sure the cheesecake filling is completely cool before assembling the cake.
• This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

By following these tips and this recipe, you can create a show-stopping Strawberry Shortcake Cake that's not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!