- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice for extra tanginess.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- In a bowl, mix crushed Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, melted butter, and strawberry gelatin powder until combined.
- Set aside for topping the cake.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- If too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until pourable.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and drizzle with half of the lemon glaze.
- Place the second cake layer on top and drizzle with the remaining glaze.
- Press strawberry crunch topping gently onto the glaze, covering the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and lemon slices for extra elegance.
Serving and Storage Tips
🍓 Best served chilled or at room temperature.
🍓 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🍓 Freeze cake layers for up to 2 months—thaw before assembling.
Variants
- Strawberry Lemon Cream Cake – Add a layer of whipped cream or lemon curd between the cake layers.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF-friendly cake.
- No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cake – Use a lemon cheesecake base with a crunchy topping.
- Strawberry White Chocolate Crunch Cake – Drizzle with melted white chocolate before adding the crunch topping.
- Lemon Raspberry Crunch Cake – Swap strawberries for freeze-dried raspberries in the topping.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried strawberries provide the best crunch, but fresh strawberries can be chopped and added to the cake batter for extra fruitiness.
2. How do I get the strawberry crunch topping to stick?
Press the topping onto the lemon glaze while it’s still wet so it adheres properly.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and freeze the cake layers up to 2 weeks in advance. Assemble and glaze before serving.
4. What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping between cuts.
5. Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes, swirling raspberry into each.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemon Crunch Cake is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. With its light, fluffy texture and bursts of citrusy flavor, this cake is sure to be a favorite among family and friends!