Strawberry Crunch Buttermilk Layer Cake

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Sure! Here’s a long, rich, and indulgent recipe for Strawberry Crunch Buttermilk Layer Cake, complete with history, methods, ingredients, and even a sweet ending for the lovers of dessert. Let’s dive into a strawberry dream!

Strawberry Crunch Buttermilk Layer Cake

Introduction:

The Strawberry Crunch Buttermilk Layer Cake is a show-stopping dessert inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. With layers of moist, tangy buttermilk cake, luscious strawberry compote, and velvety cream cheese frosting, it’s crowned with a buttery strawberry crunch topping. This cake is a celebration of texture, taste, and timeless charm—a perfect union for strawberry lovers.

A Little History:

This cake takes inspiration from two beloved treats—Southern-style buttermilk cakes and the 80s-popular strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Buttermilk has been a staple in Southern baking for centuries, prized for its ability to create tender, tangy cakes. The strawberry crunch topping, on the other hand, was made famous by Good Humor bars, which layered vanilla and strawberry ice cream with that unforgettable crunchy shell. This recipe brings them together in a new and delicious way.

Ingredients:

For the Buttermilk Cake Layers:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Strawberry Compote:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp water

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, room temp
  • 12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • 15 Golden Oreos (or vanilla cookies)
  • 1 ½ oz (43g) freeze-dried strawberries
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Formation of the Cake:

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Compote

  1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
  2. Cook until strawberries soften and release juice (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the compote if a thicker consistency is desired.
  4. Cook for 2 more minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  3. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Create the Strawberry Crunch Topping

  1. In a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until you get a crumbly texture.
  2. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse a couple more times to combine. Set aside.

Cake Assembly:

  1. Level your cake layers if needed.
  2. Place one layer on your serving plate or cake board.
  3. Pipe a dam of cream cheese frosting around the edge, then fill with strawberry compote.
  4. Repeat with the next layer. Top with the final cake layer.
  5. Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
  6. Press the strawberry crunch mix onto the sides and top of the cake.
  7. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the layers set.

Conclusion (For the Lovers):

This cake is more than just dessert—it’s an experience. Each bite is a love letter to the simple joys of summer: the tartness of strawberries, the richness of cream, the gentle tang of buttermilk. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve something sweet.

For the lovers of baking, of memories, of someone special—this cake brings it all together. Make it for someone you love. Make it with someone you love. Or make it because you love yourself. Just don’t forget to take a photo before it’s gone.

Want a printable version or help customizing it with chocolate or a glaze? Just say the word!

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