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Strawberry cheesecake crunch cake layered with cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy graham cracker topping.

Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cake: A Delightful Recipe


  • Author: Eleanor
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A showstopping layered cake that combines a fluffy cake base, a rich and velvety cream cheese filling, fresh sweet strawberries, and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crunch topping! Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or special celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp (3 tsp) baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Crunch Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafer crumbs)

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)


Instructions

  • Prep Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, milk, 3 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and free of lumps.

  • Make Cheesecake Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

  • Layer the Batter: Spread half of the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch dish. Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the top, then carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the cheesecake layer.

  • Bake & Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

  • Make Crunch Topping: In a bowl, toss the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and optional cinnamon until small crumbs form. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and fragrant; let cool.

  • Assemble & Serve: Toss sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Top the cooled cake with fresh strawberries and sprinkle generously with the toasted graham cracker crunch topping before serving.

Notes

  • Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter without lumps.

  • Frozen Strawberry Alternative: If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before tossing with sugar to avoid extra liquid.

  • Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and use gluten-free graham crackers.

  • Storage: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, wrap individual slices without fresh fruit toppings and freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Dessert / Layer Cake / Cheesecake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake crunch cake, strawberry crunch cake, cheesecake cake recipe, layered strawberry dessert, graham cracker crunch cake