Homemade Strawberry Crunch is the ultimate three-ingredient dessert topping you didn’t know you needed. Whether you call it strawberry shortcake crumble or strawberry crunch topping, this quick and easy recipe is a game-changer. With just 12 minutes and a few pantry staples, you can create a sweet, buttery, and fruity crunch that’s perfect on everything from ice cream to yogurt. This crave-worthy topping brings nostalgic ice cream truck vibes right to your kitchen, and it’s incredibly simple to make. Ready to transform your desserts? Let’s dive into the crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Strawberry Crunch
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this homemade strawberry crunch. First, it’s incredibly easy and fast to make—only 15 minutes from start to finish. The combination of golden Oreos, strawberry Jell-O, and butter delivers a nostalgic strawberry shortcake flavor that will remind you of your favorite childhood treats. It adds a sweet, crispy texture to all kinds of desserts, from cupcakes to parfaits. Plus, it stores beautifully, so you can keep it on hand whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re topping a birthday cake or just jazzing up your yogurt, this strawberry crunch is your new go-to.
Ingredients
- 23 Golden Oreo cookies
- 1 (3 oz) package of Strawberry Jell-O
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Strawberry Crunch
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Crush the Oreos. Add Golden Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until crumbled. Avoid over-processing—you want uneven, coarse chunks, not a fine powder.
- No food processor? No problem. Place cookies in a zip-lock bag, seal it, and crush with a rolling pin until crumbled.
- Mix with Jell-O. Transfer the cookie crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add the dry strawberry Jell-O powder and stir until evenly combined.
- Add melted butter. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir well to coat all the crumbs.
- Bake. Spread the mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Cool and crumble. Remove from oven and let cool completely. If a solid layer has formed, crumble it with your hands or place it back in the zip-lock bag and crush gently.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t over-process the Oreos. The texture is key to getting that perfect crunchy bite.
- Even coating is essential. Make sure the butter is fully mixed in so the crunch bakes evenly.
- Cool completely before storing. This keeps the crunch crispy.
- Add extra flavor. For a more intense strawberry flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of strawberry extract—but never more than 1/2 teaspoon.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cookies: If you can’t find Golden Oreos, try vanilla sandwich cookies or shortbread cookies as a substitute.
- Jell-O Flavor: While strawberry is classic, feel free to experiment with raspberry or cherry Jell-O for a different twist.
- Butter: Use salted butter if you like a sweet-and-salty combo.
- Add-ins: Mix in freeze-dried strawberries for a burst of real fruit or even crushed nuts for extra crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Refrigerated: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per 2-tablespoon serving:
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 0.5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Ice cream topping: Sprinkle over vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
- Yogurt parfaits: Layer with Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries.
- Cupcake garnish: Add to the frosting of strawberry or vanilla cupcakes.
- Cheesecake crust or topping: Perfect for strawberry cheesecake.
- Cakes and pies: Decorate the top of a strawberry shortcake or lemon pie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Strawberry Crunch
Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos?
Golden Oreos give the classic strawberry shortcake flavor, but regular Oreos can be used if you’re looking for a chocolate-strawberry variation.
Does the Jell-O need to be prepared first?
No, use the Jell-O powder as-is. Do not add water or prepare it like a gelatin dessert.
Is baking the strawberry crunch necessary?
Yes, baking is an important step because it helps the butter bind with the cookie crumbs and sets the entire mixture into a delightfully crisp texture. If you skip the baking, the mixture will remain loose and soft rather than crunchy and firm.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches to ensure even crisping.
How do I prevent it from clumping during storage?
Make sure the mixture is fully cooled before storing. Using an airtight container also helps maintain its texture.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me in making this incredibly simple and flavorful Homemade Strawberry Crunch. It’s been a joy sharing one of my favorite nostalgic toppings with you. This sweet, crunchy treat adds an irresistible twist to so many desserts, and I love how quick and easy it is to prepare. Whether you’re making an everyday snack or dressing up a special occasion dessert, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do. Happy crunching and thanks for being part of our food-loving community!
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Homemade Strawberry Crunch
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Strawberry Crunch is a quick and delicious 3-ingredient topping that adds sweet crunch to your favorite desserts. Try it on cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, and more—it’s a fun, nostalgic treat you can whip up in minutes!
Ingredients
23 Golden Oreo cookies
1 (3 oz) package Strawberry Jell-O
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Crush the Oreos. Add Golden Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until crumbled. Avoid over-processing—you want uneven, coarse chunks, not a fine powder.
- No food processor? No problem. Place cookies in a zip lock bag, seal it, and crush with a rolling pin until crumbled.
- Mix with Jell-O. Transfer the cookie crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add the dry strawberry Jell-O powder and stir until evenly combined.
- Add melted butter. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir well to coat all the crumbs.
- Bake. Spread the mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Cool and crumble. Remove from oven and let cool completely. If a solid layer has formed, crumble it with your hands or place it back in the zip lock bag and crush gently.
Notes
Don’t over-crush the cookies; keep a variety of crumb sizes for better texture.
Make sure the butter is fully mixed in to help the crunch crisp up during baking.
Optional: Add 1/4 teaspoon strawberry extract for a deeper flavor—avoid exceeding 1/2 teaspoon.
Cool completely before storing to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American