Strawberry crunch topping made with just 3 simple ingredients, ready in 5 minutes, perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and ice cream.
This homemade strawberry crunch topping is a quick no-bake crumble inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake crunch.
Made with golden cookies and freeze-dried strawberries, it adds instant crunch, color, and real strawberry flavor to any dessert.
Why you’ll love it
- Ultra quick: 5 minutes, no oven, no prep ahead
- Versatile topping: cakes, cupcakes, cheesecake, ice cream
- Real strawberry taste: no gelatin, no artificial flavor
Strawberry crunch topping ingredients
- Golden cookies Shortbread-style cookies like Golden Oreos work best for a classic strawberry shortcake crunch texture.
- Freeze-dried strawberries Essential for a strong strawberry flavor without moisture. Fresh strawberries will not work here.
- Unsalted butter Melted butter binds the crumble and adds richness. Add a small pinch of salt if needed.
Tips for this recipe
- Use freeze-dried strawberries only Fresh strawberries add moisture and make the crumble soft.
- Blend until crumbly, not powdery You want small crunchy bits, not strawberry dust.
- Add butter gradually The mixture should hold together lightly without becoming greasy.
- Let it cool completely The crunch firms up as it cools.
- Store airtight Air exposure is what makes the topping lose its crunch.
How to make strawberry shortcake crunch
Blend the cookies and freeze-dried strawberries until you get coarse crumbs. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until evenly coated.
Spread the crumble on a plate or tray and let cool for a few minutes.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
How to use this topping
- Sprinkle over cupcakes and frosted cakes
- Use as a cheesecake topping or cake filling accent
- Add on ice cream or frozen desserts
- Press onto cake pops or chocolate-dipped treats
- Layer into parfaits, jars, or dessert cups
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.
Recipe variations
- Strawberry lemon crunch: add a pinch of lemon zest
- Berry crunch: swap half the strawberries for freeze-dried raspberries
- Chocolate strawberry crunch: mix in cocoa cookie crumbs
- Graham cracker crunch: replace cookies with graham crackers
- Vegan version: use dairy-free butter
Recipe Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries?
No. Fresh strawberries add moisture and soften the crunch.
Why is my strawberry crunch soft?
Too much butter or humidity. Let it cool fully and store airtight.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. It’s perfect for prepping in advance.
More Strawberry Desserts
I hope you’ll love this recipe! Rate it ★★★★★ and leave a quick comment — it always helps. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Topping
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 portions
Description
Crunchy strawberry shortcake crunch topping made with Golden Oreo cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Perfect for cupcakes, cheesecake, ice cream, or to coat a 6-inch cake.
Ingredients
- 30 g freeze-dried strawberries
- 325 g Golden Oreo cookies (about 30 cookies)
- 88 g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small pinch sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Place the Golden Oreo cookies and the freeze-dried strawberries in the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse several times, then blend briefly until you get coarse crumbs. The texture should stay slightly chunky, not powdery.
- Transfer the crumb mixture to a medium bowl.
- Pour in the melted butter and add the pinch of sea salt if using.
- Mix with a tablespoon or spatula until all the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture looks slightly glossy but still crumbly.
- Let the strawberry crunch rest at room temperature for a few minutes so the butter sets slightly before using it as a topping.
- Use immediately or store once fully cooled.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Use a scale – Weight gives the best crunchy texture every time
- Don’t over-blend – Coarse crumbs keep the topping crisp
- Let it cool – Warm butter softens the crunch
- Add salt if needed – A small pinch balances sweetness
- Apply last – Sprinkle just before serving to keep it crunchy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: crunch, crumble
- Cuisine: American
Elise
Super good, super easy to make, thanks for the discovery and your recipes!