Ingredients:
For the Crunchy Cookie Layer:
- 36 vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed into chunky bits
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry gelatin
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Dash of red food coloring gel
For the Strawberry Cake Layers:
- 1 box (16.5-ounce) Strawberry Supreme cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry gelatin
For the Cheesecake Centerpiece:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Substitutions & Additions:
- Use liquid food coloring if gel is unavailable, adjusting quantity as needed.
- Vanilla or lemon cake mixes can substitute for strawberry cake mix.
Crafting Your Masterpiece:
- Cookie Crumble Prep:
- Crush vanilla sandwich cookies and mix with strawberry gelatin, melted butter, and red food coloring gel. Bake until crispy.
- Cake Creation:
- Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package instructions, incorporating eggs, melted butter, milk, and strawberry gelatin. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cheesecake Magic:
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and eggs. Bake and chill until set.
- Frosting Whipping:
- Beat softened cream cheese, heavy cream, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Assembly Art:
- Layer the cake: cake layer, frosting, cheesecake layer, more frosting, then another cake layer. Finish with frosting and sprinkle with cookie crumble.
Serving Suggestion:
- Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries for an extra delightful treat.
Storing Your Creation:
- Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. This cake is best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for freezing.
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight isn’t just dessert—it’s a celebration in every slice, perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to add some extra joy to your day!