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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Cake**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Add Dry Ingredients and Milk**: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Bake the Cake**: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool the Cake**: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### **Step 2: Make the Crunch Topping**
1. **Prepare the Crunch Mixture**: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers (or shortbread cookies), melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until everything is well coated.
2. **Bake the Crunch**: Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let it cool completely.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting**
1. **Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter**: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla**: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
#### **Step 4: Make the Strawberry Filling**
1. **Prepare the Strawberries**: In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice (if using). Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices, creating a simple syrup.
#### **Step 5: Assemble the Cake**
1. **Layer the Cake**: Place one layer of the cooled cake onto a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. **Add the Strawberry Filling**: Spoon a layer of the sweetened strawberries over the frosting, allowing some of the syrup to drizzle over the frosting for added flavor.
3. **Top with the Second Cake Layer**: Place the second layer of cake on top of the strawberries and gently press it down.
4. **Frost the Cake**: Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. **Add the Crunch Topping**: Sprinkle the cooled graham cracker crunch topping generously over the top of the cake, pressing it lightly into the frosting.
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### **Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
1. **Final Touches**: Garnish with fresh whole strawberries or additional strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation.
2. **Serve**: Slice the cake and serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a special celebration or a sweet treat any day of the week.
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### **Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake:**
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the cake layers and frosting a day ahead. Just store the layers separately, and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
– **Crunch Topping Variations**: If you prefer a different crunch, try using crushed nuts like almonds or pecans, or add some shredded coconut for extra texture.
– **Strawberry Variations**: You can also use mixed berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a different fruity twist.
– **Frosting Tip**: For a smoother frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing them together.
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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Irresistibly Flavorful**: The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy cream cheese frosting, and crunchy topping creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
– **Eye-Catching Presentation**: This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its layers, vibrant berries, and crunchy topping.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday gathering, or a simple family dinner, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
– **Easy to Make**: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is straightforward to make with simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
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### **Conclusion:**
The **Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting** is the perfect combination of classic dessert flavors with a fun and exciting twist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its rich cream cheese frosting, juicy strawberries, and crunchy topping, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Try it today and discover why this cake is a true crowd-pleaser!
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