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Do you adore strawberry shortcake Good Humor bars? You’ll love this recipe for Strawberry Crunch Topping! Here I show you two separate ways (bake and no-bake) to make these tasty shortcake crumbles with just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time! Strawberry crunch crumbles are a deliciously versatile dessert topping – try them on everything from ice cream, yogurt, and protein fluff, to strawberry cakes, cheesecakes and more! 

Overhead photo of strawberry shortcake topping scattered over a bowl of Greek yogurt.

About this strawberry crunch recipe

Trust me when I say you’re going to want to put these pretty-in-pink beauties on everything from your breakfast parfaits and yogurt cups to ice cream, cheesecake, cupcakes, and everything in between! 

With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tart flavors, both of these strawberry crunch recipes are sure to titillate your tastebuds. Don’t you just love a choose your own adventure story? Me too! If you’re stuck deciding between them, perhaps this will help:

The traditional baked strawberry shortcake crumbles closely resemble the strawberry coating on the strawberry shortcake dessert bars from our ice cream truck days. The toasty texture is delicious; however, the strawberry flavor is more mellow. If you prefer a more pronounced, fruit-forward flavor, try my simple no-bake recipe for making strawberry crunch crumbles.

Why you’ll love this recipe for strawberry crunch!

Whether you choose to bake or no-bake, this recipe is all of the following (plus more!):

    • Just 3 Ingredients. You can make this recipe for strawberry crunch topping two different ways – bake or no-bake – with just 3 simple ingredients: Golden Oreos, butter, and freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry Jell-o mix, depending upon what you like.
    • SO Quick & Easy. This strawberry topping recipe literally comes together in a matter of minutes in just one food processor bowl!
    • Super Versatile! These strawberry crumbles are delicious on just about any summer dessert or sweet treat. Use them as a topping for bowls of ice cream and Greek yogurt, stuff them in hulled berries, sprinkle them on strawberry crunch cakes, and more!

Ingredients in strawberry crunch topping

As promised, either of my recipes for strawberry crunch require just 3 simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Traditional strawberry crunch crumbles

  • Golden Oreos – Vanilla shortbread with cream filling is the perfect base for this strawberry cake crunch topping.
    • Substitution: Feel free to swap in any generic vanilla sandwich creme cookie you prefer.
  • Salted Butter – For rich, buttery taste.
    • Substitutions: Feel free to swap in plant-based butter to make these dairy-free. You can also use unsalted butter and add kosher salt to taste! I’d suggest starting with about ½ teaspoon to start.
  • Strawberry Jello – You’re only using the powder here, so don’t prepare it according to package directions.
    • Substitution: Any generic brand of strawberry gelatin mix will do. You can also experiment with other flavors like raspberry or blueberry if you prefer! (Note: this version of strawberry shortcake crumbles uses jello gelatin mix; not vanilla pudding mix.)

No bake strawberry crunch crumble

  • Golden Oreo Cookies – Vanilla shortbread with cream filling is the perfect base for this strawberry cake crunch topping.
    • Substitution: Feel free to swap in any generic vanilla sandwich cookie you prefer.
  • Salted Butter – For rich, buttery taste.
    • Substitutions: Feel free to swap in plant-based butter to make your crunch topping completely vegan. You can also use unsalted butter and add kosher salt to taste! I’d suggest starting with about ⅛ teaspoon to start.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries – If they come with a pack of silica, be sure to save it; it’ll help keep your strawberry cake crumbles perfectly crispy for longer. 
    • Substitution: You can also make these crumbles in an assortment of flavors depending on what freeze-dried fruit you choose!

Fruit crunch topping variations

Looking for more flavor!? Try adding a 1/4 teaspoon of extract to the melted butter for an even deeper dessert flavor. YUM!

  • Strawberry Vanilla: Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the most delicious and distinctive warm, sweet flavor.
  • Ultimate Strawberry: Double down on the strawberry flavor by adding a few drops of strawberry extract.
  • Strawberry Lemon Crunch: Strawberries and lemons are a match made in heaven! Adding lemon extract to your mixture is a no-brainer here.
  • Lemon Crunch Topping: Swap out the strawberry for lemon Jello mix and add lemon extract.
  • Blueberry Cheesecake Crumbles: Swap out the freeze-dried strawberries for dried blueberries and add a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Raspberry Crumbles: Ditch the strawberry and opt for raspberry Jell-o powder. Add lemon extract or pure vanilla for a boost of flavor.

How to make strawberry crunch

These strawberry crunch recipes come together so quickly it almost seems like magic! Here’s how to make it:

  1. Crush Oreos: Add Oreos to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped (24-32 pulses).
  2. Add Strawberry: For the no-bake shortcake crumbles, add the dry berries to the food processor. For the traditional cake crumbles, add the strawberry Jell-o powder. Pulse a few times to just combine.
  3. Add Butter: For the quick crumbles, pour the melted butter over the strawberry mixture. Pulse or stir until the mixture is just moistened (not wet) and comes together. For the oven-bake version, pour the butter over the Oreo and jell-o mixture and pulse until thoroughly combined and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • No-bake method: Enjoy or store your no-bake dessert topping for later! (Traditional bake method, continue with next step.)
  4. Bake: Add strawberry crumbles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and arrange in an even layer. Bake in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 7-10 minutes, or until lightly toasty and fragrant
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Place baking sheet on a wire cooling rack and cool completely to room temperature. Use and enjoy or store for later!

Tips for the best strawberry crunch recipe

Follow the easy tips and tricks below for making the best strawberry crunchies!

  • No food processor – no problem! If you don’t own a food processor, don’t worry. Simply place your golden Oreos into a resealable bag and use a rolling pin or the smooth side of a meat mallet to crush them. Transfer the crushed cookies to a medium bowl and proceed with the recipe.
  • Don’t over-process! Be careful not to over-process or blend your strawberry cheesecake crumbles! You want to aim for small crumbles; not strawberry dust. If you accidentally over-crush the Oreo mixture, simply remove the food processor blade and stir by hand.
  • Customize it! You can easily change the flavor of your crumble topping by changing out the jello powder. We love lemon and strawberry-lemon crunch!

How to make recipe for strawberry crunch: step-by-step photos

Below you will find a picture collage showing you exactly how to make this strawberry shortcake dessert topping, step by step! Please scroll down for the printable recipe card, which contains detailed instructions and measurements.

Overhead photo collage showing how to make strawberry crunch step by step.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Can I make vegan strawberry crunch crumbles?

Yep! Oreos are actually completely vegan (even the vanilla kind), so just swap in plant-based butter. If you are using the traditional baked method, you will also want to make sure to get a vegan “jel” brand like Bakol or Simply Delish

Can I make gluten-free strawberry cake crunch crumbles?

Sure! Just grab gluten-free Golden Oreos or other vanilla sandwich cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I make strawberry shortcake ice cream?

If you want to make your own Good Humor bars at home, I suggest lining a loaf tin with plastic or parchment. 

Use either homemade or store-bought vanilla and strawberry ice creams that are slightly soft and layer in alternating stripes. Add about 6-8 popsicle sticks at even intervals along the center line, then pop in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until frozen through. 

Scatter some of your strawberry crunch on a plate. Remove from the freezer and un-mold from the tin. Slice into evenly sized pops, then roll in the crumbles, pressing gently until they adhere. BOOM! You just made your own ice cream bars, no musical truck needed.

Serving suggestions for strawberry crunch topping

These sweet and fruity strawberry crunch crumbles are the perfect topper or sweet garnish. Try this fun berry topping on:

Strawberry shortcake trail mix

Or you can do my favorite thing – transform your crumbles into a strawberry crunch trail mix by adding any of the following: 

  • Maldon (or any other flakey sea salt)
  • Ground Cinnamon 
  • Roasted Nuts (almonds and macadamia nuts are great here!)
  • Candied Nuts
  • Sprinkles or nonpareils
  • Baking Chips or Chunks (white chocolate or your favorite type of chocolate chips)

Storing strawberry crunch crumbles

  • Once made, store your strawberry topping in an airtight storage container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
  • Alternatively, you can store the strawberry crumbles in the freezer or up to 3 months. (That said, if you’re anything like my family, they’ll be gone way before then!)

I hope you love these easy recipes for strawberry crunch crumble as much as we do!

Until next time, I hope you have a day filled with homemade Good Humor!

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More strawberry recipes!

More dessert toppings!

How to make strawberry crunch recipe👇

Below is the complete printable recipe card, along with some of the step-by-step photos! Scroll up for more in-depth instructional photos!

Overhead photo of a bowl of yogurt topped with strawberry crunch crumbles.

Strawberry Crunch Topping Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
If you love Good Humor strawberry shortcake bars, you’re going to flip for my Strawberry Crunch Topping Recipe! Here I show you two separate ways (bake and no-bake) to make these tasty shortcake crumbles. Either way, you only need 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to make this versatile dessert topping! 
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • Food Processor (OR resealable bag and mallet or heavy rolling pin)

Ingredients 

Traditional Strawberry Shortcake Crumbles: (oven-bake option)

  • 22 Golden Oreos (253 grams / 8.9 oz)
  • 1 (3-oz) Package Strawberry Jell-O – Powder only!
  • 4-6 TBS Salted Butter – melted and cooled, or more to taste (SEE NOTES)
  • 1/4 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (OPTIONAL) (SEE NOTES)

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Crumbles:

  • 26 Golden Oreos (300 grams / 10.55 oz)
  • 1-ounce package Freeze-Dried Strawberries
  • 5 TBS Salted Butter – melted and cooled or more as needed (SEE NOTES)
  • 1/4 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (OPTIONAL) (SEE NOTES)
  • Optional Ingredients: Cinnamon, Crushed Nuts or Crushed Candied Nuts, Sprinkles, Baking Chips (SEE NOTES)

Instructions

  • For Traditional Strawberry Topping (OVEN BAKE METHOD):
    Preheat oven to 350-degrees F; line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    Add Oreos to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped (24-32 pulses). Sprinkle the strawberry Jell-O powder over the Oreos. Pulse twice to combine. Pour the melted butter (and salt if using unsalted butter) over the mixture and pulse until thoroughly combined and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (about 8-12 pulses).
    Transfer the crumbles to the prepared baking sheet and arrange in an even layer. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant (baking time will depend upon oven strength and the amount of butter you use).
    Place baking sheet on a wire cooling rack and cool completely to room temperature. Use and enjoy or store for later!
  • For Quick Strawberry Topping (NO-BAKE METHOD):
    Add the Oreos to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped (24-32 pulses). Add the strawberries to the bowl and pulse a few times to combine. Drizzle 5 tablespoons of melted butter (and salt if using unsalted butter) over the crushed strawberry mixture. Pulse or stir until the mixture is just moistened (not wet) and comes together. Stir in more melted butter, ½ tablespoon at a time, as needed. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs – don’t over process! Serve and enjoy or store for later!

Notes

  • Butter: Good-quality salted butter goes a long way here; however, you can use unsalted butter and 1/8 tsp kosher salt instead. You can melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove-top, depending upon your preference.
    • To melt butter on stove: Add butter to a small saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until just melted.
    • Melting butter in microwave: Add butter to a small microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Stir. Continue to microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals until just melted.
  • More Flavor - Extract: For even more flavor, stir ¼ tsp of pure vanilla extract (or more to taste) into the melted butter before drizzling over crumble mixture.
    • Flavor variation: Try strawberry or lemon extract for a different variation!
  • To make strawberry crunch trail mix-style: Add any of the following to the shortcake crumbles just before serving - Flakey Sea Salt; Ground Cinnamon; Crushed Roasted Almonds or Macadamia Nuts; Crushed Candied Nuts; Sprinkles; White or Chocolate Baking Chips.
  • Difference between two methods: Trying to decide which recipe to make!? See below.
    • The Traditional Strawberry Shortcake Crumbles (bake method) most closely resembles the strawberry coating on Good Humor Ice Cream Bars. The toasty texture is delicious; however, the strawberry flavor is more mellow and subdued.
    • No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Topping is faster to prepare; plus, there’s no heating up your kitchen! This method produces crumbles with a strong, zippy strawberry flavor. However; this method is missing that extra-special something the toasting gives the crumbles. 
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 12 servings (1/4 cup per serving). Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal    Carbohydrates: 16g    Protein: 1g    Fat: 8g    Saturated Fat: 3g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g    Monounsaturated Fat: 3g    Trans Fat: 0.2g    Cholesterol: 10mg    Sodium: 116mg    Potassium: 21mg    Fiber: 0.3g    Sugar: 9g    Vitamin A: 117IU    Calcium: 7mg    Iron: 0.5mg

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