HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CRUNCH TOPPING RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line four 8” round cake pans with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. Prepare each cake mix according to package instructions. Divide between prepared pans, making two vanilla cakes and two strawberry cakes. Bake according to package instructions. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and about half of the powdered sugar until smooth. Add the remaining powdered sugar, vanilla and 4 tablespoons heavy cream and beat until fluffy. If the mixture is too stiff, add more heavy cream. Make the strawberry crunch: In a large Ziploc bag, crush freeze-dried strawberries and Nilla Wafers using a rolling pin. Add butter to bag and toss until the mixture is evenly combined. Place a dab of frosting on a cake plate (to keep cake in place) and place parchment strips on each side of the cake plate. Place down first strawberry cake and top with frosting, then top with first vanilla cake and frost. Repeat with the remaining strawberry and vanilla cakes. Frost sides, then cover the cake completely with strawberry crunch, pressing the mixtures all over the sides and top. Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries, if desired, and serve.

Steps:

• Wash strawberries and remove stems; cut large berries in half or roughly chop them.
• Combine strawberries, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The mixture will sizzle for a while, but then juice will begin to form. Continue stirring; mash a few strawberries with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula to help produce the syrup. Cook until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat. In a blender, puree about 1/3 of the sauce, then mix back into remaining topping. Store in refrigerator.