Key Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional but adds flavor and color)

Tools Needed

• Hand or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife for dicing strawberries
• Fork or pastry cutter for crumble topping
• Parchment paper (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese.

Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened. The mixture should be thick enough to drop spoonfuls over the cake batter.

Step 4: Pour and Layer
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you get coarse crumbs.

Stir in the freeze-dried strawberries if you’re using them for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the crumble topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and a buttery crumble topping is simply irresistible.

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this cake is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a special event, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Versatile: Add your favorite fruit or tweak the crumble to match your preferences for a unique twist every time.