Transform your dessert repertoire with a delightful twist on a nostalgic favorite: the Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Topping made entirely from scratch. This homemade crumb topping is perfect for adding a layer of texture and a burst of strawberry flavor to a variety of sweet treats, without any reliance on strawberry gelatin mix or pre-packaged cookies.
The Story Behind the Crunch
Inspired by the classic ice cream treat from childhood, and driven by a desire for authentic homemade flavor, Lindsay Landis of Love and Olive Oil crafted her own version of the strawberry shortcake crumb mixture. Unlike many recipes that lean on store-bought shortcuts, this version relies on fresh ingredients, ensuring a more natural taste and texture.
A Quick and Simple Recipe
Surprisingly straightforward, this crunchy topping comes together in about an hour, with most of that time spent chilling and baking. The process involves creating a milk bar-style shortbread crumb, infused with pure, finely ground freeze-dried strawberries for an authentic fruity punch.
The Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of whole milk powder
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder
The Method:
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Preparation: Preheat the oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mixing the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Drizzle in melted butter and vanilla, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
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Chill and Crumble: Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes, then crumble it onto the baking sheet in pea-sized pieces.
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Baking: Bake until lightly golden brown, about 30 minutes, tossing the crumbs to break them up immediately after they come out of the oven.
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Infusing with Strawberry: Divide warm crumbs into two portions. Sprinkle finely ground strawberry powder over one portion, tossing to coat evenly. Mix together once cooled.
Versatile Uses
This strawberry shortcake crunch topping isn’t just for cakes. Its versatility allows it to be the perfect complement to a variety of desserts:
- Cakes: Layer it between cake layers for an extra crunch or sprinkle over a frosted cake for a decorative finish, like in Lindsay’s Strawberry Crunch Sheet Cake with Buttermilk Frosting.
- Ice Cream: Perfect over ice cream for a sweet and crunchy contrast, or integrate into homemade ice cream bars.
- Cookies: Use as a topping on sugar cookies or incorporate into raw dough balls for additional texture and flavor.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Sprinkle over biscuits or layer between strawberries and cream for an elevated strawberry shortcake.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Topping proves that homemade can be both simple and superior in flavor, effortlessly transforming any dessert into a gourmet delight. By choosing natural ingredients and crafting every component by hand, you embrace the true essence of baking while creating unforgettable taste experiences. So next time you're seeking something sweet with a touch of nostalgia, whip up a batch of this crunchy topping and watch it disappear—whether over ice cream, sprinkled on a cake, or simply by the handful.
