Strawberry Crunch Topping

Add this Strawberry Crunch Topping to your dessert bar! This sweet and crunchy version combines freeze-dried strawberries, Golden Oreos, and strawberry Jell-O. It’s full of sweet strawberry flavor and is so quick to make, you’ll always want to keep some on hand. It’s perfect on ice cream and can be used for other desserts as well!

This Strawberry Crunch Topping is a quick, no-bake topping. I’m sure you’ve seen it on those Strawberry Shortcake Bars you can buy from the ice cream truck or at the grocery store. This topping is perfect for vanilla ice cream, a mix-in for yogurt, or honestly, a snack straight from the spoon! It’s crisp and crumbly, has a great flavor, and is just outright delicious!

I prefer to use my food processor to make this crunchy topping, as it results in the perfect combination of ingredients while keeping that crunchy texture. Don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender.

Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Crunch Crumbles

Here are the simple ingredients I use to make this delightful crunch:

Freeze-dried strawberries: These bring real strawberry flavor and natural tartness. I try not to grind these to powder, but keep some texture.

Vanilla Oreos or Golden Oreo cookies: I love these sweet, creamy, and familiar cookies. They balance the berry flavor without overpowering it.

Strawberry Jell-O powder: I use this as a strawberry gelatin mix as a flavor booster, not the star. It also adds some more of that pink color. See below for substitutions if you need to avoid gelatin.

Melted butter: I use just enough to bind everything together. Use too much and the crunch turns greasy.

Salt: Just a tiny pinch makes the strawberry flavor pop instead of tasting flat.

See my printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a detailed list of ingredients!

How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Topping

This no-bake recipe is quick and easy to make. Here’s how:

First, I place the freeze-dried strawberries and Oreos into my food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form.

Next, I add the strawberry Jell-O powder and salt, then pulse briefly to combine.

Now I pour in the melted butter and pulse just until the mixture holds together if I press it. Finally, I spread out the crumb mixture on a plate or baking sheet and put it in the fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving it.

Recipe Notes

If I needed to avoid gelatin, I would skip it and add extra freeze-dried strawberries instead. To deepen the color, consider using a pinch of beet powder.

For extra crunch, I add a tablespoon of crushed cornflakes. I know that sounds weird, but it works!

If my crumbs look shiny or wet, I know I added too much butter. Add a few dry cookie crumbs to save it. I know I have the perfect balance when it smells like strawberry candy, not butter.

FAQs

How do I store Strawberry Crunch Topping?

I store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If it softens, I spread it on a plate for a few minutes to dry out. Do not refrigerate long-term, or it will clump.

Can I freeze Strawberry Crunch?

Technically, yes, but the texture suffers. It’s best fresh or stored dry at room temperature.

What are some ways I can use this topping?

Sprinkle over vanilla or strawberry ice cream

Use as a cheesecake or no-bake pie topping, or for other favorite desserts

Add it to yogurt parfaits

Roll cake pops or truffles in a thin layer of crumbs

Spoon it over pancakes with whipped cream

Strawberry Recipes You’ll Love

I love using fresh strawberries in my baking, especially when it’s strawberry season! Here are some recipes I think you’ll love:

Strawberry Bars

Easy Strawberry Scones

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Danish Hearts

If you tried this Strawberry Crunch Topping, let me know how you liked it in the comments, or leave a recipe review below!

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