Strawberry Crunch Topping to Make You Ditch the Store-Bought Stuff

Sweet, crunchy, and insanely easy strawberry crunch topping – your ice cream’s new favorite! Ready in minutes.

Forget those crumbles from the ice cream truck, friends! This homemade strawberry crunch topping is the real deal, and you won’t believe how simple it is.  Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and a little melted butter are the simple ingredients that make this magic.

That’s all it takes to make our strawberry crunch recipe.

Supplies Needed

• Food processor (for the easiest crumbles)
• Medium-sized bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)

Ingredients 

• 20 Golden Oreo cookies
• 2 cups freeze-dried strawberries
• ½ cup (or 8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted

Directions For Our Easy Recipe

1. Whiz the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in your food processor until you’ve got a nice, coarse crumb mixture. 

2. Melt butter in a medium bowl. Pour the crumb mixture mix until everything is combined.

3. Spread strawberry crunch out in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container until you are ready to use them. 

Variations for our Strawberry Crunch Crumbles

• Substitute freeze-dried raspberries for the strawberries and create a vibrant and delicious raspberry crunch topping.
• Swap those Golden Oreos with graham crackers, vanilla sandwich cookies, shortbread cookies, or Nilla Wafers for a more traditional flavor profile with a hint of warm spice or vanilla.
• ​Combine some of your favorite cookie crumbs! Try a mix of Golden Oreos and graham crackers for a unique flavor and texture experience.
• ​For a chocolatey twist, use chocolate graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a touch of vanilla extract for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Tips and Tricks

• ​This strawberry crunch keeps for a while in an airtight container at room temperature– perfect for a last-minute dessert fix!
• ​Aim for a mix of coarse crumbs and finer bits for the best texture.
• No food processor? Smash those cookies in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin!
• Try adding a tiny bit of strawberry extract for a more intense strawberry flavor.

Storage for your Strawberry Crunchies

Keeps for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature, or pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Can I use unsalted butter?  
  Absolutely! Salted butter just adds a touch of that sweet-and-salty magic.
• Can I make this topping with regular strawberries?
  Yes, you can use finely chopped fresh strawberries. Just stir them in right before serving to maintain the topping’s crunch.
• Is this topping vegan-friendly?
  It depends on your ingredients. Substitute the regular butter for a vegan alternative, use vegan-friendly cookies, and you’re good to go!
• I don’t have a food processor; what can I use?
  No worries! Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin or mallet to crush both the cookies and freeze-dried fruit.
• My topping seems too wet. What should I do?
  Add extra cookie crumbs, a tablespoon at a time, to help absorb any excess moisture.
• How long will my leftover topping last?
  Leftovers should stay good in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Ice Cream Sundaes: The classic! This stuff takes your scoop of vanilla ice cream to the next level.

Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Bars: Layer these crumbles with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a decadent treat.

Yogurt Parfaits: Layer fruit, yogurt, and strawberry crunch for a breakfast pick-me-up.

Cheesecake Topping: Crumble this over a cheesecake for a fruity twist.

Cake Decoration: Sprinkle onto cupcakes or a simple cake frosted in cream cheese frosting for a pretty and delicious finished strawberry crunch cake.

Transform store-bought ice cream bars into gourmet treats by rolling the outside of the ice cream bar in your crunchy crumble topping and adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Did you ditch the store-bought stuff and make this amazingly easy strawberry crunch? Show me your creations! Tag me on social media, or drop a comment below. Now tell me, what’s YOUR favorite way to enjoy this sweet, crunchy topping?

See more strawberry recipes: Homemade Strawberry Compote Recipe: An Easy, Versatile Treat, Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese: Sweet, Tart, & Totally Dreamy, Strawberry Napoleon Recipe.