INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CAKE
1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
1 box strawberry cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
FOR THE FROSTING
1 1/2 c. butter, softened
6 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
6 tbsp. heavy cream
FOR THE STRAWBERRY CRUNCH
1 c. freeze-dried strawberries
1/2 box Nilla wafers, crushed
3 tbsp. melted butter fresh strawberries, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
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.