*Ingredients:*
For the cake:
– 36 *vanilla Oreos*
– 2 boxes *strawberry gelatin mix*
– 1 cup + 4 tbsp *butter* (divided)
– *Red food color gel* (optional, for color)
– 1 box *strawberry cake mix*
– 6 *eggs*
– 1 cup *milk*
– ¾ cup *sugar*
– ¼ cup *cornstarch*
For the frosting:
– 24 oz *cream cheese*
– ¾ cup *heavy cream*
– 3 tsp *vanilla extract*
– 2 cups *powdered sugar*
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*Instructions:*
*Step 1: Prepare the Crust*
1. *Preheat the oven* to *350°F (175°C)*.
2. *Crush the Oreos*: In a food processor or by hand, crush the 36 vanilla Oreos into fine crumbs. You can place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin if you don’t have a food processor.
3. *Melt the butter*: In a small bowl, melt 1 cup of butter (in the microwave or on the stove).
4. *Mix the crust*: In a bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are coated with butter.
5. *Press the mixture*: Pour the Oreo-butter mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and press down firmly to form a crust.
6. *Bake the crust*: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for *10 minutes*. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
*Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cake Batter*
1. *Prepare the gelatin*: In a small bowl, dissolve the 2 boxes of *strawberry gelatin mix* in *1 cup of hot water* (follow the instructions on the package). Add a few drops of *red food color gel* if you want a deeper pink color and stir well.
2. *Mix the cake batter*: In a large mixing bowl, combine the *strawberry cake mix*, *eggs*, *milk*, *sugar*, and *cornstarch*. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
3. *Add the gelatin*: Once the gelatin has cooled slightly, add the *strawberry gelatin mixture* to the cake batter and stir well to combine.
4. *Melt the remaining butter*: Melt the remaining *4 tbsp butter* and add it to the cake batter. Stir until incorporated.
*Step 3: Bake the Cake*
1. *Pour the batter*: Pour the prepared strawberry cake batter over the cooled Oreo crust in the baking pan.
2. *Bake*: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about *30-35 minutes*, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. *Cool*: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
*Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting*
1. *Beat the cream cheese*: In a mixing bowl, beat the *cream cheese* until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. *Add heavy cream and vanilla*: Add the *heavy cream* and *vanilla extract* to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until the frosting is light and creamy.
3. *Add powdered sugar*: Gradually add the *powdered sugar* and beat on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated. Once the sugar is mixed in, increase the speed and beat until smooth and fluffy.
*Step 5: Assemble the Cake*
1. *Frost the cake*: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cake.
2. *Chill (optional)*: For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least *2 hours* to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
3. *Serve and enjoy*: Slice and serve the *Strawberry Oreo Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting*. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and fruity layers!
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*Optional: Garnish (if desired)*
You can top the cake with extra crushed *Oreos*, fresh *strawberries*, or a drizzle of *strawberry syrup* for added decoration and flavor.
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This cake combines the flavors of strawberries and Oreos in a delicious, layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!