Make sure to carefully follow each step of the instructions for the best results :
- Bake the cake.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 13×9 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, eggs, oil, milk, and water until smooth and well combined. Fold in the vanilla extract and diced fresh strawberries. Pour into the prepared pan or pans and bake for 28 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Most versions combine a white cake mix with strawberry gelatin to deliver a deeply flavored, beautifully pink cake without any artificial taste. - Cool the cake completely.
Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide, so cooling fully is essential. - Make the cream cheese frosting.
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low after each addition. Add the vanilla, salt, and enough cream or milk to bring it to a thick but spreadable consistency. Most versions recommend making sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully at room temperature before beating so the frosting comes out perfectly smooth and lump-free. - Make the strawberry crunch topping.
Place the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have a rough, pea-sized crumble. Transfer to a bowl, add the melted butter and gelatin powder if using, and toss until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes to toast it lightly, then let it cool completely. Baking the crunch topping briefly helps it crisp up and stay crunchy on top of the frosting. - Frost the cake.
For a layered cake, place the first layer on a cake board or serving plate and frost the top generously. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the whole cake. For a sheet cake, simply spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before adding the topping. - Add the crunch topping and serve.
Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosted cake and press it in very lightly. Decorate with fresh halved strawberries and serve. Most versions recommend adding the crunch topping close to serving time so it stays as crispy as possible.