Strawberry Crunch Brownies Recipe

Imagine a dessert that’s part brownie, part cheesecake, and all strawberry bliss. These strawberry crunch brownies have a rich, fudgy base made from strawberry cake mix (yes, really!), topped with a creamy layer of frosting and finished with a crunchy, strawberry-infused topping. They’re like a nostalgic ice cream bar in brownie form, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular request from friends and family.

These brownies are also surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the cake mix shortcut. So, if you’re looking for a delicious treat with minimal fuss, you’re in the right place. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply a weekend treat, these strawberry crunch brownies bring a playful twist to a classic dessert that both kids and adults will love.

this RECIPE

A little backstory on strawberry crunch 🍓

Strawberry crunch is a flavor profile that often reminds people of those beloved strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, with a creamy strawberry center and a crunchy, sweet coating. It’s a flavor that brings up happy memories of summer days, and it’s no wonder so many dessert recipes have taken inspiration from this nostalgic treat. Combining that classic strawberry crunch with a brownie base makes these a unique mash-up dessert. While it may not be traditional, it’s the kind of delicious innovation that you’ll want to make again and again.

Let’s talk ingredients: what you need and why

For this recipe, you only need a few key ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. Let’s break them down!

• Strawberry cake mix: This is the foundation of the brownie layer, giving it a sweet strawberry flavor. Any brand works, so grab your favorite or whatever’s on sale. If you can’t find strawberry cake mix, you could use vanilla cake mix and add strawberry extract.
• Butter and heavy cream: These ingredients add richness and moisture, turning the cake mix into a fudgy brownie texture. Melted butter gives a richer flavor, and the heavy cream keeps the brownies tender.
• White chocolate chips: These add a sweet, creamy bite in every slice, balancing the tartness of the strawberry flavor.
• Cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream, and whipped topping: These create the creamy frosting layer. The cream cheese and sour cream give it a cheesecake-like flavor, while the whipped topping keeps it light and airy.
• Vanilla sandwich cookies and strawberry syrup: For the iconic strawberry crunch topping, you’ll pulse vanilla cookies with strawberry syrup. The cookies give that perfect crunch, and the syrup adds a sweet, fruity flavor.

Essential kitchen tools you’ll need

To make these brownies, you don’t need much, but there are a few items that will make things easier:

• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two, one for the brownie batter and one for the frosting. A medium and a large bowl should do the trick.
• Hand or stand mixer: Mixing the cream cheese frosting by hand can be a workout! A mixer will make sure everything is smooth and creamy.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for these brownies. A metal or glass pan both work well—just be sure to grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
• Food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin: If you have a food processor, pulsing the cookies into crumbs is super quick. No food processor? No problem! Put the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Step-by-step: making strawberry crunch brownies

Ready to dive into the process? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious strawberry crunch brownies in no time!

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your pan
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to make it easy to get the brownies out later.
2. Mix up the brownie layer
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will be thicker than a typical brownie batter, almost like cookie dough—that’s perfect! Gently fold in the white chocolate chips.
3. Bake the brownies
   Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are slightly golden. Let the brownies cool completely before moving to the next step.
4. Prepare the frosting layer
   While the brownies cool, start on the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then, add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Finally, gently fold in the whipped topping until you have a light, fluffy frosting.
5. Spread the frosting over the brownies
   Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. It’s best to use a spatula for this to get an even layer.
6. Make the strawberry crunch topping
   In a food processor, pulse the vanilla sandwich cookies until they’re roughly crumbled (but not too fine). Drizzle in the strawberry syrup and pulse a few more times until the crumbs are coated and slightly pink. Sprinkle this mixture over the frosting layer.
7. Chill and serve
   For the best results, let the brownies chill for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This helps the layers set and makes them easier to cut. When you’re ready to serve, slice into squares, garnish with fresh strawberries if you like, and enjoy!

Fun ways to customize your brownies

Want to put your own twist on these strawberry crunch brownies? Here are a few variations that I’ve tried (and loved):

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the strawberry crunch layer for an extra layer of sweetness and decoration.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free sandwich cookies. This works surprisingly well and keeps the flavor just as delicious.
• Add fresh fruit: Mix chopped strawberries into the brownie batter or the frosting for extra fruitiness. This adds a fresh, juicy texture that pairs well with the crunch.
• Seasonal switch-up: Try using different flavored cake mixes (like lemon or vanilla) and syrup flavors for a new twist. Lemon cake mix with a blueberry syrup would make a refreshing summer treat!
• Low-sugar version: Substitute a sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free whipped topping, and low-sugar strawberry syrup if you’re looking to cut down on sugar. The results are still deliciously satisfying.

Serving and presentation ideas

These brownies look beautiful on their own, but a few little touches can make them even more stunning for a party. Arrange the brownies on a platter and garnish each square with a fresh strawberry slice or a few mint leaves for a pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top adds a nice finishing touch.

These treats are great for birthdays, BBQs, or potlucks because they’re easy to transport and look impressive on a dessert table. Serve them cold for a refreshing treat on a warm day or at room temperature for a creamier texture.

Perfect beverage pairings

Pairing these strawberry crunch brownies with the right drink will make the experience even more enjoyable. Here are some options to consider:

• Strawberry lemonade: Enhance the strawberry flavor by pairing these brownies with a tall glass of strawberry lemonade. The sweet and tart notes in the drink complement the dessert perfectly.
• Iced green tea: The subtle bitterness of green tea balances out the sweetness of the brownies, making this a refreshing pairing.
• Vanilla bean milkshake: Go all out with a creamy vanilla milkshake! The smooth, cold milkshake pairs beautifully with the crunchy topping and creamy frosting.
• Sparkling water with fresh berries: For a light and refreshing option, try sparkling water with a few fresh strawberries or raspberries. It’s simple and won’t compete with the dessert’s flavors.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), you can store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chilled brownies taste amazing, so don’t worry about reheating them—they’re meant to be served cold!

If you’re prepping ahead, you can make the brownies and frosting layer a day in advance. Just add the strawberry crunch topping right before serving to keep it crunchy and fresh.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 12-16 squares, depending on how you slice them. If you’re making these for a larger crowd, you can double the recipe and bake in two 9×13-inch pans. For smaller gatherings, you could halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time down by about 5 minutes.

Troubleshooting tips for the perfect brownies

• Brownies too dry? Make sure you’re not overbaking! Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark. You want a clean toothpick, but still a bit of softness in the center.
• Frosting too soft? If your frosting seems runny, try refrigerating it for 10-15 minutes before spreading it on the brownies. Also, make sure your cream cheese is softened, but not too warm when you start mixing.
• Crunch topping too soggy? Avoid adding the strawberry syrup until right before you pulse the cookies. And sprinkle the topping on just before serving for maximum crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! Vanilla or lemon cake mix can work well. Just note that it will change the flavor profile.

2. What can I use instead of strawberry syrup?
If you don’t have strawberry syrup, you could use a little strawberry jam or puree instead. Just make sure it’s smooth so it coats the cookie crumbs evenly.

3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Sure! Homemade whipped cream can be used, but it may not be as stable as the tubbed whipped topping, so the frosting might not hold up as long.

4. Are these brownies freezer-friendly?
The brownie base can be frozen, but I’d recommend adding the frosting and topping fresh after thawing, as they may not hold up as well in the freezer.

5. Can I make these brownies vegan?
With a few swaps (like vegan cream cheese, egg replacer, and non-dairy whipped topping), you can make a vegan version. Just make sure to choose vegan-friendly cake mix and cookies.

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