Strawberry Crunch Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings back fond memories, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! Strawberry Crunch Brownies are a scrumptious blend of moist strawberry brownies topped with creamy frosting and a delightful crunch. They remind me of summer days enjoying strawberry crunch ice cream bars, and they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family celebration, these brownies will add a touch of sweetness to your day.

Trust me; once you try these Strawberry Crunch Brownies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious brownies in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will adore the fun flavors and textures of these brownies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These brownies store well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for parties or potlucks.
• Endless Flavor Combinations: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste or use what you have on hand!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 15 servings, you have plenty to share with friends, family, or even neighbors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to make those delightful Strawberry Crunch Brownies:

For the Brownie Layer

• 1 (15.25 ounce box) strawberry cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

For the Frosting Layer

• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) tub of whipped topping

For the Topping

• 36 vanilla sandwich cookies
• ¼ cup strawberry syrup
• Fresh strawberries, optional garnish

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Strawberry Crunch Brownies:

• Add More Fruit: Toss in some chopped strawberries or other berries into the brownie batter for an extra fruity twist!
• Change Up the Chips: Substitute white chocolate chips with milk chocolate or even dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Try Different Cookies: Use flavored sandwich cookies like lemon or chocolate for an exciting flavor twist on the topping.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free strawberry cake mix and sandwich cookies to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into baking, it’s always good practice to gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your brownies bake evenly. While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray so your brownies come out perfectly!

Step 3: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream until smooth. Mixing these ingredients well is crucial since it creates that lovely moist texture we love in brownies.

Step 4: Add White Chocolate Chips

Fold in those luscious white chocolate chips; they bring an indulgent sweetness that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan.

Step 5: Bake

Pop your brownie batter in the oven and bake for about 18-23 minutes. Keep an eye on them! When done, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean and those edges will be golden brown.

Step 6: Cool Down

Allow your brownies to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling step is important because it helps set up the brownies nicely before adding frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese adds richness while balancing out sweetness—don’t skip this step!

Step 8: Combine Frosting Ingredients

Beat in sour cream and vanilla until fully combined. Now it’s time to fold in that fluffy whipped topping gently—it makes this frosting light and airy.

Step 9: Frost Your Brownies

Spread this creamy frosting over your cooled brownies evenly. The frosting adds another layer of flavor that complements those moist brownie layers perfectly.

Step 10: Make Cookie Crumble

Place vanilla sandwich cookies in a food processor; pulse them until they’re roughly crumbled but not fully crushed. This crunchy topping adds texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the brownies.

Step 11: Add Strawberry Syrup

Add strawberry syrup to those cookie crumbs and pulse again until evenly coated. This gives them a lovely pink hue and extra flavor!

Step 12: Top It Off!

Sprinkle this cookie mixture generously over the frosted brownies. Cut them into squares for serving—or chill them if you prefer colder treats!

And there you have it—delicious Strawberry Crunch Brownies ready to be savored! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Creating the perfect Strawberry Crunch Brownies is a delightful journey, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out just right every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality butter make a significant difference in texture and flavor, giving your brownies that rich and moist bite.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the brownie batter, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the light and fluffy texture we desire.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the brownies to cool completely helps the frosting set properly and prevents it from melting into the warm brownies. This keeps your layers distinct and delicious!

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to experiment with different cookie brands or even add sprinkles for an extra festive touch. This allows you to tailor the dessert to your taste!

• Store properly: To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last longer and maintain their scrumptious taste!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Serving Strawberry Crunch Brownies can be as fun as making them! Here are some delightful ways to present this treat at your next gathering or family dinner.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
• Drizzle of chocolate sauce: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top adds an elegant touch and enhances the overall flavor.
• Sliced strawberries: Adding some freshly sliced strawberries not only makes it visually appealing but also complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside provides a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor, creating a classic pairing.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the brownies while adding freshness to the plate.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side offers a luscious complement that enhances each bite.
• Chocolate-covered pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-covered pretzels makes for a perfect snack that pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts like these brownies.

With these serving suggestions, your Strawberry Crunch Brownies will not only taste fantastic but will also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Crunch Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and store them, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful Strawberry Crunch Brownies.

Can I use another cake mix for these Strawberry Crunch Brownies?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their signature flavor, you can substitute it with any other flavored cake mix you prefer, such as vanilla or chocolate.

How do I make Strawberry Crunch Brownies without cream cheese?

You can replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative or simply use additional sour cream mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for sweetness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Strawberry Crunch Brownies?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken it up.

Can I add more toppings to my Strawberry Crunch Brownies?

Definitely! Feel free to add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzle extra strawberry syrup on top for added flair and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Crunch Brownies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful journey back to simpler times! I hope you have as much fun making this recipe as I did sharing it. Gather your loved ones and indulge in these sweet, crunchy delights. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!