Introduction to Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar
Do you want a great and delicious surprise for your family and friends? This is it – the Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar. This delectable treat marries the very best of rich, fudgy brownies to a sour-sweet cream cheese frosting and is crowned with a crunchy cookie crust. Hence, rather ideal for enhancing those busy days wherein you wish to prepare something extraordinary but do not have all day to spend in the kitchen. Warning: You’ll want to at least double the batch whether just for your family or friends or a huge spread for a family gathering-and double again, because everyone will go gaga over these bars!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar
This Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar is a showstopper that’s effortlessly easy to make! With minimal prep time, you can have a scrumptious treat ready in under an hour. The balance of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors creates a delightful symphony for your taste buds. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! You won’t just taste the love; you’ll feel it in every delicious bite. Perfect for both busy moms and working professionals!
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar
Let’s gather the ingredients for your delightful Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar. Here’s a list that ensures a delicious outcome!
- Brownie Layer: Start with strawberry cake mix, which gives a rich strawberry flavor to the brownie base. You’ll also need a large egg for binding, melted salted butter for that moist texture, and heavy cream to enhance the richness. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy frosting.
- Frosting Layer: Cream cheese is essential for a smooth, tangy frosting. You’ll mix it with powdered sugar for sweetness, sour cream for a hint of tang, and vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Whipped topping is an easy, fluffy addition that lightens up the frosting beautifully.
- Topping: Vanilla sandwich cookies are key for creating that crunchy topping. Feel free to substitute with gluten-free cookies if you have dietary restrictions. For an extra burst of flavor, you’ll use strawberry syrup to coat the cookies, giving them a lovely pink color and sweet taste. Fresh strawberries are optional but can be a delightful garnish that makes your bars pop!
For the exact quantities needed for each ingredient, you can find a detailed list at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. While your oven warms up, lightly grease a 33×23 cm (13×9 inch) baking dish with non-stick spray. This will help your delectable Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar release without a fuss.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, one large egg, melted salted butter, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Don’t forget to fold in the white chocolate chips gently. This adds a delightful surprise of sweetness throughout your brownies.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 18 to 23 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean, with edges just lightly golden. Trust me; that aroma will have your family drooling as they wait!
Step 4: Cool the Brownies
Once baked, it’s essential to cool the brownie base completely to room temperature. This step is crucial! Adding the frosting to warm brownies will cause it to melt and lose that beautiful texture we desire for our Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until everything is smooth. Then, gently blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Finally, fold in the whipped topping for that dreamy, fluffy finish we all love.
Step 6: Frost the Brownies
Now comes the fun part! Once the brownies are completely cool, spread your creamy frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to get it nice and smooth. Every bite deserves that luscious layer!
Step 7: Create the Cookie Crunch Topping
Next, take your vanilla sandwich cookies and pulse them in a food processor until coarsely crumbled. Add in the strawberry syrup and pulse briefly, ensuring the crumbs are evenly coated in that sweet pink hue. This step adds the delightful crunch to our indulgent Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the cookie crunch mixture generously over the frosted brownies. This is where the magic happens! Cut the brownies into squares and, if you want to impress, top with fresh strawberries for that gorgeous presentation. Serve them immediately, or chill until you’re ready to enjoy. Either way, they’ll be a hit!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your brownie base is completely cool before adding frosting to avoid any melting.
- When mixing the brownie batter, avoid overmixing after adding the white chocolate chips for a fudgy texture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares once the brownies have set; warm knives can help avoid crumbles.
- Customize the cookie crunch topping with your favorite cookies for a unique twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls for combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer or a whisk for beating the frosting.
- Baking dish (33×23 cm) or a similar-sized oven-safe pan.
- Food processor for crushing cookies; a zip-top bag and rolling pin work too!
- Spatula to spread frosting evenly.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer brownie experience.
- Fruit Medley: Add crushed raspberries or blueberries into the frosting for an extra fruity twist.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cake mix, and replace eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture, and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts into the cookie topping for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Complement with a cup of floral herbal tea or rich, dark coffee.
- For a stunning presentation, garnish plates with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
FAQs about Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar
Can I make these Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies actually taste better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to impress when you are!
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store your leftover Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will help keep the frosting nice and fresh!
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Of course! While the strawberry flavor is delightful, you can experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon cake mix. Each variation will create its own unique twist on the traditional Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar.
What if I can’t find strawberry syrup?
No worries! If you can’t find strawberry syrup, try using a prepared fruit puree or blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar. It will still add that lovely flavor to your cookie topping.
Are these brownies suitable for a potluck?
Definitely! The Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar is perfect for potlucks. They are easy to cut into squares and transport, and their vibrant colors will definitely attract attention!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar. Each bite delivers a burst of strawberry bliss complemented by the richness of chocolate and the fluffiness of cream cheese frosting. This recipe not only brings joy to your taste buds but also creates cherished memories with loved ones. It’s perfect for baking with your kids or for surprising your friends at a gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, whip up these bars, and get ready to savor the delight they bring. Trust me, the smiles on your family’s faces will be worth every moment spent in the kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An irresistible Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar with layers of brownie, cream cheese frosting, and a crunchy cookie topping.
Ingredients
- Brownie Layer
- 430 g strawberry cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 113 g salted butter, melted
- 45 ml heavy cream
- 170 g white chocolate chips
- Frosting Layer
- 226 g cream cheese, room temperature
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 80 ml sour cream
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 227 g whipped topping
- Topping
- 36 vanilla sandwich cookies
- 60 ml strawberry syrup
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C and lightly grease a 33×23 cm baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and homogeneous.
- Gently fold white chocolate chips into the batter without overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 18–23 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow baked base to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar with a mixer until smooth. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Lightly fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.
- Pulse vanilla sandwich cookies in a food processor until coarsely crumbled. Add strawberry syrup and pulse briefly until evenly coated and tinted pink.
- Sprinkle the cookie crunch mixture generously over the frosted brownies. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure the brownie base is completely cool before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
- The strawberry syrup can be adjusted to taste in the topping.
- Fresh strawberries add a nice touch but can be omitted if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
