Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Embrace nostalgia with this semi-homemade Strawberry Crunch Brownies, reminiscent of the beloved flavors of a strawberry crunch ice cream bar. These brownies are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The delightful blend of moist strawberry brownies, creamy frosting, and a crunchy vanilla cookie topping makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry and white chocolate creates a delightful taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies require minimal effort.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.
• No Baking Skills Required: Even beginners can achieve delicious results with this easy recipe.
• Nostalgic Appeal: These brownies capture the essence of childhood favorites in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Strawberry Crunch Brownies, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Makes mixing frosting easy and ensures a smooth texture.
• Baking Dish: A good quality dish ensures even baking for perfect brownies.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Start by gathering all of the ingredients to have everything ready for preparation.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.

Step 3: Mix Brownie Batter

In a medium-sized mixing bowl:
1. Combine the cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream until smooth.
2. Fold in the white chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Spread the brownie mixture into an even layer in the prepared baking pan:
1. Bake for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add sour cream and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Fold in whipped topping gently.

Step 6: Assemble Brownies

Spread the frosting mixture over cooled brownies evenly.

Step 7: Prepare Topping

In a food processor:
1. Place vanilla sandwich cookies and pulse several times until roughly crumbled but not completely crushed.
2. Add strawberry syrup and pulse until cookies are evenly coated.

Step 8: Finish Assembly

Sprinkle cookie mixture over frosted brownies:
1. Cut into squares.
2. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Strawberry Crunch Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm brownies and cold vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast.
• Strawberry Sorbet: For a fruity twist, serve your brownies with refreshing strawberry sorbet for added flavor.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries: Garnish your brownies with fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color and taste.
• Mixed Berries: A mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries adds freshness and enhances the dessert’s appeal.

Drizzle Sauces

• Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate drizzle over the brownies complements their sweetness perfectly.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce adds a buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry notes.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Perfecting your Strawberry Crunch Brownies is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your brownies turn out just right every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps achieve a smoother batter and better mixing, leading to more even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid tough brownies; overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the brownies to cool fully before adding frosting for a clean finish and easier slicing.
• Crush Cookies Evenly: Aim for uniform cookie crumbles when preparing the topping; this ensures an even crunch on every bite.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize toppings such as nuts or additional fruits for unique flavor combinations.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Brownies

When serving Strawberry Crunch Brownies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their sweet profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the richness of the brownies and adds freshness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a deliciously creamy side.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet brownies.
4. Mini Pastries: Small pastries can offer variety without overwhelming sweetness.
5. Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or tea enhances flavors and provides a comforting beverage option.
6. Nut Mix: A simple nut mix offers crunch and healthy fats that complement dessert nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Crunch Brownies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Overmixing the brownie batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix until just combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into warm brownies can result in a messy presentation. Always let them cool completely for clean cuts.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t mix smoothly, leading to lumps in the frosting. Allow it to reach room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring baking time: Different ovens may vary in temperature. Check your brownies a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Strawberry Crunch Brownies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Brownies

• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Brownies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm brownies for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place brownies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can substitute with vanilla or chocolate cake mix if you prefer different flavors, but that will change the overall taste.

How do I make Strawberry Crunch Brownies gluten-free?

To make these brownies gluten-free, use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and check all other ingredients for gluten content.

What is the best way to decorate Strawberry Crunch Brownies?

You can add fresh strawberries on top or drizzle extra strawberry syrup before serving for added flair.

Can I replace white chocolate chips with another type?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer those flavors instead of white chocolate.

How long does it take to prepare Strawberry Crunch Brownies?

The total time is approximately 43 minutes, including both preparation and baking.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crunch Brownies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. The combination of moist strawberry flavor and crunchy topping makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize your batch with different toppings or flavors – your creativity is the limit! Enjoy making this delicious treat!

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Strawberry Crunch Brownies

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: About 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with these nostalgic Strawberry Crunch Brownies. Reminiscent of the iconic strawberry crunch ice cream bar, these semi-homemade brownies bring together moist strawberry cake, creamy frosting, and a crunchy cookie topping for an irresistible treat. Perfect for parties, picnics, or satisfying your sweet cravings, they are incredibly easy to make – even for beginner bakers. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a special dessert at home. With their vibrant colors and delicious taste, Strawberry Crunch Brownies are sure to impress and delight everyone!

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Ingredients

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• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup salted butter (melted)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 36 vanilla sandwich cookies
• ¼ cup strawberry syrup

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream until smooth. Fold in white chocolate chips.
3. Spread the batter into the baking dish and bake for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.
4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; add sour cream and vanilla, then fold in whipped topping.
5. Spread the frosting over cooled brownies.
6. In a food processor, crumble the vanilla sandwich cookies and mix with strawberry syrup. Sprinkle on top of frosted brownies.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg