Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar

This strawberry crunch brownies bar delivers a delightful twist on the classic brownie by incorporating a fruity cake mix and a creamy frosting layer topped with a crunchy, strawberry-infused cookie crumble. It’s a perfect treat for anyone craving something sweet, light, and full of texture contrasts.

I first made these brownies for a family barbecue and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Now I keep the ingredients ready for whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Ingredients

• Strawberry cake mix: provides the base flavor and a tender texture, look for one with real strawberry pieces for extra burst
• Large egg: binds the batter together, ensuring a moist crumb
• Salted butter, melted: adds richness and a buttery depth, opt for high-quality butter for the best taste
• Heavy cream: enhances the batter's creaminess and softness
• White chocolate chips: melt slightly during baking to add sweet pockets of texture
• Cream cheese at room temperature: creates a smooth, tangy frosting that balances sweetness
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the frosting without gritty texture
• Sour cream: adds moisture and slight tang to lighten the frosting
• Vanilla extract: enhances overall flavor complexity
• Whipped topping: lightens the frosting for a fluffy finish
• Vanilla sandwich cookies: crushed to provide a crispy, textured topping
• Strawberry syrup: coats the cookie crumbs and enriches the strawberry profile
• Fresh strawberries (optional): add a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the final presentation

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 175 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a 33 by 23 centimeter baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure the bars release easily after baking.

Mix the Brownie Batter:

In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream. Stir gently until the batter is completely smooth and homogenous, preparing a silky base for your brownies.

Add White Chocolate Chips:

Carefully fold the white chocolate chips into the batter without overmixing to avoid deflating the batter and to keep the chips evenly distributed.

Bake the Base Layer:

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake it for 18 to 23 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the edges turn a delicate golden brown, indicating perfect doneness.

Cool Completely:

Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownie base cool completely at room temperature. This is important to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.

Prepare the Frosting:

Using a mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky smooth. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just incorporated, creating a tangy and creamy spread.

Fold in the Whipped Topping:

Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the frosting, resulting in a fluffier texture that complements the dense brownie base.

Spread the Frosting:

Evenly distribute the frosting over the cooled brownie layer with a spatula, creating a smooth and inviting surface.

Make the Cookie Crunch Topping:

Pulse vanilla sandwich cookies in a food processor until coarsely crushed. Mix in the strawberry syrup by pulsing briefly to evenly coat the crumbs and give them a lovely pink tint.

Add the Topping and Serve:

Sprinkle the cookie crunch generously over the frosted brownies for a pleasant crunch and strawberry flavor. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh strawberries if you like. Serve immediately or chill until ready.

One of my favorite memories is pulling these out at a picnic and watching everyone’s eyes light up when they tasted the crunchy strawberry topping.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh. They stay delicious for up to four days but taste best within two. You can also freeze the bars for up to two months, just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have strawberry cake mix, a vanilla or white cake mix with a teaspoon of strawberry extract works well. Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can replace sour cream in the frosting for a tangy twist. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream whipped topping and a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these bars with a cup of hot tea or cold milk to balance the sweetness. They make a lovely dessert for brunch or a birthday party centerpiece. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can be lovely additions if you want to elevate the presentation.

Enjoy making this uniquely textured strawberry treat, perfect for any occasion. The balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity will surely delight everyone.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of cake mix is used in the base?

A strawberry-flavored cake mix provides a fruity foundation for the brownies bar.

→ Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to suit your preference.

→ How is the cookie topping prepared?

Vanilla sandwich cookies are pulsed into coarse crumbs, then mixed with strawberry syrup for a flavorful crunch.

→ What is the best way to serve this dessert?

It can be served immediately or chilled for a firmer texture and enhanced flavors.

→ Can fresh strawberries be omitted?

Fresh strawberries are optional but recommended for added freshness and garnish appeal.

→ Is there a specific baking time for the base layer?

Bake for 18–23 minutes at 175°C until a toothpick comes out clean and edges turn golden.