Strawberry Crunch Brownies
Strawberry Crunch Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining rich chocolate with a luscious strawberry crunch topping. Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, these layered treats are perfect for celebrations, gifting, or indulging in something extraordinary.
The first time I made these Strawberry Crunch Brownies, I was experimenting with combining my favorite childhood dessert with the decadence of chocolate. My husband was skeptical at first, but the moment he took a bite, he couldn’t stop raving about how amazing they were. Now, they’re a staple for family gatherings, especially when we want to impress guests with something unique yet comforting.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Crunch Brownies
•Rich and Decadent: A perfect balance of fudgy brownies and sweet strawberry topping.
•Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, these brownies look and taste like they came from a bakery.
•Unique Flavor Combination: The classic strawberry and chocolate pairing gets a crunchy twist.
•Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun weekend treat.
Ingredients Notes For Strawberry Crunch Brownies
•Brownie Layer: Use your favorite homemade or boxed brownie mix as the base.
•Strawberry Crunch Topping: Made with crushed strawberry wafers and freeze-dried strawberries for vibrant flavor and texture.
•Cream Layer: A blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping provides a creamy base for the crunch layer.
•Butter: Acts as the binder for the crunch topping, ensuring it sticks perfectly.
Recipe Steps
1.Prepare the Brownie Base:
•Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
•Prepare your favorite brownie batter according to the recipe or package instructions. Pour it into the pan and bake as directed. Let it cool completely.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
2.Make the Cream Layer:
•In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
•Fold in 1 cup whipped topping until fully combined. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill in the refrigerator.
3.Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
•In a food processor, pulse 1 cup crushed strawberry wafer cookies and 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries until crumbly.
•Melt 3 tablespoons butter and mix with the strawberry crumbs until evenly coated.
4.Assemble the Topping:
•Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture evenly over the cream layer, gently pressing it down to adhere.
5.Chill and Serve:
•Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Storage Options
•Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
•Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
Variations & Substitutions
•Chocolate Topping: Drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberry crunch for added flair.
•Vanilla Layer: Swap the cream cheese layer with vanilla pudding for a lighter touch.
•Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brownie mix and cookies for a GF version.
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Strawberry Crunch Brownies
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- For the Brownies:
- 1 box 18 oz brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- For the Strawberry Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping like Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed
- 1 cup Golden Oreos crushed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix and Bake: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions, adding the vanilla extract if desired. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed on the box (about 25-30 minutes). Let the brownies cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Layer:
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread: Gently fold in the strawberry jam until streaked or fully mixed, as preferred. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Prepare the Crunch Topping:
- Crush and Mix: In a bowl, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed Golden Oreos, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Top the Brownies: Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the strawberry layer, pressing down gently to adhere.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to set the layers.
- Slice and Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
