Name: Decadent Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 43 min
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)

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolate and the delightful taste of strawberries, then look no further than these Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bars. This decadent treat features layers of fudgy brownie topped with creamy frosting and a satisfying crunch from vanilla cookies, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a summer picnic, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

The appeal of Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bars lies in their balance of flavors and textures. The chewy brownie layer pairs beautifully with the light, fluffy cream cheese frosting, while the crunchy cookie topping adds an exciting textural contrast. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful mix of sweetness and creaminess that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? This recipe is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal bake time. You’ll be able to whip up this delicious dessert in about 43 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bar

Deliciously indulgent: Layers of brownie, frosting, and cookie crunch make this dessert truly irresistible.
Easy to make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this delightful treat.
Customizable: Personalize the toppings and flavors to suit your taste and make it uniquely yours.
Perfect for sharing: Cut into squares and serve at gatherings, parties, or as a sweet surprise for coworkers.
Visually appealing: The vibrant strawberry color and cookie crunch make it an eye-catching dessert.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the scrumptious journey of making Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bars, it’s vital to prepare your kitchen. Start by gathering all your ingredients and the necessary tools. You will need a large mixing bowl, a medium bowl for the brownie mixture, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a food processor for crushing the cookies, and a 33×23 cm baking dish. Make sure to lightly grease the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.

Additionally, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your brownies. This recipe calls for layering, so it’s essential to allow each layer to cool properly; thus, having a cooling rack handy can be beneficial. Gather fresh strawberries for optional garnish, which adds a lovely finishing touch to these delightful bars.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Take your 33×23 cm baking dish and lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream. Mix these ingredients well until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous batter. It’s essential to blend until just combined to maintain the desired fluffy texture in your brownies.

Step 2: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips

Once your brownie mixture is thoroughly combined, gently fold in the white chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies. After incorporating the chips, evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 3: Let the Brownies Cool

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. This step is vital, as it ensures the frosting doesn’t melt when applied later. The cooling process guarantees that your brownies retain their structure and texture, making them easier to slice when set.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. This process should take about 1-2 minutes. Slowly blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined. The frosting should have a light and airy consistency, perfect for spreading over the cooled brownie layer.

Step 5: Spread the Frosting and Prepare the Topping

Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until it’s just blended. Using a spatula, spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base. Next, grasp the vanilla sandwich cookies and pulse them in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. Add the strawberry syrup to the crumbs and pulse briefly until they are evenly coated and tinted pink. This will create the crunchy topping for your brownies, providing a delicious contrast to the smooth frosting.

Step 6: Add the Crunch and Serve

Generously sprinkle the cookie crunch mixture over the frosted brownies. For a delightful presentation, you can cut the brownies into squares and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. These bars can be served immediately for a fresh taste or chilled for a couple of hours in the fridge for a firmer texture.

Variations

Protein: Swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a protein boost in the brownie layer.
Vegetables: Add a handful of chopped spinach or finely grated zucchini for added nutrients in the brownie base without altering the taste.
Spices: Enhance the brownie flavor with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced profile.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve the creamiest frosting possible.
For deeper strawberry flavor, add more strawberry syrup during the topping preparation.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Opt for a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Tips

Use fresh strawberries as a garnish for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Keep an eye on your brownies while baking, as oven times may vary.
Layer the frosting thickly for extra creaminess and flavor.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approx. 250 per serving
Protein: 3g per serving
Sodium: 150mg per serving

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t your favorite, feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate or vanilla.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free version.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They actually taste better after chilling for a few hours!

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Strawberry Crunch Brownies Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The layers of dense chocolate brownie, sweet cream cheese frosting, and crunchy cookie topping create a symphony of taste that is hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, this easy-to-follow recipe will surely impress your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to try out different variations and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. We hope you enjoy making and indulging in these bars as much as we do! Please share your experience and any modifications you’ve made in the comments below.