Strawberry Crunch Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Strawberry Crunch Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a bright strawberry twist and a crunchy cookie topping. Perfect for a special dessert that’s both fun to make and delightful to eat.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping
• 36 vanilla sandwich cookies
• ¼ cup strawberry syrup
• Fresh strawberries (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream until smooth and well mixed.
3. Step 3: Fold in the white chocolate chips, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown. Let cool to room temperature.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the whipped topping and spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
7. Step 7: Place the vanilla sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until roughly crumbled but not completely crushed.
8. Step 8: Add the strawberry syrup and pulse until the cookie crumbs are evenly coated and slightly pink.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the cookie topping over the frosted brownies. Cut into squares and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra strawberry flavor, swap the white chocolate chips for strawberry-flavored chips or dried strawberries.
• If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the amount of strawberry syrup in the cookie crumble.
• Use a hand mixer for smoother frosting texture and easier mixing.
• Fresh strawberries on top add a nice fresh element and make the brownies look even more inviting.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor, or enjoy them chilled. Do not freeze as the topping texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry?

While strawberry cake mix adds a unique flavor, you can substitute regular chocolate or vanilla cake mix, but the taste will be different and less fruity.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brownies and frosting a day in advance. Add the cookie topping just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Strawberry Crunch Brownies Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

These Strawberry Crunch Brownies combine a moist strawberry cake mix base with creamy frosting and a crunchy strawberry-infused cookie topping for a delightful layered dessert bursting with berry flavor and texture.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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 whipped topping

Topping:

• 36 vanilla sandwich cookies
• ¼ cup strawberry syrup
• Fresh strawberries, optional garnish

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients listed for the brownie base, frosting, and topping to ensure a smooth preparation process.
2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Make Brownie Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, egg, melted butter, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Add White Chocolate Chips: Fold the white chocolate chips gently into the batter, then spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish for even baking.
5. Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges turn golden brown.
6. Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature to prepare for the frosting layer.
7. Prepare Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar with a mixer until smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.
8. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined, maintaining a creamy texture.
9. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to keep the frosting light and airy.
10. Frost Brownies: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
11. Prepare Cookie Topping: Place vanilla sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse several times to create coarse crumbs without turning into fine powder.
12. Add Strawberry Syrup: Pour strawberry syrup over the cookie crumbs and pulse again until the crumbs are evenly coated and have a light pink tint.
13. Top Brownies: Sprinkle the strawberry-coated cookie crumbs evenly over the frosted brownies.
14. Serve or Chill: Cut into squares and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Optionally garnish with fresh strawberries for added freshness.

Notes

• Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven’s calibration.
• For a more intense strawberry flavor, add fresh strawberries into the frosting layer as garnish.
• You can substitute the vanilla sandwich cookies with gluten-free cookies to accommodate dietary needs.
• This recipe yields about 12-15 servings depending on cut size.

Keywords: strawberry brownies, strawberry cake mix dessert, white chocolate chips, cream cheese frosting, sandwich cookie topping, berry dessert, layered brownies