Desserts

Strawberry Crunch Brownies

By Martha

Everyday Kitchen Bliss!

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There’s something so nostalgic about the combination of strawberries and cream, don’t you think? It reminds me of sunny afternoons at a county fair, ice cream cones in hand, and that iconic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar that always seemed like a treat too good to resist. These Strawberry Crunch Brownies capture that same joy and bring it into your kitchen with layers of rich fudgy brownies, sweet cream, and a crunchy strawberry topping. They’re a delightful marriage of textures and flavors that will take you back to those carefree moments while also impressing anyone you share them with.

Pin it now and inspire more food lovers on Pinterest!

Whether you’re making these for a birthday party, a romantic Valentine’s treat, or simply to brighten up a weekday, this recipe promises to deliver a dessert that feels just a little extra special. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great project for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s dive into this decadent dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Fudgy Meets Crunchy: These brownies have a soft, chocolatey base topped with a crispy, buttery strawberry crunch layer for the perfect balance of textures.
  • Easy but Impressive: This dessert looks fancy enough to wow a crowd, but the steps are simple and straightforward.
  • Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping with the strawberry crunch topping and, of course, devouring the final product!
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Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Brownie Base:

  • 1 box of brownie mix (18–20 oz.)
  • Eggs (as directed on the box)
  • Water (as directed on the box)
  • Oil (as directed on the box)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • 24 Golden Oreos
  • 3 ounces strawberry gelatin mix
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Frosting Layer:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
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How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Bake the Brownies
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your brownie mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the package, pour it into the pan, and bake until the brownies are set. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the layers.

Personal Tip: If you love an extra fudgy brownie, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes. They’ll finish setting as they cool and create that perfect gooey texture.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
While the brownies cool, it’s time to make the star of the show: the strawberry crunch topping. Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they form coarse crumbs. (You still want some texture here, so avoid overprocessing.) Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix them with the strawberry gelatin powder and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and clumps together slightly. Set aside.

Kitchen Tip: Don’t have a food processor? No problem! Place the Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s oddly satisfying and gets the job done!

3. Make the Frosting Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the fluffiness.

4. Assemble the Layers
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base, creating a smooth, thick layer of creamy goodness. Then, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosting, pressing it down lightly so it adheres.

5. Chill and Serve
Place the assembled brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the fudgy, creamy, crunchy magic!

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Helpful Tips:

  • Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the frosting firm up, making it easier to cut neat slices.
  • Make It Your Own: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Golden Oreos or swap the strawberry gelatin for a different flavor, like raspberry or orange.
  • Use a Serrated Knife: For clean cuts, use a serrated knife to slice the brownies and wipe it clean between cuts.
  • Storage: These brownies are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling time)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Notes:

  • If you prefer homemade brownies, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead of a boxed mix. Just make sure to let them cool completely before adding the frosting and topping.
  • For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can sprinkle some freeze-dried strawberries on top alongside the crunch layer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbs: 38g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Sugar: 26g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies can be made up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and slice right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Can I use a different gelatin flavor?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to use flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even lime for a fun twist.

What if I don’t have Golden Oreos?
You can substitute vanilla sandwich cookies or any other similar cookie for a comparable result.

Storage Instructions:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain the crunchy texture of the topping, avoid freezing these brownies.

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If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other sweet treats:

Conclusion

These Strawberry Crunch Brownies are everything you could want in a dessert—fudgy, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. They’re a nostalgic treat that feels modern and elevated, making them perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So grab your apron, whip up a batch, and get ready for rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to share a piece. Enjoy!

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Strawberry Crunch Brownies


  • Author: Martha

Description

There’s something so nostalgic about the combination of strawberries and cream, don’t you think? It reminds me of sunny afternoons at a county fair, ice cream cones in hand, and that iconic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar that always seemed like a treat too good to resist. These Strawberry Crunch Brownies capture that same joy and bring it into your kitchen with layers of rich fudgy brownies, sweet cream, and a crunchy strawberry topping. They’re a delightful marriage of textures and flavors that will take you back to those carefree moments while also impressing anyone you share them with.

Whether you’re making these for a birthday party, a romantic Valentine’s treat, or simply to brighten up a weekday, this recipe promises to deliver a dessert that feels just a little extra special. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great project for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s dive into this decadent dessert!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Base:

  • 1 box of brownie mix (1820 oz.)
  • Eggs (as directed on the box)
  • Water (as directed on the box)
  • Oil (as directed on the box)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • 24 Golden Oreos
  • 3 ounces strawberry gelatin mix
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Frosting Layer:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Bake the Brownies
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your brownie mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the package, pour it into the pan, and bake until the brownies are set. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the layers.

Personal Tip: If you love an extra fudgy brownie, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes. They’ll finish setting as they cool and create that perfect gooey texture.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
While the brownies cool, it’s time to make the star of the show: the strawberry crunch topping. Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they form coarse crumbs. (You still want some texture here, so avoid overprocessing.) Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix them with the strawberry gelatin powder and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and clumps together slightly. Set aside.

Kitchen Tip: Don’t have a food processor? No problem! Place the Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s oddly satisfying and gets the job done!

3. Make the Frosting Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the fluffiness.

4. Assemble the Layers
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base, creating a smooth, thick layer of creamy goodness. Then, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the frosting, pressing it down lightly so it adheres.

5. Chill and Serve
Place the assembled brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the fudgy, creamy, crunchy magic!

Notes

  • If you prefer homemade brownies, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead of a boxed mix. Just make sure to let them cool completely before adding the frosting and topping.
  • For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can sprinkle some freeze-dried strawberries on top alongside the crunch layer.

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