Strawberry Crunch Brownies Recipe
If pure dessert nostalgia had a modern twist, it would be these Strawberry Crunch Brownies. Imagine the fudgy richness of classic brownies meeting the strawberry shortcake ice cream bars you loved as a kid. Each bite brings together a chewy chocolate base, creamy white chocolate layer, and that signature pink-and-gold crunch on top. This is one of those show-stopping treats that’s impossibly easy to make but tastes like something from a boutique bakery, making it an absolute must for parties, picnics, or an indulgent night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Strawberry Crunch Brownies come together with a handful of simple, supermarket staples, each of which plays a star role. The combination of fudge, strawberry, and vanilla creates a dessert that’s strikingly beautiful and irresistibly delicious with minimal effort.
- Fudge Brownie Mix: The foundation for chewy, chocolatey brownies that hold up under all those delicious toppings.
- Eggs: Make your brownies rich and give structure to the batter.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps create that moist, tender crumb we all love in fudgy brownies.
- Water: Loosens up the batter, balancing richness while keeping it easy to mix.
- Strawberry-flavored Gelatin: Amply delivers that unmistakable strawberry flavor and a burst of pink color in the crunchy topping.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds creaminess and a nostalgic vanilla-scented note to the crunchy layer.
- Freeze-dried Strawberries: Bring real, intense strawberry flavor and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Golden Oreos: Crushed and blended into the topping, they lend a crispy, buttery vanilla crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the topping together and add a luxurious richness.
- White Chocolate Chips: For the creamy, decadent layer that helps the crunch topping stick and balances all the flavors.
- Heavy Cream: Melts into the white chocolate to make it ultra-smooth and glossy.
- Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way to boost the flavors throughout.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it wakes up all the sweet flavors and keeps the dessert from tasting flat.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy brownie removal. This simple step is going to make slicing and lifting your Strawberry Crunch Brownies a total breeze (and saves on cleanup too!).
Step 2: Mix and Bake Your Brownie Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until just combined and smooth. Pour that luscious batter into your pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Resist the urge to overbake—these brownies are meant to be fudgy. Allow them to cool completely in the pan.
Step 3: Whip Up the Strawberry Crunch Topping
While your brownies cool, let’s make the magic topping. In a food processor, pulse the golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, strawberry gelatin, and dry vanilla pudding mix until you get a coarse crumb. Pour in your melted butter, give it another quick pulse, and you’re done! This blend is crunchy, colorful, and tastes like that nostalgic ice cream bar coating you love.
Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt for depth. This layer will set up beautifully and act as the “glue” for your strawberry crunch.
Step 5: Top and Chill
Once your brownies are completely cool, pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the top, then spread it out evenly with an offset spatula or a spoon. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture generously and evenly, pressing it lightly so it adheres. Transfer the whole pan to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set everything up before slicing into the ultimate Strawberry Crunch Brownies.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Brownies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, scatter a few extra freeze-dried strawberry pieces or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a fresh strawberry half on each square will add that bakery-worthy touch and an extra pop of color.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Crunch Brownies are perfect solo, but they also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a big glass of cold milk. For special gatherings, tuck them into a dessert platter with chocolate-dipped strawberries and some classic shortbread cookies to create a strawberry-inspired theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your brownies into small squares and threading them onto skewers with fresh strawberries for a fun, party-ready treat. Or for a playful dessert bar, set out bowls of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and extra crunch topping so guests can decorate their own Strawberry Crunch Brownies. They also make incredible edible gifts when tucked into pretty bakery boxes or jars!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), store your Strawberry Crunch Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The topping stays crisp and the brownies keep all their fudgy goodness.
Freezing
To freeze, slice brownies and layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving—perfect for make-ahead entertaining or late-night cravings!
Reheating
While these brownies are dreamy cold, if you want them slightly warm, zap an individual brownie square in the microwave for just 8-10 seconds. This softens the chocolate just enough without melting the topping. If you prefer the topping extra crisp, skip reheating and enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to swap that in. Just aim for the same pan size (9×13-inch) and bake as directed in your recipe before adding the Strawberry Crunch Brownies toppings.
Is there a substitute for golden Oreos?
Yes! Any vanilla sandwich cookie works wonderfully—classic vanilla Oreos, store-brand versions, or even shortbread cookies will give you that crisp vanilla crunch for the topping.
How do I make the strawberry flavor extra strong?
For a bold strawberry punch, add a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the white chocolate layer before spreading it over the brownies, or sprinkle a little more over the crunch topping before it sets.
Can I make these Strawberry Crunch Brownies gluten-free?
Definitely! Choose a gluten-free brownie mix and substitute gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies for the Oreos. Check that your pudding mix and other components are gluten-free as well.
Do I have to use a food processor for the topping?
No worries if you don’t have a food processor. Simply crush the Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin, and mix the rest by hand. You’ll get the same crunchy, crumbly texture!
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that are both playful and outrageously delicious, these Strawberry Crunch Brownies check every box. I promise, one bite—and you’ll want to share this recipe with every strawberry and chocolate lover you know. Give them a try; your sweet tooth will thank you!
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Strawberry Crunch Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Crunch Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, featuring a luscious layer of white chocolate and a crunchy strawberry topping. Perfect for any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 24 golden Oreos, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
White Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Mix brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water. Bake in a lined pan at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Make Strawberry Crunch Topping: Pulse Oreo crumbs, strawberries, gelatin, and pudding mix. Add melted butter and pulse until combined.
- Prepare White Chocolate Topping: Melt white chocolate and cream, add vanilla and salt.
- Assemble: Pour white chocolate over cooled brownies, top with strawberry crunch mixture, press lightly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vanilla sandwich cookies can be used instead of golden Oreos.
- For extra flavor, mix freeze-dried strawberry powder into the white chocolate topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
