Oh my goodness, friends, have I got a delightful treat to share with you today! I’m talking about the most scrumptious, mouth-watering Strawberry Crunch Brownies. Now, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that blend creativity with convenience, and this one checks all the boxes! It’s a beautiful, layered dessert that manages to be both decadent and whimsical—a true crowd-pleaser! I remember the first time I made these for a summer BBQ; everyone went wild for them! The combination of rich chocolate brownies smothered in a fluffy strawberry cream layer is simply irresistible. Plus, that crunchy topping adds the perfect texture contrast!
So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe and create some magic in your kitchen!
What’s in Strawberry Crunch Brownies?
Brownie Mix: This serves as the base for our dessert. I love the convenience of using a box mix, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe. Just make sure you have eggs, oil, and water on hand, as those are usually needed!
Heavy Cream: This is what makes our creamy layer luscious and dreamy! It adds a rich texture that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives our frosting-like layer a delightful tang and velvety consistency. I usually go for full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens our cream layer and gives it that smooth, frosting-like quality.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this golden liquid enhances the overall flavor of the strawberry cream. Always use pure vanilla extract if you can—it’s worth it!
Strawberry-Flavored Cereal: This crunchy topping is the star of the show! It adds an irresistible crunch and a pop of strawberry flavor. I recommend Strawberry Shortcake Crunch cereal if you can find it!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are optional for garnish, but they add a nice touch. Plus, pureed strawberries bring a natural sweetness and lovely color to the cream layer.
Is Strawberry Crunch Brownies Good for You?
While these brownies are certainly a sweet indulgence, they do bring some benefits to the table!
Strawberries: These vibrant fruits are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for overall health. Plus, they’ve got fiber to keep things moving along!
Cream Cheese: While it does add calories, cream cheese also provides some calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
That said, these brownies are a treat—so moderation is key! They’re best enjoyed on special occasions or when you need that little sweet lift in your day.
Ingredients
– 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required for the mix, typically egg, oil, and water)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 cups strawberry-flavored cereal (e.g., Strawberry Shortcake Crunch)
– 1/2 cup strawberries, pureed
– Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Serves: Approximately 16 squares
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the brownie mix box. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for the time indicated on the package, usually 25-30 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely after baking.
3. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the strawberry cream layer. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Then, fold in the pureed strawberries until the mixture is a light pink color.
6. Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the strawberry cream mixture evenly over the top.
7. Crush the strawberry-flavored cereal into smaller pieces and sprinkle generously over the strawberry cream layer, creating a “crunchy” topping.
8. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set properly.
9. Once set, cut into squares and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Serve chilled.
Just a Few Sweet Tips!
– For added flavor, consider drizzling chocolate syrup over the top before serving. It takes these brownies to a whole new level!
– You can personalize these brownies by experimenting with different toppings, like crushed nuts or even crushed graham crackers for a fun twist.
– These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!), making them a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings and picnics.
I can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Crunch Brownies! They’re sure to be a hit, just as they have been in my home. Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out—happy baking!
