Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Introduction

If you love strawberries and brownies, you are in for a treat! Strawberry Crunch Brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the soft, rich texture of brownies with a crunchy strawberry topping. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to birthday parties. The sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries shines through, making these brownies a favorite among both kids and adults.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Strawberry Crunch Brownies. First, they are incredibly simple to prepare, with minimal effort and short baking time. The vibrant pink color and fruity flavor make them visually appealing and delicious. They are also a great way to use freeze-dried strawberries, which provide an intense flavor without any excess moisture. Plus, the crunchy vanilla wafer topping adds an exciting texture that complements the soft brownie base. Overall, these brownies are a fun twist on classic brownies, and they are sure to impress your guests!

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Making Strawberry Crunch Brownies is a straightforward process that anyone can achieve. Below are the ingredients and step-by-step directions to guide you along the way.

Ingredients:

1 box strawberry cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries
1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk until well combined. The batter will be thick. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 3: Make the Crunch Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed vanilla wafers, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.

Step 4: Add the Glaze and Topping
In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture generously on top of the glaze.

Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the brownies into squares or bars.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Brownies

You can serve these Strawberry Crunch Brownies in a variety of ways. They are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. A sprig of fresh mint on top adds a lovely touch, too!

How to Store Strawberry Crunch Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For extended storage, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Make sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
Use finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries for the best crunch texture.
Let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.

Variation

You can experiment with different flavors by using chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry. Add crushed raspberries for a berry mix, or top with crushed Oreos for a different crunch!

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
A: Fresh strawberries will add moisture to the topping and can make it soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended for the best crunch.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have vanilla wafers?
A: You can substitute with crushed graham crackers or any other favorite cookies for the crunch topping.