Strawberry Crunch Bars with Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Crumble
Strawberry Crunch Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the sweet flavors of strawberries and cream cheese frosting. With a soft cake base and a crunchy topping, these bars are perfect for any gathering or just a tasty snack at home. The combination of textures makes each bite a delicious experience.
Why Make This Recipe
These Strawberry Crunch Bars are not just easy to make; they are also a hit with both kids and adults. The bright strawberry flavor paired with creamy frosting and crunchy topping creates a perfect balance. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them a great option for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (or homemade strawberry cake mix)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
- 1 1/2 cups golden Oreos (or any plain vanilla sandwich cookies)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake base.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crumble.
In a food processor or using a rolling pin, crush the golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until they form a crumbly mixture. Add melted butter to the crumbs and mix until everything is evenly coated. Spread the crumble mixture generously on top of the cream cheese frosting.
Step 4: Slice and Serve.
Let the bars sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy these Strawberry Crunch Bars with their perfect blend of creamy frosting, soft cake, and crunchy topping!
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Bars
Serve these Strawberry Crunch Bars chilled or at room temperature. They are great for dessert or as a sweet snack. You can also drizzle some extra strawberry sauce on top for additional flavor and presentation.
How to Store Strawberry Crunch Bars
To store your Strawberry Crunch Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Strawberry Crunch Bars
- Use Fresh Strawberries: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding some fresh strawberries to the frosting or as a topping.
- Add More Crunch: For extra texture, you can mix in some chopped nuts along with the Oreo crumble.
- Personalize the Frosting: Feel free to add some food coloring to the cream cheese frosting if you want a more vibrant look.
Variation
If you want to change things up, you can use different flavored cake mixes, like vanilla or chocolate. You can also substitute the golden Oreos with any cookies you prefer.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these Strawberry Crunch Bars ahead of time?
A1: Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use a different frosting?
A2: Absolutely! You can use whipped cream or buttercream if you prefer a different flavor.
Q3: Are these bars suitable for freezing?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Enjoy your Strawberry Crunch Bars, and happy baking!
