Strawberry Crunch Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Crunch Brownies are a delicious and visually stunning dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, tart flavor of fresh strawberries and a crunchy topping. These brownies are perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any time you want a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The unique addition of a strawberry crunch topping elevates these brownies, giving them an extra layer of texture and flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.

The strawberry crunch topping, made from a mixture of crushed graham crackers, strawberry gelatin, and butter, adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the dense, fudgy brownie base. The combination of fresh strawberries and the creamy, gooey brownie texture creates a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity desserts, Strawberry Crunch Brownies will satisfy both cravings in every bite.

This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can recreate these decadent brownies at home, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. The simple ingredients and clear instructions make the process enjoyable, while the result is a showstopper that will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Crunch Brownies

• Decadent Chocolate Flavor: The rich, fudgy brownie base is made from a combination of high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips, providing a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruity crunch topping.
• Unique Strawberry Crunch Topping: The strawberry crunch topping gives these brownies a fun twist. The mix of strawberry gelatin, graham cracker crumbs, and butter creates a crispy, sweet, and slightly tart topping that complements the richness of the brownies.
• Textural Contrast: The brownies feature a dense and gooey interior, balanced by the crunchy topping, making each bite a satisfying experience. The combination of soft and crisp textures creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
• Visually Stunning: The bright red crunch topping over the deep chocolatey brownies makes for a beautiful presentation, perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These brownies are versatile and can be made for any event, whether it’s a summer picnic, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration. The strawberry flavor adds a refreshing twist to the classic brownie, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 brownies
• Calories per Serving: Around 280-320 calories per brownie, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280-320 kcal
• Fat: 14-16g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25-30g

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 5-6 crackers)
• 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder (not the sugar-free variety)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional for extra strawberry flavor)

Special Equipment

While making Strawberry Crunch Brownies doesn’t require specialized tools, having the following items on hand will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few medium-sized mixing bowls for combining the brownie ingredients and the crunch topping ingredients.
2. Whisk or Electric Mixer: You can use a whisk to mix the brownie batter by hand, but an electric mixer can make the process quicker and easier.
3. 9×9-inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for baking the brownies, ensuring they bake evenly. If you don’t have this size, you can use an 8×8-inch dish, but the brownies may need a slightly longer baking time.
4. Spatula: A spatula will be helpful for spreading the brownie batter evenly in the baking dish and for mixing the crunch topping.
5. Rolling Pin or Food Processor: If you’re crushing the graham crackers by hand, a rolling pin can help you crush them into fine crumbs. Alternatively, a food processor will make the process even easier.
6. Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper helps with easy removal of the brownies once they are baked. It also prevents sticking and ensures the brownies bake evenly.
7. Cooling Rack: After baking, it’s best to allow the brownies to cool on a cooling rack so they can set properly before cutting into squares.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, or lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense brownies.

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be thick and fudgy, which is perfect for these brownies.

2. Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Be careful not to overbake, as you want these brownies to remain fudgy and soft. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

3. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

While the brownies are baking, prepare the strawberry crunch topping. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, strawberry gelatin powder, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries (if using). Stir until well mixed.

Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the butter is evenly distributed, creating a crumbly, slightly sticky texture.

Once the brownies have cooled slightly, gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto the surface of the brownies, ensuring it covers the entire top. The crunch topping will add a beautiful color and texture to the brownies.

4. Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.

Cut the brownies into 12 even squares, or larger portions if preferred. The strawberry crunch topping will remain crisp while the brownie base stays rich and fudgy.

Serve the Strawberry Crunch Brownies as a fun, delicious dessert at your next gathering or enjoy them as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Crunch Brownies

• Don’t Overbake the Brownies: The key to achieving the perfect fudgy brownies is not overbaking them. Check the brownies after 30 minutes, and keep a close eye on them for the next few minutes to ensure they don’t dry out.
• Use Full-Flavored Strawberry Gelatin: Make sure to use regular strawberry gelatin (not sugar-free) for the best flavor and texture in the crunch topping. The gelatin adds sweetness and a vibrant strawberry taste.
• Add Fresh Strawberries for Extra Flavor: If you want to enhance the strawberry flavor even more, consider adding fresh strawberry slices on top of the brownies before adding the crunch topping. This will create a fresh, fruity layer in each bite.
• Crush the Grahams Fine for the Topping: For a finer texture in the crunch topping, crush the graham crackers into very small crumbs. This helps create an even, smooth topping that won’t be too bulky or uneven.
• Allow the Brownies to Cool Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts and better presentation, make sure to let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This will help the chocolate chips and the crunch topping set in place.

Variations of Strawberry Crunch Brownies

• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Crunch Brownies: For an extra touch of decadence, dip the edges of the brownies in melted chocolate after they have been cut into squares. This will add a rich layer of chocolate around the crunch topping.
• White Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Brownies: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips in the brownie base for a sweeter, milder flavor. Pairing white chocolate with strawberry works wonderfully in this recipe.
• Nutty Strawberry Crunch Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. The nuts will pair nicely with the chocolate and strawberry crunch topping.
• Mini Strawberry Crunch Brownies: If you prefer smaller portions, you can make mini brownies by using a mini muffin tin. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness as usual.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Crunch Brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Crunch Brownies

Pair these delicious brownies with complementary treats to enhance your dessert experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the fudgy brownies and crunchy topping, creating a decadent dessert combo.
• Fresh Berries: Serve the brownies with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a refreshing, tart contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each brownie adds a light and airy touch that balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Cold Milk or Chocolate Milk: The classic pairing of brownies with milk is a great way to enjoy these treats. For an extra indulgent experience, try pairing the brownies with chocolate milk.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Brownies are the perfect dessert for those who crave the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies paired with a fun, crunchy topping that adds both texture and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these brownies will impress everyone who tries them. The combination of strawberry and chocolate, with the crispy crunch, creates a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a must-try for any brownie lover. Enjoy these delicious bites of heaven with friends, family, or on your own—their unique twist on a classic favorite will have everyone coming back for more.