Name: Strawberry Crunch Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix; ½ cup butter, melted; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream; 20 Golden Oreo cookies; 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder; ¼ cup butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 35 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with vibrant color, delightful textures, and that perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness, you’re in for a real treat with this Strawberry Crunch Bars Recipe. These bars combine a moist strawberry-infused base with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a satisfyingly crunchy, strawberry-flavored cookie topping. Every bite is a harmony of flavors and textures that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, and I promise you’re going to want to share this recipe with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny silver bowl, there are layers of light pink powdery flour forming a ring around three yellow egg yolks and a clear liquid in the middle. A light green spatula with a wooden handle is resting inside the bowl, partially touching the ingredients. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth is visible near the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create these heavenly Strawberry Crunch Bars, you only need a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role from the fruity cake mix base to the creamy frosting and the crunchy strawberry cookie topping.

Strawberry cake mix: The foundation of the bars, bringing moistness and pronounced strawberry flavor.
Melted butter: Adds richness and ensures the cake mix binds perfectly.
Eggs: Provide structure and help the bars bake up just right.
Strawberry gelatin powder: Enhances that bright strawberry presence and intensifies the flavor.
Cream cheese (softened): For a smooth, tangy frosting that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Softened butter: Makes the frosting creamy and silky.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.
Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading.
Golden Oreo cookies: Crumbled to give a buttery, crunchy topping with a mild sweetness.
Additional strawberry gelatin powder: Mixed into the cookie topping for a fruity, vibrant crunch.
Melted butter for topping: Holds the cookie crumble together for perfect texture.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and bake the strawberry cake base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder. The batter will be thick but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want. Spread it evenly into your prepared dish and bake the base for 25 minutes until it’s set. Allow it to cool completely; this is key for the frosting to spread without melting.

Step 2: Make the cream cheese frosting

While the base cools, whip up the frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and start with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, beating until the mixture is creamy and spreadable. If it’s still too thick, mix in the second tablespoon of heavy cream gradually. This frosting will add that irresistible creamy tang to your bars.

Step 3: Assemble the frosting layer

Once your base has cooled to room temperature, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. The contrast of the creamy layer on the strawberry cake base is what makes this recipe stand out and keeps every bite moist and dreamy.

Step 4: Create the crunchy strawberry topping

Grab your golden Oreos and pulse them in a food processor until they break into coarse crumbs—it’s okay to leave some bigger chunks for added crunch. Add 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder to the cookie crumbs and pulse just to combine. Pour in ¼ cup melted butter and pulse a few more times until the mixture is evenly moistened. This crumbly strawberry topping adds an exciting texture and an extra burst of fruitiness.

Step 5: Top and chill

Sprinkle and spread the cookie crumble evenly over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing down to form a nice even surface. Refrigerate the whole dish for at least 30 minutes, which helps everything set perfectly and allows the flavors to meld. After chilling, slice into bars and get ready for the best strawberry treat you’ve had in a while.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Bars Recipe

The image shows a square dessert with three layers on a piece of parchment paper. The bottom layer is bright pink and smooth, the middle layer is white and creamy, and the top layer is crumbly with a mix of pink and brown colors, giving it a rough texture. In the background, there are four fresh red strawberries with green tops placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, consider topping each bar with a fresh strawberry slice or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. A small sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry notes in the bars.

Side Dishes

These Strawberry Crunch Bars are quite rich and full of flavor, so serving them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can complement their sweetness without overwhelming your palate. Fresh berries on the side also work well for a light, fruity accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these bars to a party or gathering, line a pretty platter with doilies or edible flower petals and arrange the bars in neat rows. For an individualized touch, serve them in mini cupcake liners or on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce to add flair and extra yumminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Strawberry Crunch Bars Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and the cookie topping crisp for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead for a later date, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or in portions using plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, allow frozen bars to thaw slightly on the counter. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and soften the cookie crumble, losing the characteristic crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreo cookies?

Absolutely! Regular Oreos will add a chocolatey twist to the bars which is delicious in its own right. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile slightly, so if you want to keep the strawberry theme strong, Golden Oreos are the best choice.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and use a non-dairy whipping cream for the frosting. Just be sure these substitutes behave similarly in texture to achieve the same creamy frosting and crunchy topping.

Can I make these bars without a food processor?

Yes! You can place the Golden Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a heavy pan until they become finely crumbled. Then mix the strawberry gelatin powder and melted butter with the crumbs by hand to prepare the topping.

How long does it take to make these bars from start to finish?

From mixing to chilling, expect about 45 minutes of hands-on and passive time. Baking takes 25 minutes with cooling and refrigeration adding the remainder, making it a pretty quick and rewarding dessert.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredient quantities and use a larger baking dish like a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time slightly and keep an eye on the bars to ensure even baking. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious Strawberry Crunch Bars!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the Strawberry Crunch Bars Recipe that keeps bringing me back for more—the vibrant strawberry flavors, creamy frosting, and that addictive crunchy topping make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dessert or a special celebration, these bars are sure to brighten up any occasion. I hope you love making and sharing this treat as much as I do!