With a chewy strawberry base, a rich and creamy middle, and a sweet, crunchy topping, these Strawberry Crunch Bars bring together the best of textures and flavors. Just like the classic ice cream treat! Easy, nostalgic, and delicious!
Table of contents
A Little History on Strawberry Crunch
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Bars became popular in the '80s and '90s, thanks to that irresistible combo of creamy strawberry goodness and a crunchy, buttery topping. They were a childhood favorite for many, and now you can recreate that same nostalgic flavor at home in the form of these delicious bars!
More Strawberry Based Recipes
Recipe Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Bars
Base Layer
- Strawberry Cake Mix
- Butter
- Eggs
- Strawberry Gelatin
Creamy Filling
- Cream Cheese
- Butter
- Heavy Cream or Milk
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla
Crunchy Topping
- Golden Oreos
- Strawberry Gelatin
- Butter
Flavor Twists
- Swap strawberry cake mix for vanilla or lemon for a different flavor profile.
- Use crushed graham crackers instead of Oreos for a less sweet topping.
Step-by-Step Recipe Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until fully combined (the batter will be thick).
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Beat until fully combined and smooth. If needed, add another tablespoon of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled strawberry base.
Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until broken into crumbs or crush the cookies in a zip loc bag. Add the strawberry gelatin powder and combine.
Pour in the melted butter and pulse or mix until the mixture comes together.
Sprinkle the cookie crumble evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to help the layers set before slicing and serving.
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Recipe FAQ's
Vanilla, lemon, orange or even white cake mix can be used for variety. Change up the gelatin flavor too.
No, you can use any vanilla sandwich cookie or even graham crackers.
At least 30 minutes, but an hour is best for the layers to fully set.
Storage Guidelines
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Mom Tip
Serve Strawberry Crunch Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate covered strawberry for a touch of elegance.
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Printable Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix
- ½ cup Butter melted
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin Powder
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- ¼ cup Butter softened
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Heavy Cream or Milk more if needed
Crunch Topping
- 20 Golden Oreos
- 4 tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin Powder
- ¼ cup Butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
To make the base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until fully combined (the batter will be thick).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
For the frosting / creamy center
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Beat until fully combined and smooth. If needed, add another tablespoon of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled strawberry base.
To make the crunch topping
- Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until broken into crumbs or crush the cookies in a zip loc bag.
- Add the strawberry gelatin powder and combine.
- Pour in the melted butter and pulse or mix until the mixture comes together.
- Sprinkle the cookie crumble evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to help the layers set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Storage Guidelines
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Flavor Twists
- Swap strawberry cake mix for vanilla or lemon for a different flavor profile.
- Use crushed graham crackers instead of Oreos for a less sweet topping.
Janet
This recipe was super easy to make and a hit with the kids. 10/10 will make again