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Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Bars are pure nostalgia and summer joy packed into handheld treats. They come together with easy shortcuts for maximum flavor and the signature strawberry crunch you remember from ice cream bars at childhood birthday parties.
Ingredients
- Strawberry cake mix: Choose any favorite brand The boxed mix keeps things quick and guarantees strawberry flavor
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps everything moist Use fresh high quality butter for best taste
- Large egg: Binds the dough together Make sure your eggs are fresh
- Cream cheese: Gives that tangy creaminess in the frosting Full fat works best for texture
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up light and fluffy Remember to chill it for easy whipping
- Confectioners sugar: Sweetens the frosting and blends in smoothly Sift it for a lump free mix
- Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor depth Look for real vanilla instead of imitation for best results
- Golden Oreos: Make the crunch topping sweet and buttery Use the whole cookie but gently crush for a mix of textures
- Strawberry gelatin powder: Delivers that bold nostalgic berry flavor Oxidation can dull color so buy a new pack for bright pink topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a thirteen by nine inch light metal baking pan with foil or parchment letting extra hang over the edges for easy removal Spray the lined pan well so your bars release perfectly
- Make the Bar Dough:
- In a large bowl stir just the powdered cake mix with melted butter and an egg using a rubber spatula Stop when it becomes a soft thick dough Firmly press this into an even layer across your pan so it bakes evenly
- Bake and Cool:
- Pop the pan into a three hundred fifty degree oven and bake around twenty to twenty five minutes The top should spring back lightly and a toothpick should come out clean Cool the bars completely to keep your frosting from melting
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl whip cream cheese until light and smooth Set this aside In the same bowl beat heavy cream with confectioners sugar and vanilla until very stiff peaks form Fold in the cream cheese gently so you do not lose the airy texture Take your time with this step
- Frost the Bars:
- Evenly spread the whipped cream cheese frosting over the cooled bar base Use a gentle hand and a spatula Refrigerate while you prepare the crunch
- Make the Shortcake Crunch Topping:
- In a new bowl combine crushed Golden Oreos with dry strawberry gelatin powder and melted butter Stir until all the bits are dyed pink and everything is glossy from butter
- Top and Finish the Bars:
- Take handfulls of the strawberry crunch and scatter generously across the frosting Press lightly with your palms so it sticks well Slice your bars neatly before serving Cold bars hold their shape best
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The frosting is my favorite part because it is so light like a cloud My kids help every time and love pressing the pink crunch on top which always gets a laugh
Storage Tips
Store your cut bars in the refrigerator tightly covered They stay fresh and soft for up to four days For longer storage freeze individual portions on a baking sheet then wrap each bar for up to a month Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vanilla or white cake mix if strawberry is not available Just add a little extra strawberry extract or a spoonful of jam to the dough for added flavor If you do not have Golden Oreos use another vanilla sandwich cookie like Vienna Fingers
Serving Suggestions
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Serve these on a platter for a potluck or picnic Kids and adults are equally wowed For something extra festive add fresh sliced strawberries on top right before serving The bars keep their crunch well but taste amazing the next day too
Cultural and Historical Context
These bars are inspired by nostalgic strawberry crunch ice cream bars found in many American childhoods The color and flavor come from early ice cream truck treats The original shortcake crunch was paired with vanilla ice cream and a pink crumbly shell
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cake mix for the base?
Yes, you can substitute with white cake mix and a bit of strawberry gelatin if strawberry cake mix is unavailable.
- → What type of pan works best?
A 13x9 inch light metal pan helps achieve even baking and ensures a tender bar base.
- → Can I make the bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They hold well in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for advance preparation.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the topping from softening.
- → Are fresh strawberries needed?
No fresh strawberries are needed; the strawberry flavor comes from cake mix and gelatin powder in the topping.
- → Can the topping be made nut-free?
Yes, the topping uses only Golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin, and butter—nut-free by default.