Imagine sinking your teeth into a delectable dessert that is a perfect blend of crunch and creaminess. This Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies recipe offers just that! A unique twist on a classic dessert, these cookies incorporate the flavors of a strawberry sundae into a delicious bar cookie. Perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or to end a lovely meal, they're sure to impress your guests.
The key ingredient here is the strawberry cake mix, which may not be a common pantry staple for some. If it's not in your baking ingredients stash, you'll need to add it to your grocery list. This mix is readily available in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Also, cream cheese frosting is used to add creaminess and enhance the flavor of the cookies, another ingredient to check off your list if you don't have it at home.
Ingredients for Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
Strawberry cake mix: This serves as the base ingredient for the cookies, providing the strawberry flavor and the primary sweetness.
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
Cream cheese: Gives the cookies a tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
Cream cheese frosting: Used to add an extra layer of creaminess and sweetness.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and give the cookies their structure.
One reader, Aristotle Su says:
This strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies recipe is a game-changer! The combination of strawberry cake mix and cream cheese frosting creates a heavenly treat. The crunch from the crumble topping adds a delightful texture. These cookies are a hit with everyone who tries them. A must-try for all dessert lovers!
Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
Preheat the oven: Set the temperature to 325 degrees F to ensure the oven is adequately heated before baking.
Beat the cake mix and butter: Use an electric mixer on low speed to combine the cake mix and butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press the crumble mixture into the pan: After reserving 1 cup of the crumble mixture, press the rest into the bottom of the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan.
Beat the cream cheese and frosting: Use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese and frosting together until smooth.
Beat in the eggs: Once the cream cheese and frosting are smooth, add the eggs and beat until well blended.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it evenly in the pan.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top: Evenly distribute the reserved crumble mixture over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
Bake in the oven: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the mixture is set and golden.
Let the bars cool: Allow the bars to cool completely for about 30 minutes after removing them from the oven.
Refrigerate the bars: Cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until they are chilled.
Cut the bars into squares: Once chilled, cut the bars into 6x6 rows for serving.
How To Make Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
Indulge your taste buds with a luscious bite of these bar cookies, made with strawberry cake mix and cream cheese, that’s hard to resist!
Serves:
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 15.25ozstrawberry cake mix,(1 package)
- ½cupbutter,softened
- 8ozcream cheese,(2 packages), softened
- 16ozcream cheese frosting,(1 container)
- 3large eggs
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
-
Beat the cake mix and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of crumble mixture, then press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
Beat the cream cheese and frosting together in the same bowl until smooth. Beat in the eggs until well blended.
-
Pour over the crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly on top.
-
Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until set and golden. Let cool completely for about 30 minutes.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled.
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Cut bars into 6×6 rows, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 155.03kcal
- Fat: 8.36g
- Saturated Fat: 3.73g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.25g
- Carbohydrates: 18.98g
- Fiber: 0.16g
- Sugar: 8.23g
- Protein: 1.50g
- Cholesterol: 29.21mg
- Sodium: 126.17mg
- Calcium: 28.26mg
- Potassium: 27.42mg
- Iron: 0.27mg
- Vitamin A: 51.77µg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
When preparing the strawberry cake mix and butter crumble, it's important to achieve the right texture. If the mixture is too dry, it won't hold together well in the pan. If it's too wet, it won't crumble properly. Aim for a texture similar to wet sand. This can be achieved by adding the butter gradually and stopping once the desired consistency is reached.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
Prep ahead: Prepare the cake mix and crumble mixture the night before and store them in airtight containers to save time on the day of baking.
Use pre-made frosting: Opt for store-bought cream cheese frosting to skip the step of making it from scratch, saving you time and effort.
Chill in advance: Refrigerate the bars overnight after baking to allow them to set properly, making them easier to cut into clean, uniform squares the next day.
Invest in a good mixer: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer can significantly speed up the process of mixing the ingredients, making the preparation quicker and more efficient.
Bake in batches: If you need to make a large quantity of bars, consider baking them in multiple smaller pans simultaneously to save time and ensure even baking.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies Recipe
cooking spray - Substitute with butter or oil: Cooking spray can be substituted with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
strawberry cake mix - Substitute with vanilla or white cake mix with strawberry flavoring: If you don't have strawberry cake mix, you can use vanilla or white cake mix and add strawberry flavoring to achieve a similar taste.
butter - Substitute with margarine or coconut oil: Margarine or coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt or mascarpone: Greek yogurt or mascarpone can be used as a substitute for cream cheese to provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
cream cheese frosting - Substitute with whipped cream or vanilla frosting: Whipped cream or vanilla frosting can be used as a substitute for cream cheese frosting to provide a lighter and sweeter alternative.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce or mashed banana: Applesauce or mashed banana can be used as a substitute for eggs to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the recipe.
Presenting Your Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and precise placement of the cookies to showcase the layers and textures of the dessert.
Incorporate fresh berries: Add a touch of freshness and color to the presentation by garnishing the plate with fresh strawberries and blueberries. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the strawberry flavor in the cookies.
Utilize decorative elements: Consider incorporating decorative elements such as edible flower petals or mint leaves to add a sophisticated touch to the presentation. These elements can elevate the overall aesthetic and create a memorable impression.
Emphasize contrast: Create visual interest by incorporating elements that provide contrast, such as a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The contrast in colors and textures will make the dessert visually striking.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is meticulous and well-balanced. Every detail, from the arrangement of the cookies to the placement of garnishes, should reflect precision and care.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware that complements the dessert. Consider using fine china or glass dessert plates to enhance the overall presentation and create a sense of sophistication.
Incorporate height: Experiment with the use of varying heights in the presentation. Consider serving the cookies on a raised pedestal or incorporating elements that add vertical dimension, such as a delicate sugar sculpture or a spun sugar garnish.
Create a focal point: Design the presentation to have a focal point that draws the eye. This could be achieved by placing the cookies in the center of the plate and framing them with complementary elements, drawing attention to the star of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
- Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking pans and dishes to prevent food from sticking.
- Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients in baking and cooking.
- 9x13-inch baking pan: A rectangular baking pan with dimensions of 9x13 inches, commonly used for baking cakes, bars, and other desserts.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food by exposing it to dry heat.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and turning food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together in cooking and baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
- Once the strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies have cooled completely, cut them into individual bars or squares.
- Place the bars in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring that it is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the bars from drying out.
- If you want to freeze the strawberry sundae crunch bars for later consumption, follow these steps:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, labeling it with the date of freezing.
- Store the bars in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
- If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can microwave the thawed strawberry sundae crunch bars for a few seconds before serving.
- To maintain the best quality and texture, avoid refreezing the bars once they have been thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
The best way to reheat leftover strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the cream cheese layer is slightly gooey. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the bars, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the bars in the microwave. Place a single bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. Check the bar and heat it for an additional 5-10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat the bar, as this can cause the cream cheese layer to become too runny and the cake mix crust to become soggy.
For a crispy crust, you can reheat the bars in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars in the basket, making sure they're not touching each other. Heat the bars for 3-5 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on the bars to ensure they don't burn.
If you want to enjoy the bars cold, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cream cheese layer to soften slightly, making the bars easier to bite into and enjoy.
Random Fact About Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
The strawberry cake mix used in this recipe contains artificial flavoring to enhance the taste and aroma of the cookies.
Is Making Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens and are reasonably priced. The use of strawberry cake mix and cream cheese makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an affordable treat. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10 for its simplicity, delicious flavor, and economical nature.
Are Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients like strawberry cake mix and cream cheese frosting, which are high in sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
- Butter and cream cheese contribute significant amounts of saturated fat to the recipe.
- The recipe lacks any nutritious ingredients like whole grains, fruits, or vegetables.
Consuming these cookies in moderation is fine, but regular indulgence could contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the strawberry cake mix with a homemade version using whole wheat flour, fresh strawberries, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Swap out half of the butter for Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce saturated fat and add protein or healthy fats.
- Use a reduced-fat cream cheese and make a lighter frosting with Greek yogurt and a small amount of powdered sugar.
- Incorporate some oats or chopped nuts into the crust for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the overall amount of sugar in the recipe by using less frosting or replacing some of the sugar with natural sweeteners.
By making these adjustments, you can create a treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides some nutritional benefits.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies Recipe
This recipe for Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies is a delightful and indulgent treat. The combination of strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, and cream cheese frosting creates a luscious and rich flavor profile. The crunch from the crumble topping adds a satisfying texture, making each bite a delightful experience. The ease of preparation and the vibrant colors make this recipe perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings. These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries.
Enhance Your Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies
Why trust this Strawberry Sundae Crunch Bar Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful creation that combines the convenience of a cake mix with the rich flavors of strawberry and cream cheese. The use of strawberry cake mix ensures a burst of fruity flavor, while the addition of cream cheese frosting and cream cheese creates a lusciously creamy texture. The step-by-step instructions provide a clear and easy-to-follow guide, ensuring a successful outcome. With the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, these strawberry sundae crunch bar cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
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