Strawberry Crunch Bars
Strawberry Crunch Bars with a soft strawberry cake base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and a crunchy Golden Oreo topping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix about 15.25 oz
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry agar-agar powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 20 Golden Oreo cookies
- 4 tablespoons strawberry agar-agar powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, eggs, and 2 tablespoons strawberry agar-agar powder. Stir until no dry mix remains; the batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it into the corners with a spatula.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely to room temperature in the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla bean paste, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, beat in the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled strawberry cake layer, smoothing the top with an offset spatula or spoon.
- Place the Golden Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they form rough crumbs with some larger pieces remaining.
- Add 4 tablespoons strawberry agar-agar powder to the crumbs and pulse a few times to combine.
- Pour in 1/4 cup melted butter and pulse just until the mixture is evenly coated and starts to clump slightly.
- Sprinkle the strawberry Oreo crumble evenly over the frosted bars and gently press it down with your hands so it adheres without compacting the layer.
- Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes to set, then slice into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
- For easiest slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.