Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Remove your pie crust from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the brownie mixture (about 5 minutes). This prevents it from cracking during baking.

Make the brownie layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 (10 ounce) package fudge brownie mix, 1/4 cup oil, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 egg. Beat with a spoon for about 50 strokes (approximately 1–2 minutes) until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The batter should look thick and fudgy.

Spread and bake brownie layer: Pour the brownie mixture into your pie crust and spread it evenly across the bottom with a spatula. Place the pie on the center oven rack. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should look shiny and the center should feel set when you gently jiggle the pan (it should not jiggle much). After 15–20 minutes of baking, if the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil. Checkpoint: You are ready to move on when the brownie layer is set on top, feels slightly firm in the center, and looks glossy.

Prepare cream cheese mixture: While the brownies are baking (around the 15-minute mark), combine 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 egg in a small mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or by hand for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no lumps. It should look like thick pudding.

Add cream cheese layer: Remove the brownie layer from the oven. Working quickly, drop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the top of the warm brownie layer (don't worry if the brownie is still warm—this helps the cream cheese set better). Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the cream cheese mixture to cover the entire brownie layer in an even, thin layer (about 1/4 inch thick). Checkpoint: You are ready to move on when the cream cheese layer is smooth and covers all the brownies.

Bake cream cheese layer: Return the pie to the oven on the center rack. Bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes. The cream cheese layer is done when it looks slightly set on top and doesn't jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The top will not brown much—it should look pale with a few tiny cracks visible.

Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a countertop or table for at least 60 minutes at room temperature. This cooling time is essential—it allows the cream cheese layer to fully set and makes the next steps easier. Do not skip this step.

Add strawberries: Wash and pat dry 3 cups of fresh strawberries. Cut each strawberry in half lengthwise. Arrange the strawberry halves cut-side down over the entire cream cheese layer, starting from the center and working outward in a circular pattern. You can arrange them in concentric circles or however you prefer—get creative! The berries should cover most of the cream cheese layer.

Chill the pie: Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 60 minutes (or up to 8 hours). Chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the pie to set completely. Checkpoint: You are ready to serve when the pie is cold to the touch and feels firm when you gently press the cream cheese layer.

Prepare fudge topping: Just before serving, place 2 tablespoons of chocolate fudge topping (the kind used for ice cream) in a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave on the defrost setting (50% power) for 45 seconds. The topping should be warm and pourable but not hot.

Drizzle topping: Transfer the warm fudge topping into a small resealable plastic bag (like a sandwich bag). Seal the bag and use scissors to carefully cut a tiny hole (about 1/4 inch) in one bottom corner of the bag. Hold the bag over the pie and gently squeeze to create thin drizzles of chocolate fudge over the strawberries. Drizzle in a crisscross pattern or however you like—about 2–3 drizzles total.

Serve: Slice the pie with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices. Serve immediately while the fudge topping is still slightly warm and the strawberries are cold and fresh. Each slice should show the three distinct layers: brownie, cream cheese, and strawberries with fudge drizzle on top.