Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Imagine the heavenly aroma of freshly baked Strawberry Shortcake Brownies wafting through your kitchen, beckoning you with its sweet, fruity scent. Picture biting into a rich, moist brownie topped with creamy frosting and a layer of crunchy, buttery cookie crumbs, all while the tartness of strawberries dances on your taste buds. This dessert perfectly melds comforting brownie texture with the lightness of strawberry shortcake, making it a playful and indulgent treat. In the warmer months, when strawberries are at their peak, these brownies take me back to childhood summers spent picking strawberries with family, their sun-warmed sweetness fresh on our fingers. There’s just something so joyful about strawberries that makes each bite feel like a celebration! So why not bring a little sunshine into your day by whipping up a batch of these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Brownies? You’ll be glad you did!
Table of Contents
These brownies are bound to be a hit at your next gathering, family BBQ, or weekend treat. Their vibrant colors and scrumptious layers will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also impress your friends and family. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to bring joy and deliciousness into your life without taking up too much of your time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in about an hour, making them a breeze for any occasion.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich brownie base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and crunchy topping create an explosion of tastes and textures.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The lovely pink hue from the strawberries makes these brownies as pretty as they are tasty.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a special treat for breakfast on a leisurely weekend.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With simple substitutions, you can create gluten-free or dairy-free versions of these brownies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 strawberry cake mix: This is the base of our brownies, providing that signature strawberry flavor. If you prefer homemade, you can use a DIY strawberry cake recipe.
- ½ cup salted butter, melted: This gives richness and moisture to the brownies. Unsalted butter can be used as a substitute if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 2 large eggs: For binding and adding structure to the brownies. Room temperature eggs mix better, so try to pull them from the fridge ahead of time.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: It enhances the strawberry flavor while adding a subtle texture. You can use raspberry gelatin if you’d like to mix it up.
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened: This creates our creamy filling. Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich taste.
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened: This blends beautifully into the frosting, giving it a velvety texture. At room temperature, it combines more easily.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract brings depth to the flavor—a must-have for all desserts!
- ½ cup powdered sugar: To sweeten the frosting without making it too heavy. You could also use a sugar substitute if you prefer a lower sugar option.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: This adjusts the consistency of the frosting. If you want a thicker frosting, use less cream.
- 20 Golden Oreos (about ½ standard package): The crunch from these cookies adds a delightful contrast to the soft brownie and frosting. You can substitute with gluten-free cookies if needed.
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (remaining): This adds flavor to the cookie crumb topping, ensuring every component shines through.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: It binds the cookie crumbs together and adds richness—totally worth it!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal and clean-up later. Don’t skip this step—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when the brownies come out perfectly!
Mix Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, the strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well blended. The batter will be thick and fragrant. This thickness is essential for achieving that perfect brownie-like consistency.
Spread and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting—this is an important wait, but it will be worth it!
Make Frosting: While the brownies cool, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and vanilla extract until everything is combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy. The right consistency is light and creamy—perfect for spreading!
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over the top. Don’t be shy with it; the more, the merrier! Plus, this step adds a lovely, creamy layer that can’t be missed.
Prepare the Topping: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they’re crushed but still have some larger chunks. It gives texture that’s essential for the topping. Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the crumbs, and drizzle with the melted butter before pulsing a few more times until combined.
Top with Crumbs: Carefully sprinkle the Oreo crumb mixture over the frosted brownies. Gently press them down into the frosting. This extra step ensures they stick well and adds that irresistible crunch to every slice. It’s a delicious contrast to the smooth frosting!
Cut and Serve: Finally, cut your brownies into squares and serve them up! Each slice reveals the beautiful layers—brownie, frosting, and crumb—that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy every moment of it!
Storing & Reheating
For best results, store your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them where they’ll last about a week. You can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds; just remember the texture may be slightly different once thawed.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to ensure they remain tender instead of tough.
- Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the frosting—it makes mixing so much smoother.
- If you can’t find Golden Oreos, any vanilla sandwich cookie will work just as well.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with milk if you’re in a pinch; the frosting just won’t be as rich.
- For an added pop of flavor, consider folding in chopped strawberries into the frosting before spreading!
The joy of baking these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies comes from the beautiful combination of flavors and textures, offering something delightful in every single bite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations; maybe add a drizzle of chocolate or use other cookies for the topping! Each tweak can lead to a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make dessert a reason to celebrate!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be folded into the cream cheese frosting or even sprinkled on top after frosting. Just make sure to use them right away, as they can release moisture over time.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Just check the packaging to ensure it’s suitable for your dietary needs.
What should I do if the brownies come out too dry?
If your brownies feel dry, it may be due to overbaking. To prevent it next time, check them at the earlier baking time and remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to a week in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, just give it a quick stir to bring back its creamy texture.
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📖 Recipe Card
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine the rich texture of brownies with creamy frosting and fresh strawberries, making a perfect treat that’s easy to prepare. They are colorful and bursting with flavor, ideal for gatherings or a sweet moment at home.
Ingredients
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 20 Golden Oreos (about ½ standard package)
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (remaining)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix melted butter, eggs, cake mix, and strawberry gelatin until combined.
- Spread batter in the dish and bake for 25 minutes until set.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla, then add powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
- Frost the cooled brownies generously.
- Crush Golden Oreos and mix with remaining gelatin and melted butter, then sprinkle over frosting.
- Press down lightly and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
For gluten-free, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version.
Use other cookies if Golden Oreos aren’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
