Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
There’s just something magical about combining two all-time favorite desserts into one treat. Strawberry cheesecake brownies hit that perfect sweet spot—literally. They’re fudgy, creamy, and topped with a buttery strawberry shortcake crumble that takes these bars to another level. If you’re a fan of strawberries, cheesecake, or brownies (and honestly, who isn’t?), this recipe is for you. It’s easy, indulgent, and has a fun pop of color that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
I remember the first time I made these. It was for a friend’s birthday, and I wanted something more unique than the usual cupcakes or cookies. When I brought these out, everyone’s eyes lit up—bright pink brownies topped with a golden crumble? Instant hit. The best part? Watching people take their first bite and hearing that satisfied “mmm” that’s almost involuntary. Let’s just say they didn’t last long.
A little love story about these brownies
Brownies and cheesecake have been beloved desserts for ages, but the idea of combining them into something fruity and playful like this feels a little more modern. Strawberry brownies themselves have become quite trendy thanks to their sweet-tart flavor and that stunning color, but pairing them with cream cheese frosting and an Oreo-based crumble is what gives this recipe its wow factor. It’s inspired by strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, and if you grew up loving those, this dessert will give you all the nostalgia feels. What I love is how this dish bridges casual and fancy—it’s perfectly at home at a picnic or a party.
Let’s talk ingredients: what makes this recipe shine
- Strawberry cake mix: This is the secret to the vibrant pink brownies. It’s also what makes them super easy to whip up. If you’re out of strawberry cake mix, white or vanilla cake mix with a touch of strawberry extract and food coloring works in a pinch.
- Strawberry gelatin: This amps up the strawberry flavor and gives the brownies their signature tang. You’ll also use it for the crumble, tying everything together beautifully.
- Cream cheese: The hero of the frosting. Make sure it’s softened for a smooth and creamy result. If you’re in a pinch, mascarpone cheese can work too, though it’ll be a little sweeter.
- Golden Oreos: These are the base for the crumble, providing crunch and sweetness. Vanilla wafers are a good substitute if needed.
- Butter: Melted butter is what binds everything together in both the brownie batter and the crumble. Use salted butter to balance all the sweetness.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need
- 8×8 baking dish: This is the perfect size for brownies that are thick and satisfying. If you only have a larger pan, the brownies will be thinner, so watch the baking time.
- Parchment paper: A must for easy removal—no one likes brownies stuck to the pan.
- Food processor: This makes quick work of crushing the Oreos for the crumble. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag and a rolling pin work just as well.
- Mixer: An electric mixer makes whipping up the frosting a breeze, but you can go old-school with a whisk if needed (and a little patience).
Step-by-step: let’s make these beauties together
- Prep the pan and oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy lifting later. Spray the paper lightly with non-stick spray.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be. Use a rubber spatula to press it evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake and cool: Bake the brownies for 25 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and look set when they’re done. Let them cool completely before adding the frosting—this is key to avoiding a melty mess.
- Make the frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, whipping until fluffy and spreadable. If you like a lighter frosting, add an extra tablespoon of cream.
- Spread and crumble: Frost the cooled brownies generously, then set them aside while you make the crumble.
- Prepare the crumble: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos into crumbs, leaving some larger chunks for texture. Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the crumbs, then drizzle in the melted butter. Pulse again a few times until everything’s combined but still crumbly.
- Top and press: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the frosted brownies, pressing it lightly to help it stick. Now comes the hard part—waiting! Chill the brownies for at least 30 minutes to set everything.

Variations and twists: make it your own
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crumble.
- Vegan version: Substitute plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and egg replacers for a dairy-free and egg-free twist.
- Seasonal flavors: Swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry gelatin for a different fruity spin. Or try a lemon cake mix and lemon pudding for a zesty twist!
- Chocolate-covered strawberry vibes: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate between the frosting and the crumble for an indulgent touch.
- Festive flair: Use sprinkles in the crumble for a birthday-worthy variation, or tint the frosting with food coloring to match a holiday theme.
Presentation ideas: make them party-ready
For a showstopping presentation, cut the brownies into neat squares or even use a round cookie cutter for circle-shaped bars. Arrange them on a pretty platter and sprinkle a few extra cookie crumbs around the edges for decoration. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Drinks that pair perfectly
I love these with a glass of cold milk (classic!), but if you’re entertaining, they pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling rosé or even a strawberry mojito. For a non-alcoholic option, strawberry lemonade is a perfect match.
Storage and reheating tips
Store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you need to stack them, separate layers with wax paper to keep the frosting intact. For longer storage, freeze them (without the crumble topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add the crumble before serving.
Scaling the recipe for a crowd
To make a larger batch, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes. For smaller portions, halve the recipe and use a loaf pan. Just know that smaller batches disappear faster!
Troubleshooting tips
- Brownies too dry: Be sure to measure the butter accurately, and don’t overbake.
- Frosting too runny: Chill it for 10 minutes before spreading, or add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Crumble too fine: Pulse the Oreos less—some larger chunks add great texture!
Give it a try!
These strawberry cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a night in with your favorite rom-com. They’re sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all at once. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavors and make them your own!

FAQ
1. Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite recipe, it’ll work just fine here.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Milk or half-and-half will work, though the frosting won’t be as rich.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re even better the next day after chilling!
4. Do I have to use a food processor for the crumble?
Nope! A zip-top bag and rolling pin work great.
5. Can I skip the crumble topping?
You can, but it adds an irresistible crunch that’s worth the effort.

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Sweet, creamy, and topped with a buttery strawberry crumble, these strawberry cheesecake brownies are your new favorite dessert mashup.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 oz. block cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup salted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream
Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Ingredients:
- 20 Golden Oreos about ½ standard package
- 4 T. salted butter melted
- 4 T. strawberry gelatin the remaining amount
Instructions
- Prep the pan and oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy lifting later. Spray the paper lightly with non-stick spray.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be. Use a rubber spatula to press it evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake and cool: Bake the brownies for 25 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and look set when they’re done. Let them cool completely before adding the frosting—this is key to avoiding a melty mess.
- Make the frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, whipping until fluffy and spreadable. If you like a lighter frosting, add an extra tablespoon of cream.
- Spread and crumble: Frost the cooled brownies generously, then set them aside while you make the crumble.
- Prepare the crumble: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos into crumbs, leaving some larger chunks for texture. Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the crumbs, then drizzle in the melted butter. Pulse again a few times until everything’s combined but still crumbly.
- Top and press: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the frosted brownies, pressing it lightly to help it stick. Now comes the hard part—waiting! Chill the brownies for at least 30 minutes to set everything.
Notes
Presentation ideas: make them party-ready
For a showstopping presentation, cut the brownies into neat squares or even use a round cookie cutter for circle-shaped bars. Arrange them on a pretty platter and sprinkle a few extra cookie crumbs around the edges for decoration. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert