Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe

Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

If you’re a fan of both brownies and strawberry shortcake, you’re in for a delightful surprise! These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine the rich, chewy texture of brownies with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberry shortcake. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds — a vibrant strawberry brownie base topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumble. Perfect for spring gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight dessert, these brownies are bound to impress everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

These brownies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The soft, dense strawberry brownie layer is made with a cake mix shortcut, keeping things simple without sacrificing taste. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberry flavor. And let’s not forget the crowning touch — a strawberry shortcake crumble made from Golden Oreos and strawberry gelatin that adds both flavor and a satisfying crunch. Easy to make and utterly delicious, this dessert will be a hit at any event!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

For the Brownies:

• 1 strawberry cake mix — Provides the base flavor and color for the brownies.
• ½ cup salted butter, melted — Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
• 2 large eggs — Adds moisture and structure to the brownies.
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin — Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a lovely pink hue.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened — The main component of the frosting, providing a smooth and tangy flavor.
• ¼ cup salted butter, softened — Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
• ½ cup powdered sugar — Sweetens the frosting while maintaining a smooth texture.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream — Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

For the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble:

• 20 Golden Oreos (about ½ standard package) — Provides the crunchy base for the crumble.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted — Helps bind the crumble together and adds richness.
• 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (the remaining amount) — Adds additional strawberry flavor and color to the crumble.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch glass baking dish — Ideal for baking brownies evenly.
• Parchment paper — Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan.
• Mixing bowls — For combining the brownie batter, frosting, and crumble.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer — Essential for whipping up the cream cheese frosting to a light, fluffy consistency.
• Food processor — For pulsing the Golden Oreos into a crumble.
• Spatula — For spreading the batter and frosting smoothly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the brownies from the pan once they are baked.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted butter, 2 large eggs, the strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Mix until well combined; the batter will be thick, so use a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Bake the Brownies

Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before moving on to the next step.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, one at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

5. Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Make sure the frosting covers every corner for a uniform taste in each bite.

6. Make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they break into pieces, making sure to leave some larger chunks for texture. Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs, then drizzle with melted butter. Pulse a few more times until everything is combined but still chunky.

7. Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the strawberry shortcake crumble generously over the frosted brownies. Gently press down with a spatula or your fingers to ensure the crumbs adhere to the frosting.

8. Cut and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. Serve them on a decorative platter or store them for later.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Let the Brownies Cool Completely: The cream cheese frosting will melt if applied to warm brownies, so be patient and let them cool fully.
• Keep an Eye on the Crumble: Make sure not to over-process the Golden Oreos; you want a mix of crumbs and larger chunks for the perfect texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and gluten-free cookies for the Golden Oreos to create a gluten-free version of these brownies.
• Different Flavors: Try swapping the strawberry cake mix for lemon or chocolate for a different flavor combination.
• Healthier Alternative: Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream in the frosting for a lighter option.

How to Serve and Present Your Brownies

Serve these brownies on a pretty dessert plate with fresh strawberries on the side for a beautiful presentation. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized pieces for a fun, easy-to-eat dessert bar treat. Pair them with a refreshing iced tea or a cold glass of milk.

Storing Leftovers

To store any leftovers, place the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold cream cheese or butter will result in a lumpy frosting. Make sure all ingredients are softened before mixing.
• Overbaking the Brownies: Baking for too long can make the brownies dry and crumbly. Check them at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Not Pressing Down the Crumble: Failing to press down the crumble into the frosting can cause it to fall off when cutting or serving.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry gelatin? Fresh strawberries might not provide the same concentrated flavor and color as gelatin, but you can try adding finely chopped strawberries to the batter for a fresh twist.
• How do I make the frosting thicker? Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crumble? Yes, graham crackers or vanilla wafers would work well as a substitute for Golden Oreos.

conclusion

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a fun and unique twist on classic desserts that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, they bring together the flavors of summer in every bite. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes.

Print