Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
The sweet scent of strawberries wafting through your kitchen, the soft, moist texture of rich brownies, and the creamy frosting inviting you to take a bite — these are the delightful sensations you’ll experience when you make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies. Imagine biting into a luscious treat that beautifully combines the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake with the indulgence of fudgy brownies. This dessert offers a visual feast with its vibrant pink hue and crunchy golden topping, making it a perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering or special occasion.
Table of Contents
This recipe brings back memories of childhood picnics where juicy strawberries were the star of the show. Everyone would gather around, laughter filling the air, and we’d devour anything strawberry-flavored. Making these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about recreating that joyful spirit and making new memories. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started on this fun and delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip up these brownies in about an hour, making them an easy choice for last-minute gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of the strawberry cake mix and creamy filling provides a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With their lovely pink hues and speckled cookie topping, they’re as visually pleasing as they are delicious.
- Flexible Serving: These brownies are perfect for picnics, birthday parties, or just a sweet snack whenever you crave something lovely.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Consider alternative cake mixes to create gluten-free versions or dairy-free substitutes if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the base flavor for your brownies. It creates that signature strawberry taste. Look for high-quality brands for the best results.
- ½ cup Salted Butter (melted): Adds richness to the brownies. If you prefer, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt instead.
- 2 Large Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together, making your brownies moist. Room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin: Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a vibrancy to the brownies. You can substitute with a fruit-flavored gelatin if desired.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened): This is for the creamy filling. Make sure it’s fully softened to ensure a smooth frosting.
- ¼ cup Salted Butter (softened): Used in the frosting, this adds creaminess. Like the melted version, opt for unsalted if you are watching your salt intake.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Provides a lovely aromatic note. Always go for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. If you want a less sweet version, simply reduce the sugar.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream: A little bit will go a long way to achieve a fluffy frosting consistency.
- 20 Golden Oreos: These provide a crunchy texture to sprinkle on top. You can use any other crunchy cookies if you prefer.
- 4 tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin: For sprinkling over the crushed cookies. Feel free to adjust for a punchier strawberry flavor.
- 4 tablespoons Salted Butter (melted): Combines with the crushed cookies to form a tasty topping.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is crucial for easy removal once your brownies are baked and cooled.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Mix them until well blended; expect a thick batter. This thickness is what gives your brownies that deliciously fudgy texture.
Spread Evenly: Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to smooth the surface as much as possible. Bake your brownies for about 25 minutes, or until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising deliciousness!
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While your brownies cool completely, make the creamy filling. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and combined. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. This creamy layer adds a delightful contrast to the brownies.
Spread Frosting: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. This is where the magic begins, as the sweet creaminess pairs perfectly with the strawberry flavors.
Prepare Cookie Crumbs: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they break down into crumbs, leaving some larger chunks for texture. This will create a delightful crunch on top of your brownies. You want a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces to create layers of texture.
Mix Crumbs with Gelatin: Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs, and drizzle melted butter on top. Pulse in the food processor until well combined. This will bring out the strawberry flavor in the cookie topping even more.
Top Brownies: Sprinkle the Oreo mixture over the cream cheese frosting, and gently press down to secure the topping. This step is key to ensure that every bite has that delightful crunch.
Cut and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares. Feel free to serve them immediately for a wonderful treat or let them chill for a bit to enhance the flavors. Each square looks scrumptious and inviting!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about a week. For longer-term storage, freeze the brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked feel.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth frosting. If it’s too cold, you’ll have lumps.
- Check your brownie doneness with a toothpick; it’s okay if slight crumbs stick to it, but it shouldn’t be batter.
- To prevent your brownies from sticking, allow them to cool completely before cutting, as this helps set the frosting.
- If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding fresh strawberries right on top of the frosting before adding the cookie crumb mixture.
- These brownies can be made ahead — a day in advance brings all the flavors together beautifully!
It’s hard to resist the allure of Strawberry Shortcake Brownies! With their moist, fudgy texture, creamy frosting, and crunchy cookie topping, these brownies quickly become a favorite indulgence. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors or toppings to make it your own. There’s something so special about sharing treats made from the heart. Enjoy each delicious bite and make wonderful memories fresh from your kitchen!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra fruity punch. Just make sure to slice them thinly and pat them dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the frosting.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Look for mixes specifically designed for baking for the best results.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
How can I store leftover brownies?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze them as described above!
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📖 Recipe Card
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine the richness of fudgy brownies with strawberry cake mix and creamy frosting, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, they promise to bring joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Cake Mix
- ½ cup Salted Butter (melted)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin
- 8 oz 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
- 4 tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin
- 4 tablespoons Salted Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and gelatin until well blended.
- Spread batter evenly in the baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Cool brownies completely before adding frosting.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
- Crush Golden Oreos and mix with remaining gelatin and melted butter.
- Sprinkle Oreo mixture over the frosting and gently press down.
- Cut the brownies into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother frosting.
For a richer strawberry flavor, top with fresh strawberries before adding cookie crumbs.
Cool brownies completely for easier cutting and to set the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
