Name: Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

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The sweet scent of strawberry nostalgia fills the air as you walk into the kitchen, and you can almost taste the memories of summertime. The sight of these decadent Strawberry Shortcake Brownies with their vibrant pink hue and luscious cream filling brings a smile to your face. There’s something inherently joyful about a dessert that combines moist cake, creamy frosting, and a playful crunch on top. It reminds me of carefree afternoons spent at picnics, where the strawberries were ripe for picking and laughter danced like sunshine.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

As the warm sun kisses your skin, indulging in these brownies feels like a celebration of the season. Each bite is not only a treat to your taste buds but also a spark of joy that transports you back to cherished moments with friends and family. Whether it’s a warm summer day or a cozy gathering indoors, these brownies are meant to be shared, enjoyed, and relished. So let’s whip up a batch and create some fresh memories together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in about an hour, perfect for those unexpected sweet cravings.
Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the perfect pairing of sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese—yum!
Eye-Catching Appeal: With a gorgeous pink tint and cookie crumble topping, they are just adorable!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy these brownies at any time—dessert, snacks for gatherings, or even breakfast treats!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the ingredients for gluten-free needs with the right cake mix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This is the foundation of our brownies, providing moisture and flavor. Use a brand you like, or if you prefer, you can make a homemade cake mix.
½ cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness to the brownies. If you want to reduce the saltiness, unsalted butter works well too!
2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together for a moist texture. Room temperature eggs integrate better into the mix.
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: Enhances that strawberry flavor and adds a beautiful color. You can substitute it with other fruit gelatins if you like.
8-ounce block cream cheese, softened: This creamy filling makes the brownies decadent. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: This adds to the creaminess of the frosting. Room temperature is best for optimal blending.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for enhancing flavor. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for its robust taste.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting. For lower sugar options, try a sugar substitute.
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps achieve the right consistency in the frosting. You can adjust the amount for your preference.
20 Golden Oreos (about ½ standard package): These cookies create a delightful crunchy topping. If desired, opt for a gluten-free version.
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This is the remainder from the original amount that adds flavor to the Oreos.
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: This helps bind the crumbled cookies into a delicious topping.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch glass baking dish, line it with parchment paper, and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the brownies release smoothly when they’re done.

Mix the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted ½ cup of butter, two eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Mix it all together until it’s well combined, and don’t worry if the batter seems thick; that’s what you want!

Spread and Bake: Using a rubber spatula, spread the luscious batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake these beauties for about 25 minutes. They are ready when they’re soft to the touch and spring back slightly, with edges that look golden and inviting.

Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, take a mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of softened butter, and vanilla extract. Blend until it’s smooth and fluffy, then gradually add in the powdered sugar and necessary heavy cream until everything is perfectly whisked together.

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread that creamy frosting generously over the top. It’s the perfect layer that brings everything together!

Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until you get a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks. This creates that delightful texture. Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs and drizzle the melted butter. Pulse a few more times until it’s all mixed up.

Top and Press: Sprinkle the Oreo crunch evenly over the frosted brownies and gently press down to make sure they stick. This adds a wonderful textural layer that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the brownies.

Slice and Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve them up. Enjoy them fresh or share them with others to spread the joy!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Strawberry Shortcake Brownies can be stored at room temperature for about two days, ideally in an airtight container to maintain moisture. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For freezing, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container, keeping them fresh for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The flavors can intensify slightly, so be prepared for a delightful treat!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to use room temperature ingredients for your frosting—it helps create that creamy texture without lumps.
Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to keep them soft; mix just until combined.
If the brownies seem too crumbly after baking, it might be a sign to adjust your baking time next round; they should be moist!
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh strawberry slices on top of the frosted brownies just before serving.
Feel free to make these brownies a day ahead; they often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!

Each batch of these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies is truly a celebration of sweetness, inviting you to explore new flavors and textures. Experimenting with different ingredients can be part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to reflect your own tastes! Enjoy these sweet creations any time of the year; they are perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While the strawberry cake mix provides the signature flavor, you can experiment with lemon, vanilla, or even chocolate cake mixes. Just remember that this may change the overall taste of the brownies significantly, so choose a flavor you love.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, simply swap the regular strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free variety. Make sure any other added ingredients, like the cookies, are also gluten-free.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a cream cheese alternative, consider using mascarpone cheese for a rich flavor or a vegan cream cheese if you want a dairy-free option. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness if necessary!

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The best indicator that your brownies are done is when the edges are set and slightly pulling away from the pan. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, you may have overbaked them. Enjoy the perfect fudgy texture!