Sweet Berry Bliss: Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe

Sweet, decadent strawberry shortcake brownies combine two beloved desserts in one irresistible treat.

Chocolatey brownie layers meld perfectly with fresh, vibrant strawberries for a delightful fusion.

Each bite promises a rich, indulgent experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Soft, fudgy brownies create a luxurious base for the bright, fruity topping.

The contrast of textures and flavors makes this dessert truly special.

Creamy whipped cream adds a dreamy finish that elevates every single slice.

These brownies are sure to become your new favorite summer dessert that everyone will adore.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Win Hearts

• Combine strawberry cake mix, gelatin, and Golden Oreos for a rich, multilayered taste explosion that transforms traditional brownies into a gourmet dessert experience.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to create an impressive sweet treat without complicated techniques.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or casual weekend treats that will surprise and delight everyone with its unique strawberry shortcake twist on classic brownies.
• Includes multiple texture elements like soft brownies, creamy frosting, and crunchy Oreo crumble, ensuring each bite delivers a delightful sensory experience.

What You’ll Need for Shortcake Brownies

• Strawberry Cake Mix: Provides the primary flavor and structure for the brownie base.
• Butter, Melted: Adds richness and moisture to the brownie batter.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth texture.
• Strawberry Gelatin: Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds moisture to the brownies.

• Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates a creamy and tangy frosting base.
• Butter, Softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth of flavor to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Helps adjust the frosting consistency for easy spreading.

• Golden Oreos, Whole: Provides a crunchy and sweet cookie crumble topping.
• Strawberry Gelatin, Additional: Adds extra strawberry flavor to the crumble.
• Butter, Melted: Helps bind the cookie crumble together.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch glass pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray to ensure easy brownie removal later.

Step 2: Create Luscious Brownie Batter

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Strawberry cake mix
• Strawberry gelatin

Stir everything together with a rubber spatula until the mixture looks smooth and thick.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the hot oven and bake for about 25 minutes.

Look for set edges and a clean toothpick test.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract

Gradually blend in powdered sugar until fluffy.

Add heavy cream to reach your ideal frosting consistency.

Step 5: Frost with Finesse

Once brownies are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting edge to edge for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Create Crunchy Shortcake Topping

Pulse Golden Oreos in a food processor until you have a mix of crumbs and chunks.

Sprinkle strawberry gelatin over the cookies.

Drizzle melted butter and pulse briefly to combine.

Step 7: Add Crumble Excitement

Generously scatter the strawberry shortcake crumble over the frosted brownies.

Gently press down to help the crumbs stick.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares using a sharp knife.

Arrange on a pretty platter and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Smart Tips for Shortcake Brownie Success

• Line the baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy brownie removal and clean cutting.
• Mix batter thoroughly with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a uniform and thick consistency.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream to cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth and fluffy for the ideal spreadable frosting.
• Pulse Golden Oreos to leave some larger chunks, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft brownie base.
• Gently press the strawberry shortcake crumble into the frosting to ensure maximum adherence and a beautiful presentation.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store brownies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and prevent soggy crumbs.
• Warm brownies in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, or use a toaster oven for smaller portions. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.

Great Matches for Shortcake Brownies

• Pair with Sweet Sips: Serve these decadent strawberry shortcake brownies alongside a chilled glass of rosé wine or a strawberry-infused moscato to complement the dessert's fruity notes and creamy texture.
• Complementary Cool Companion: Offer a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream on the side, which will balance the rich brownie's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense dessert.
• Flavor-Enhancing Coffee Match: Brew a light, smooth cold brew coffee or a creamy cappuccino to cut through the brownie's richness and highlight the strawberry and vanilla undertones in the dessert.
• Textural Beverage Contrast: Pour a sparkling strawberry lemonade or a light strawberry smoothie that will add a tangy, effervescent element to cleanse the palate between each decadent brownie bite.

Brownie Recipe Twists You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and use gluten-free Oreos for the crumble topping. Perfect for those avoiding gluten while still enjoying a sweet treat.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. Select dairy-free Oreo-style cookies for the crumble topping to create a plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with a monk fruit sweetener in the frosting, and reduce the gelatin amount. This variation works well for people monitoring their sugar intake or following a diabetic-friendly diet.
• Chocolate Lover's Remix: Substitute strawberry cake mix with a chocolate cake mix, use chocolate sandwich cookies for the crumble, and add cocoa powder to the frosting for an intense chocolate experience.

FAQs

• Why use strawberry cake mix in this recipe?

The strawberry cake mix adds intense strawberry flavor and helps create a moist, tender brownie base that’s different from traditional chocolate brownies.

• Can I make this recipe without strawberry gelatin?

While the gelatin enhances the strawberry flavor, you can omit it, but the brownie will have a slightly less pronounced strawberry taste. If skipping, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract.

• What makes the Golden Oreo crumble special?

The Golden Oreo crumble adds a buttery, sweet crunch that complements the soft brownie and creamy frosting, creating a textural contrast in each bite.

• How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?

The brownies are done when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which typically takes about 25 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of fudgy brownies meet classic strawberry shortcake in this irresistible dessert fusion. Rich chocolate base paired with fresh strawberries and creamy whipped topping creates a delightful treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Strawberry Base:

• 1 strawberry cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter, melted

Frosting Components:

• 8-ounce (226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Crumble Topping:

• 20 Golden Oreos (about 1/2 standard package)
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and non-stick spray for easy brownie removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and strawberry gelatin using a rubber spatula until the batter becomes thick and uniform.
3. Evenly distribute the dense batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring smooth coverage across the pan.
4. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the edges set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool completely within the pan.
5. Create the cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and heavy cream to achieve a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
6. Pulse Golden Oreos in a food processor, leaving some larger chunks for texture. Mix with additional strawberry gelatin and melted butter to create a crumbly topping.
7. Once brownies are fully cooled, spread cream cheese frosting evenly across the entire surface, covering every corner.
8. Generously sprinkle the strawberry shortcake crumble over the frosted brownies, gently pressing to ensure adherence.
9. Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife and serve on a decorative platter or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure butter is completely melted and cooled before mixing to prevent scrambling eggs and maintain smooth batter texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for frosting to achieve ultra-creamy, lump-free consistency.
• Avoid overmixing brownie batter to prevent tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Replace strawberry cake mix with gluten-free alternative for celiac-friendly version, maintaining same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg