Strawberry Shortcake Brownies bring a delightful twist to a classic dessert, blending the rich fudginess of brownies with the bright, fruity flavors of strawberry shortcake. The luscious cream cheese frosting layered over the chewy strawberry brownie and topped with sweet crunchiness from Golden Oreos creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. These delectable brownies will make your heart sing!

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

Making these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies is not only easy, but they are also a wonderful treat for gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple afternoon snack at home. Perfectly portable and impressive, they also satisfy that sweet tooth without too much fuss. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for another!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These brownies come together in about 30 minutes, making them a breeze to whip up anytime.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of strawberry and cream cheese is a match made in dessert heaven.
Eye-Catching Appeal: They look gorgeous with their creamy frosting and colorful toppings, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Great for parties, family gatherings, or even as a midday treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap to gluten-free cake mix or dairy-free cream cheese for adaptations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This is the base for the brownies, adding sweetness and strawberry flavor. You can substitute it with yellow cake mix for a vanilla touch.
½ cup salted butter, melted: It adds richness to the batter. Feel free to use unsalted butter for more control over saltiness.
2 large eggs: These give the brownies structure. Choose eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: Enhances the strawberry flavor. You can use raspberry gelatin as an alternative for a different berry twist.
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: This creates a creamy frosting. Make sure to use full-fat for the best taste.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: This adds smoothness to the frosting. As with the other butter, unsalted is also an option.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor depth in the frosting. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting nicely. You can add more or less, depending on your sweetness preference.
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: This helps achieve a creamy consistency in the frosting. Substitute it with milk or a non-dairy alternative if you prefer.
20 golden Oreos: They create a delightful crunch on top of the brownies. Vanilla wafer cookies can work if you need a substitute.
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This is used later for topping the cookie crumbs; it enhances the color and flavor.
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: This is drizzled over the Oreos, helping to bind the crumbs together. Again, you can opt for unsalted.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch glass baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light spray of non-stick cooking spray.

Mix the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 package strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well combined; the batter will be thick and a bit sticky.

Spread the batter: Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the thick batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack.

Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened 8 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, mixing until fluffy and well incorporated.

Frost the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, carefully spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, creating a nice, even layer for the next step.

Prepare the cookie topping: In a food processor, pulse 20 golden Oreos until they turn into fine crumbs with some larger pieces for added texture. Sprinkle the 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin over these crushed cookies, then drizzle with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pulse a few times until everything is mixed together.

Add the cookie crumbles: Gently sprinkle the cookie mixture over the frosted brownies, pressing down lightly to ensure they adhere well. This adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the dessert.

Cut and serve: Finally, once everything is set, cut your brownies into squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Brownies at room temperature for up to 2 days in a sealed container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week in an airtight container. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature; this helps with mixing and gives a smoother frosting.
Keep an eye on the brownies while baking; bake time may vary slightly based on your oven.
For frosting that’s even fluffier, whip it longer after adding the powdered sugar.
Avoid over-crushing the Oreos; you want some texture and crunch in your topping.
If you’re making these in advance, consider adding the cookie topping just before serving to keep it crisp.

Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies promise joy in every bite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors or toppings—it’s all about making this divine dessert your own. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can choose a vanilla or yellow cake mix if you prefer a base flavor switch. The strawberry gelatin will still add plenty of fruity flavor.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, simply swap the regular strawberry cake mix with a certified gluten-free version. The other ingredients remain fine as they are.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cream cheese or whipped coconut cream for a delicious alternative.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost the brownies a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, and add the Oreo topping right before serving for maximum freshness.

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Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine the sweetness of strawberry cake with creamy frosting, making them a delightful homemade treat. Perfect for gatherings or a quick snack, they are simple to prepare and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

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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, the remaining amount
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, spray with non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin until well blended. The batter will be thick.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
Beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they are in small pieces with some larger chunks remaining.
Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs and drizzle with melted butter, then pulse again until combined.
Sprinkle the cookie crumbles over the frosted brownies and gently press them down.
Cut the brownies into squares and serve.

Notes

For an extra strawberry flavor, add fresh strawberries on top before serving.
Ensure the brownies are completely cool before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.